1
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Geng W, Li F, Zhang R, Cao L, Du X, Gu W, Xu M. Hand-foot-genital syndrome due to a duplication variant in the GC-rich region of HOXA13. Eur J Med Genet 2023; 66:104711. [PMID: 36702441 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmg.2023.104711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hand-Foot-Genital Syndrome (HFGS) is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by a broad phenotypic spectrum. Variants in HOXA13 gene were associated with HFGS. To date, only twenty families with HFGS have been reported. However, the challenge in HFGS is the limited sample sizes and phenotypic heterogeneity. The advent of next-generation sequencing has permitted the identification of patients with HOXA13 variants who do not manifest with the full HFGS syndromic features. METHODS Trio (parents-proband) Whole-exome sequence(WES) and whole-genome sequencing(WGS) was carried out in this study to investigate the underlying pathogenic genetic factor of the neonate with a wide variety of clinical abnormalities. RESULTS No possible pathogenetic variation was detected by trio-WES, and a duplication variant in HOXA13 (c.360_377dup, p.Ala128_Ala133dup), inherited from her mother, was identified by the subsequent WGS in the proband with malnutrition, feeding difficulties, electrolyte disorders, metabolic acidosis, recurrent urinary tract infections, hydronephrosis, nephrolithiasis, abnormal ureter morphology, cholelithiasis, uterus didelphys. Sequence analysis of the variant region (exon1) indicated a high GC content of 73.92%. In addition, further enquiry of the family history revealed that 5 members of the family in 4 generations had hand and foot anomalies. CONCLUSION The neonate was diagnosed with HFGS by genetic analysis. GC content had less influence on sequence coverage in WGS than WES analysis. This was the first report of trio-WGS study for HFGS genetic diagnosis, revealed that subsequent WGS was necessary for identification of potentially pathogenic variants in unexplained genetic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjin Geng
- Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Hebei Children's Hospital, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Fuwei Li
- Beijing Chigene Translational Medicine Research Center Co., Ltd, Beijing, China
| | - Ruoxuan Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Lijing Cao
- Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Hebei Children's Hospital, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Xilong Du
- Beijing Chigene Translational Medicine Research Center Co., Ltd, Beijing, China
| | - Weiyue Gu
- Beijing Chigene Translational Medicine Research Center Co., Ltd, Beijing, China
| | - Meixian Xu
- Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Hebei Children's Hospital, Shijiazhuang, China.
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2
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Jaouadi H, Theron A, Norscini G, Avierinos JF, Zaffran S. Genetic and phenotypic continuum of HOXA genes: A case with double HOXA9/HOXA13 mutations. Mol Med Rep 2023; 27:59. [PMID: 36734258 PMCID: PMC9936258 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2023.12946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The HOXA genes cluster plays a key role in embryologic development. Mutations in HOXA genes have been linked to different human phenotypes, including developmental delay, limb anomalies, and urogenital malformations. The present study reported a clinical and genetic investigation of a female patient with polymalformative syndrome including left arm agenesis, bicornuate uterus and bicuspid aortic valve. Using whole exome sequencing, two heterozygous missense variants were identified. Of these, one was a novel variant in the HOXA13 gene [p.(Tyr290Ser)] and the second a heterozygous variant in the HOXA9 gene [p.(Ala102Pro)]. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first association of HOXA9/HOXA13 point mutations linked to a syndromic case. In conclusion, the present study suggested that the phenotypic spectrum of vertebral anomalies, anal atresia, cardiac defects, tracheo‑esophageal fistula, renal anomalies and limb abnormalities/hand‑foot‑genital syndrome may be attributable to the combination of different HOXA variants, particularly in patients with a severe clinical presentation. The current report contributed as well to the molecular understanding of HOXA genes‑related phenotypes via the identification of novel variant and genes associations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hager Jaouadi
- Marseille Medical Genetics, U1251, National Institute of Health and Medical Research (INSERM), School of Medicine, Aix Marseille University, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Alexis Theron
- Marseille Medical Genetics, U1251, National Institute of Health and Medical Research (INSERM), School of Medicine, Aix Marseille University, 13005 Marseille, France,Department of Cardiac Surgery, La Timone Hospital, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Giulia Norscini
- Department of Cardiology, Public Assistance-Hospitals of Marseille, La Timone Hospital, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Jean-François Avierinos
- Marseille Medical Genetics, U1251, National Institute of Health and Medical Research (INSERM), School of Medicine, Aix Marseille University, 13005 Marseille, France,Department of Cardiology, Public Assistance-Hospitals of Marseille, La Timone Hospital, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Stéphane Zaffran
- Marseille Medical Genetics, U1251, National Institute of Health and Medical Research (INSERM), School of Medicine, Aix Marseille University, 13005 Marseille, France,Correspondence to: Dr Stéphane Zaffran, Marseille Medical Genetics, U1251, National Institute of Health and Medical Research (INSERM), School of Medicine, Aix Marseille University, 27 Bd Jean Moulin, 13005 Marseille, France, E-mail:
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3
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Zu B, Wang Z, Xu Y, You G, Fu Q. Nonframeshifting indel variations in polyalanine repeat of
HOXD13
gene underlies hereditary limb malformation for two Chinese families. Dev Dyn 2021; 250:1220-1228. [DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Revised: 01/16/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Bailing Zu
- Pediatric Translational Medicine Institute, Shanghai Children's Medical Center Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine Shanghai China
| | - Zhigang Wang
- Department of Pediatric Orthopedic Shanghai Children's Medical Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine Shanghai China
| | - Yunlan Xu
- Department of Pediatric Orthopedic Shanghai Children's Medical Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine Shanghai China
| | - Guoling You
- Department of Laboratory Medicine Shanghai Children's Medical Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine Shanghai China
| | - Qihua Fu
- Pediatric Translational Medicine Institute, Shanghai Children's Medical Center Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine Shanghai China
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4
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Kalfa N, Gaspari L, Ollivier M, Philibert P, Bergougnoux A, Paris F, Sultan C. Molecular genetics of hypospadias and cryptorchidism recent developments. Clin Genet 2018; 95:122-131. [PMID: 30084162 DOI: 10.1111/cge.13432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2018] [Revised: 07/31/2018] [Accepted: 08/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
During the last decade, a tremendous amount of work has been devoted to the study of the molecular genetics of isolated hypospadias and cryptorchidism, two minor forms of disorders of sex development (DSD). Beyond the genes involved in gonadal determination and sex differentiation, including those underlying androgen biosynthesis and signaling, new genes have been identified through genome-wide association study and familial clustering. Even if no single genetic defect can explain the whole spectrum of DSD, these recent studies reinforce the strong role of the genetic background in the occurrence of these defects. The timing of signaling disruption may explain the different phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Kalfa
- Département de Chirurgie et Urologie Pédiatrique, Hôpital Lapeyronie, CHU de Montpellier et Université Montpellier, Montpellier, France.,National Reference Center of Genital Development CRMR DEV-GEN Constitutif, Institut Universitaire de Recherche Clinique, Departement de Génétique, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Laura Gaspari
- National Reference Center of Genital Development CRMR DEV-GEN Constitutif, Institut Universitaire de Recherche Clinique, Departement de Génétique, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France.,Unité d'Endocrinologie et Gynécologie Pédiatriques, Service de Pédiatrie, CHU de Montpellier, Hôpital Arnaud de Villeneuve et Université Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Margot Ollivier
- Département de Chirurgie et Urologie Pédiatrique, Hôpital Lapeyronie, CHU de Montpellier et Université Montpellier, Montpellier, France.,National Reference Center of Genital Development CRMR DEV-GEN Constitutif, Institut Universitaire de Recherche Clinique, Departement de Génétique, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Pascal Philibert
- National Reference Center of Genital Development CRMR DEV-GEN Constitutif, Institut Universitaire de Recherche Clinique, Departement de Génétique, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France.,Unité d'Endocrinologie et Gynécologie Pédiatriques, Service de Pédiatrie, CHU de Montpellier, Hôpital Arnaud de Villeneuve et Université Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Anne Bergougnoux
- National Reference Center of Genital Development CRMR DEV-GEN Constitutif, Institut Universitaire de Recherche Clinique, Departement de Génétique, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Francoise Paris
- National Reference Center of Genital Development CRMR DEV-GEN Constitutif, Institut Universitaire de Recherche Clinique, Departement de Génétique, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France.,Unité d'Endocrinologie et Gynécologie Pédiatriques, Service de Pédiatrie, CHU de Montpellier, Hôpital Arnaud de Villeneuve et Université Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Charles Sultan
- National Reference Center of Genital Development CRMR DEV-GEN Constitutif, Institut Universitaire de Recherche Clinique, Departement de Génétique, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France.,Unité d'Endocrinologie et Gynécologie Pédiatriques, Service de Pédiatrie, CHU de Montpellier, Hôpital Arnaud de Villeneuve et Université Montpellier, Montpellier, France
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5
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Piazza MJ, Urbanetz AA. Hand-foot-genital syndrome - analysis of two cases. JBRA Assist Reprod 2018; 22:157-159. [PMID: 29638102 PMCID: PMC5982563 DOI: 10.5935/1518-0557.20180025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Hand-food-genital syndrome (HFGS) is a rare genetic condition. This report
describes the cases of two patients, aged 33 and 15, presenting related somatic
abnormalities. HFGS stems from an autosomal anomaly linked to the HOXA 13 gene.
Therapeutic procedures are discussed in order to identify the best treatment
approach to the patients, as well as possible conditioning genetic
anomalies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mauri J Piazza
- Tocogynecology Department of the Federal University of Paraná - UFPR. Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | - Almir A Urbanetz
- Tocogynecology Department of the Federal University of Paraná - UFPR. Curitiba, PR, Brazil
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6
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Xing JS, Bai ZM. Is testicular dysgenesis syndrome a genetic, endocrine, or environmental disease, or an unexplained reproductive disorder? Life Sci 2018; 194:120-129. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2017.11.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2017] [Revised: 11/14/2017] [Accepted: 11/24/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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7
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Roly ZY, Backhouse B, Cutting A, Tan TY, Sinclair AH, Ayers KL, Major AT, Smith CA. The cell biology and molecular genetics of Müllerian duct development. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY 2018; 7:e310. [DOI: 10.1002/wdev.310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2017] [Revised: 11/06/2017] [Accepted: 11/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Zahida Yesmin Roly
- Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Department of Anatomy and Development BiologyMonash UniversityClaytonVictoriaAustralia
| | - Brendan Backhouse
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute and Department of PaediatricsUniversity of Melbourne, Royal Children's HospitalMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
| | - Andrew Cutting
- Biology Laboratory, Faculty of ScienceThe University of MelbourneMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
| | - Tiong Yang Tan
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute and Department of PaediatricsUniversity of Melbourne, Royal Children's HospitalMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
| | - Andrew H. Sinclair
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute and Department of PaediatricsUniversity of Melbourne, Royal Children's HospitalMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
| | - Katie L. Ayers
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute and Department of PaediatricsUniversity of Melbourne, Royal Children's HospitalMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
| | - Andrew T. Major
- Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Department of Anatomy and Development BiologyMonash UniversityClaytonVictoriaAustralia
| | - Craig A. Smith
- Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Department of Anatomy and Development BiologyMonash UniversityClaytonVictoriaAustralia
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8
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Yokoyama E, Smith-Pellegrin DL, Sánchez S, Molina B, Rodríguez A, Juárez R, Lieberman E, Avila S, Castrillo JL, Del Castillo V, Frías S. 7p15 deletion as the cause of hand-foot-genital syndrome: a case report, literature review and proposal of a minimum region for this phenotype. Mol Cytogenet 2017; 10:42. [PMID: 29177010 PMCID: PMC5688765 DOI: 10.1186/s13039-017-0345-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2017] [Accepted: 11/07/2017] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Hand-foot-genital syndrome (HFGS) is a rare condition characterized by congenital malformations in the limbs and genitourinary tract. Generally, this syndrome occurs due to point mutations that cause loss of function of the HOXA13 gene, which is located on 7p15; however, there are some patients with HFGS caused by interstitial deletions in this region. Case presentation We describe a pediatric Mexican patient who came to the Medical Genetics Department at the National Institute of Pediatrics because he presented with genital, hand and feet anomalies, facial dysmorphisms, and learning difficulties. Array CGH reported a 12.7 Mb deletion that includes HOXA13. Conclusions We compared our patient with cases of HFGS reported in the literature caused by a microdeletion; we found a minimum shared region in 7p15.2. By analyzing the phenotype in these patients, we suggest that microdeletions in this region should be investigated in all patients with clinical characteristics of HFGS who also present with dysplastic ears, mainly low-set implantation with a prominent antihelix, as well as a low nasal bridge and long philtrum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emiy Yokoyama
- Departamento de Genética Humana, Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, Insurgentes Sur 3700-C, Colonia Insurgentes Cuicuilco, Coyoacán, Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico
| | - Dennise Lesley Smith-Pellegrin
- Departamento de Genética Humana, Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, Insurgentes Sur 3700-C, Colonia Insurgentes Cuicuilco, Coyoacán, Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico
| | - Silvia Sánchez
- Laboratorio de Citogenética, Departamento de Investigación en Genética Humana. Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, Avenida IMAN no. 1, Torre de Investigación, Colonia Insurgentes Cuicuilco, Coyoacán, Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico
| | - Bertha Molina
- Laboratorio de Citogenética, Departamento de Investigación en Genética Humana. Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, Avenida IMAN no. 1, Torre de Investigación, Colonia Insurgentes Cuicuilco, Coyoacán, Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico
| | - Alfredo Rodríguez
- Laboratorio de Citogenética, Departamento de Investigación en Genética Humana. Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, Avenida IMAN no. 1, Torre de Investigación, Colonia Insurgentes Cuicuilco, Coyoacán, Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico
| | - Rocío Juárez
- Laboratorio de Genética y Cáncer. Departamento de Genética Humana, Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, Avenida IMAN no. 1, Torre de Investigación, Colonia Insurgentes Cuicuilco, Coyoacán, México D.F, Mexico
| | - Esther Lieberman
- Departamento de Genética Humana, Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, Insurgentes Sur 3700-C, Colonia Insurgentes Cuicuilco, Coyoacán, Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico
| | | | | | - Victoria Del Castillo
- Departamento de Genética Humana, Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, Insurgentes Sur 3700-C, Colonia Insurgentes Cuicuilco, Coyoacán, Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico
| | - Sara Frías
- Laboratorio de Citogenética, Departamento de Investigación en Genética Humana. Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, Avenida IMAN no. 1, Torre de Investigación, Colonia Insurgentes Cuicuilco, Coyoacán, Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico.,Departamento de Medicina Genómica y Toxicología Ambiental. Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, UNAM, Avenida IMAN no. 1, Torre de Investigación, Colonia Insurgentes Cuicuilco, Coyoacán. Ciudad de México, CDMX., México D.F, Mexico
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9
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Abstract
Hand-foot-genital syndrome (HFGS) is a rare autosomal dominant inherited syndrome characterized by limb malformations and urogenital defects. HFGS is caused by mutations in the HOXA13 gene. The aim of this study was to identify causative mutations in individuals and to explore the molecular pathogenesis in a Chinese family with HFGS. We performed Sanger sequencing and identified a recurrent missense mutation in the homeodomain (c.1123G>T, p.V375F) of HOXA13, molecular modelling predicted the mutation would affect DNA binding, and a luciferase reporter assay indicated that it impaired the ability of HOXA13 to activate transcription of the human EPHA7 promoter. This is the first report of the molecular basis for HFGS caused by missense mutations of HOXA13.
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10
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HoxA Genes and the Fin-to-Limb Transition in Vertebrates. J Dev Biol 2016; 4:jdb4010010. [PMID: 29615578 PMCID: PMC5831813 DOI: 10.3390/jdb4010010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2015] [Revised: 01/27/2016] [Accepted: 02/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
HoxA genes encode for important DNA-binding transcription factors that act during limb development, regulating primarily gene expression and, consequently, morphogenesis and skeletal differentiation. Within these genes, HoxA11 and HoxA13 were proposed to have played an essential role in the enigmatic evolutionary transition from fish fins to tetrapod limbs. Indeed, comparative gene expression analyses led to the suggestion that changes in their regulation might have been essential for the diversification of vertebrates' appendages. In this review, we highlight three potential modifications in the regulation and function of these genes that may have boosted appendage evolution: (1) the expansion of polyalanine repeats in the HoxA11 and HoxA13 proteins; (2) the origin of +a novel long-non-coding RNA with a possible inhibitory function on HoxA11; and (3) the acquisition of cis-regulatory elements modulating 5' HoxA transcription. We discuss the relevance of these mechanisms for appendage diversification reviewing the current state of the art and performing additional comparative analyses to characterize, in a phylogenetic framework, HoxA11 and HoxA13 expression, alanine composition within the encoded proteins, long-non-coding RNAs and cis-regulatory elements.
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11
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Skakkebaek NE, Rajpert-De Meyts E, Buck Louis GM, Toppari J, Andersson AM, Eisenberg ML, Jensen TK, Jørgensen N, Swan SH, Sapra KJ, Ziebe S, Priskorn L, Juul A. Male Reproductive Disorders and Fertility Trends: Influences of Environment and Genetic Susceptibility. Physiol Rev 2016; 96:55-97. [PMID: 26582516 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00017.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 598] [Impact Index Per Article: 74.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
It is predicted that Japan and European Union will soon experience appreciable decreases in their populations due to persistently low total fertility rates (TFR) below replacement level (2.1 child per woman). In the United States, where TFR has also declined, there are ethnic differences. Caucasians have rates below replacement, while TFRs among African-Americans and Hispanics are higher. We review possible links between TFR and trends in a range of male reproductive problems, including testicular cancer, disorders of sex development, cryptorchidism, hypospadias, low testosterone levels, poor semen quality, childlessness, changed sex ratio, and increasing demand for assisted reproductive techniques. We present evidence that several adult male reproductive problems arise in utero and are signs of testicular dysgenesis syndrome (TDS). Although TDS might result from genetic mutations, recent evidence suggests that it most often is related to environmental exposures of the fetal testis. However, environmental factors can also affect the adult endocrine system. Based on our review of genetic and environmental factors, we conclude that environmental exposures arising from modern lifestyle, rather than genetics, are the most important factors in the observed trends. These environmental factors might act either directly or via epigenetic mechanisms. In the latter case, the effects of exposures might have an impact for several generations post-exposure. In conclusion, there is an urgent need to prioritize research in reproductive physiology and pathophysiology, particularly in highly industrialized countries facing decreasing populations. We highlight a number of topics that need attention by researchers in human physiology, pathophysiology, environmental health sciences, and demography.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niels E Skakkebaek
- Department of Growth & Reproduction and EDMaRC, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Division of Epidemiology, Statistics and Prevention Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland; Department of Physiology & Pediatrics, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland; Male Reproductive Medicine & Surgery Program, Stanford University, Stanford, California; Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York; and The Fertility Clinic, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ewa Rajpert-De Meyts
- Department of Growth & Reproduction and EDMaRC, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Division of Epidemiology, Statistics and Prevention Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland; Department of Physiology & Pediatrics, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland; Male Reproductive Medicine & Surgery Program, Stanford University, Stanford, California; Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York; and The Fertility Clinic, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Germaine M Buck Louis
- Department of Growth & Reproduction and EDMaRC, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Division of Epidemiology, Statistics and Prevention Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland; Department of Physiology & Pediatrics, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland; Male Reproductive Medicine & Surgery Program, Stanford University, Stanford, California; Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York; and The Fertility Clinic, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jorma Toppari
- Department of Growth & Reproduction and EDMaRC, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Division of Epidemiology, Statistics and Prevention Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland; Department of Physiology & Pediatrics, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland; Male Reproductive Medicine & Surgery Program, Stanford University, Stanford, California; Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York; and The Fertility Clinic, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anna-Maria Andersson
- Department of Growth & Reproduction and EDMaRC, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Division of Epidemiology, Statistics and Prevention Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland; Department of Physiology & Pediatrics, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland; Male Reproductive Medicine & Surgery Program, Stanford University, Stanford, California; Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York; and The Fertility Clinic, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Michael L Eisenberg
- Department of Growth & Reproduction and EDMaRC, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Division of Epidemiology, Statistics and Prevention Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland; Department of Physiology & Pediatrics, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland; Male Reproductive Medicine & Surgery Program, Stanford University, Stanford, California; Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York; and The Fertility Clinic, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Tina Kold Jensen
- Department of Growth & Reproduction and EDMaRC, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Division of Epidemiology, Statistics and Prevention Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland; Department of Physiology & Pediatrics, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland; Male Reproductive Medicine & Surgery Program, Stanford University, Stanford, California; Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York; and The Fertility Clinic, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Niels Jørgensen
- Department of Growth & Reproduction and EDMaRC, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Division of Epidemiology, Statistics and Prevention Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland; Department of Physiology & Pediatrics, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland; Male Reproductive Medicine & Surgery Program, Stanford University, Stanford, California; Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York; and The Fertility Clinic, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Shanna H Swan
- Department of Growth & Reproduction and EDMaRC, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Division of Epidemiology, Statistics and Prevention Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland; Department of Physiology & Pediatrics, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland; Male Reproductive Medicine & Surgery Program, Stanford University, Stanford, California; Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York; and The Fertility Clinic, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Katherine J Sapra
- Department of Growth & Reproduction and EDMaRC, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Division of Epidemiology, Statistics and Prevention Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland; Department of Physiology & Pediatrics, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland; Male Reproductive Medicine & Surgery Program, Stanford University, Stanford, California; Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York; and The Fertility Clinic, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Søren Ziebe
- Department of Growth & Reproduction and EDMaRC, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Division of Epidemiology, Statistics and Prevention Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland; Department of Physiology & Pediatrics, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland; Male Reproductive Medicine & Surgery Program, Stanford University, Stanford, California; Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York; and The Fertility Clinic, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lærke Priskorn
- Department of Growth & Reproduction and EDMaRC, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Division of Epidemiology, Statistics and Prevention Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland; Department of Physiology & Pediatrics, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland; Male Reproductive Medicine & Surgery Program, Stanford University, Stanford, California; Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York; and The Fertility Clinic, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anders Juul
- Department of Growth & Reproduction and EDMaRC, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Division of Epidemiology, Statistics and Prevention Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland; Department of Physiology & Pediatrics, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland; Male Reproductive Medicine & Surgery Program, Stanford University, Stanford, California; Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York; and The Fertility Clinic, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
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12
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Wallis M, Tsurusaki Y, Burgess T, Borzi P, Matsumoto N, Miyake N, True D, Patel C. Dual genetic diagnoses: Atypical hand-foot-genital syndrome and developmental delay due to de novo mutations in HOXA13 and NRXN1. Am J Med Genet A 2015; 170:717-24. [PMID: 26590955 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.37478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2015] [Accepted: 10/27/2015] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
We describe a male patient with dual genetic diagnoses of atypical hand-foot-genital syndrome (HFGS) and developmental delay. The proband had features of HFGS that included bilateral vesicoureteric junction obstruction with ectopic ureters, brachydactyly of various fingers and toes, hypoplastic thenar eminences, and absent nails on both 4th toes and right 5th toe. The atypical features of HFGS present were bilateral hallux valgus malformations and bilateral preaxial polydactyly of the hands. Chromosomal microarray analysis identified a de novo 0.5 Mb deletion at 2p16.3, including the first four exons of the NRXN1 gene. Whole exome sequencing and subsequent Sanger sequencing identified a de novo missense mutation (c.1123G>T, p.Val375Phe) in exon 2 of the HOXA13 gene, predicted to be damaging and located in the homeobox domain. The intragenic NRXN1 deletion is thought to explain his developmental delay via a separate genetic mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathew Wallis
- Genetic Health Queensland, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Yoshinori Tsurusaki
- Department of Human Genetics, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Trent Burgess
- Victorian Clinical Genetics Service, MCRI, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics, Royal Children's Hospital, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Peter Borzi
- Department of Paediatric Surgery and Urology, Lady Cilento Children's Hospital, South Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Naomichi Matsumoto
- Department of Human Genetics, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Noriko Miyake
- Department of Human Genetics, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Deanna True
- Department of General Paediatrics, Lady Cilento Children's Hospital, South Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Chirag Patel
- Genetic Health Queensland, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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13
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Abstract
The Hox genes are an evolutionarily conserved family of genes, which encode a class of important transcription factors that function in numerous developmental processes. Following their initial discovery, a substantial amount of information has been gained regarding the roles Hox genes play in various physiologic and pathologic processes. These processes range from a central role in anterior-posterior patterning of the developing embryo to roles in oncogenesis that are yet to be fully elucidated. In vertebrates there are a total of 39 Hox genes divided into 4 separate clusters. Of these, mutations in 10 Hox genes have been found to cause human disorders with significant variation in their inheritance patterns, penetrance, expressivity and mechanism of pathogenesis. This review aims to describe the various phenotypes caused by germline mutation in these 10 Hox genes that cause a human phenotype, with specific emphasis paid to the genotypic and phenotypic differences between allelic disorders. As clinical whole exome and genome sequencing is increasingly utilized in the future, we predict that additional Hox gene mutations will likely be identified to cause distinct human phenotypes. As the known human phenotypes closely resemble gene-specific murine models, we also review the homozygous loss-of-function mouse phenotypes for the 29 Hox genes without a known human disease. This review will aid clinicians in identifying and caring for patients affected with a known Hox gene disorder and help recognize the potential for novel mutations in patients with phenotypes informed by mouse knockout studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shane C Quinonez
- University of Michigan, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Genetics, 1500 East Medical Center Drive, D5240 MPB/Box 5718, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-5718, USA.
| | - Jeffrey W Innis
- University of Michigan, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Genetics, 1500 East Medical Center Drive, D5240 MPB/Box 5718, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-5718, USA; University of Michigan, Department of Human Genetics, 1241 E. Catherine, 4909 Buhl Building, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-5618, USA.
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14
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Fryssira H, Makrythanasis P, Kattamis A, Stokidis K, Menten B, Kosaki K, Willems P, Kanavakis E. Severe Developmental Delay in a Patient with 7p21.1-p14.3 Microdeletion Spanning the TWIST Gene and the HOXA Gene Cluster. Mol Syndromol 2011; 2:45-49. [PMID: 22570644 DOI: 10.1159/000334313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/27/2011] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
We describe a patient with a rare interstitial deletion of chromosome 7p21.1-p14.3 detected by array-CGH. The deletion encompassed 74 genes and caused haploinsufficiency (or loss of allele) of 6 genes known to be implicated in different autosomal dominant genetic disorders: TWIST, DFNA5, CYCS, HOXA11, HOXA13, and GARS. The patient had several morphological abnormalities similar to Saethre-Chotzen syndrome (caused by TWIST mutations) including craniosynostosis of the coronal suture and anomalies similar to those seen in hand-foot-uterus syndrome (caused by HOXA13 mutations) including hypospadias. The combined phenotype of Saethre-Chotzen syndrome and hand-foot-uterus syndrome of our patient closely resembles a previously reported case with a cytogenetically visible small deletion spanning 7p21-p14.3. We therefore conclude that microdeletions of 7p spanning the TWIST gene and HOXA gene cluster lead to a clinically recognizable 'haploinsufficiency syndrome'.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Fryssira
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Athens Medical School, Choremio Research Laboratory, 'Aghia Sophia' Children's Hospital, Athens, Greece
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15
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Kalfa N, Philibert P, Baskin LS, Sultan C. Hypospadias: interactions between environment and genetics. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2011; 335:89-95. [PMID: 21256920 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2011.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2010] [Revised: 01/03/2011] [Accepted: 01/07/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Hypospadias is one of the most common congenital malformations. It is considered to be a mild form of the 46,XY disorders of sex development (DSD), but its precise etiology remains to be elucidated. Compromised androgen synthesis or effects can cause this frequent malformation, although the mutational analyses of the genes involved in androgen actions have identified abnormalities in only a very small portion of patients. The overwhelming majority of cases remain unexplained and hypospadias may be a highly heterogeneous condition subject to multiple genetic and environmental factors. We here review the recent advances in this field and discuss the potential interactions between the environment and genetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Kalfa
- Service d'Hormonologie, Hôpital Lapeyronie, CHU de Montpellier et UM1, Montpellier, France
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16
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Toppari J, Virtanen HE, Main KM, Skakkebaek NE. Cryptorchidism and hypospadias as a sign of testicular dysgenesis syndrome (TDS): environmental connection. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011; 88:910-9. [PMID: 20865786 DOI: 10.1002/bdra.20707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 159] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Cryptorchidism and hypospadias are common genital birth defects that affect 2-9% and 0.2-1% of male newborns, respectively. The incidence of both defects shows large geographic variation, and in several countries increasing trends have been reported. The conditions share many risk factors, and they are also interlinked to the risk of testis cancer and poor semen quality. Testicular Dysgenesis Syndrome (TDS) may underlie many cases of all these male reproductive health problems. Genetic defects in androgen production or action can cause both cryptorchidism and hypospadias, but these are not common. A monogenic reason for cryptorchidism or hypospadias has been identified only in a small proportion of all cases. Environmental effects appear to play a major role in TDS. Exposure to several persistent chemicals has been found to be associated with the risk of cryptorchidism, and exposure to anti-androgenic phthalates has been shown to be associated with hormonal changes predisposing to male reproductive problems. Despite progress in identification of endocrine-disrupting substances, we are still far from knowing all the risk factors for these birth defects, and advice for prevention must be based on precautionary principles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorma Toppari
- Departments of Physiology and Pediatrics, University of Turku, Kiinamyllynkatu 10, Turku, Finland.
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17
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Human balanced translocation and mouse gene inactivation implicate Basonuclin 2 in distal urethral development. Eur J Hum Genet 2011; 19:540-6. [PMID: 21368915 DOI: 10.1038/ejhg.2010.245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
We studied a man with distal hypospadias, partial anomalous pulmonary venous return, mild limb-length inequality and a balanced translocation involving chromosomes 9 and 13. To gain insight into the etiology of his birth defects, we mapped the translocation breakpoints by high-resolution comparative genomic hybridization (CGH), using chromosome 9- and 13-specific tiling arrays to analyze genetic material from a spontaneously aborted fetus with unbalanced segregation of the translocation. The chromosome 13 breakpoint was ∼400 kb away from the nearest gene, but the chromosome 9 breakpoint fell within an intron of Basonuclin 2 (BNC2), a gene that encodes an evolutionarily conserved nuclear zinc-finger protein. The BNC2/Bnc2 gene is abundantly expressed in developing mouse and human periurethral tissues. In all, 6 of 48 unrelated subjects with distal hypospadias had nine novel nonsynonymous substitutions in BNC2, five of which were computationally predicted to be deleterious. In comparison, two of 23 controls with normal penile urethra morphology, each had a novel nonsynonymous substitution in BNC2, one of which was predicted to be deleterious. Bnc2(-/-) mice of both sexes displayed a high frequency of distal urethral defects; heterozygotes showed similar defects with reduced penetrance. The association of BNC2 disruption with distal urethral defects and the gene's expression pattern indicate that it functions in urethral development.
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19
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE Homeobox genes are transcriptional regulators that orchestrate embryonic development. The HOXA13 gene is responsible for the development of the vagina and regulates extracellular matrix constituents. We hypothesized that vaginal expression of HOXA13 may be decreased in women with pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and sought to determine if hypoestrogenism affects its expression. METHODS Biopsy specimens were obtained from the anterior apex of the vagina from women with and without POP. Immunohistochemistry and real-time polymerase chain reaction were used to determine HOXA13 expression in premenopausal controls, in premenopausal women receiving leuprolide acetate, and in premenopausal and postmenopausal women with POP. RESULTS HOXA13 was expressed in all specimens. HOXA13 expression was 14-fold lower in premenopausal women with prolapse than in premenopausal controls (P < 0.001). In both POP groups, HOXA13 expression was lower than in the leuprolide group (P <or= 0.001). There were no differences in HOXA13 expression between premenopausal controls and women treated with leuprolide acetate (P = 1.0) or between the premenopausal and postmenopausal POP group (P = 1.0). CONCLUSIONS Vaginal HOXA13 expression is diminished in women with POP compared with women with normal support. In women with POP, expression of HOXA13 was not affected by menopause. Expression of HOXA13 was also not affected by exposure to leuprolide acetate, suggesting that estrogen and HOXA13 work through separate pathways in the extracellular matrix metabolism of the vagina. Understanding genetic predispositions to developing POP may identify younger patients at risk who may benefit from preventive strategies such as weight loss or smoking cessation and not necessarily from estrogen therapy.
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20
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Jorgensen EM, Ruman JI, Doherty L, Taylor HS. A novel mutation of HOXA13 in a family with hand-foot-genital syndrome and the role of polyalanine expansions in the spectrum of Müllerian fusion anomalies. Fertil Steril 2009; 94:1235-1238. [PMID: 19591980 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2009.05.057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2009] [Revised: 05/26/2009] [Accepted: 05/27/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To report a novel mutation found in a family with hand-foot-genital syndrome (HFGS). To characterize the genetic basis of true HFGS versus presence of non-HFGS-related uterovaginal septa. DESIGN Case-control study. SETTING Academic medical center. PATIENT(S) The HFGS patients and family members; women with uterine or uterovaginal septa without other sequelae of HFGS. INTERVENTION(S) Sequence analysis of HOXA13 in members of a family with HFGS (3 affected, 1 unaffected); sequence analysis of HOXA13 in biopsy samples obtained from 17 non-HFGS patients with idiopathic uterine or uterovaginal septa and in 11 normal controls. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Presence or absence of mutations of HOXA13. RESULT(S) Affected members of a family with HFGS showed a novel expansion of the third polyalanine tract of HOXA13, inserting 10 alanines in-frame. None of the patients with idiopathic uterovaginal septa displayed mutations of HOXA13. CONCLUSION(S) The cause of uterovaginal septa without hand and foot symptoms differs from true HFGS. When patients present with septa, it is not necessary to subject them to roentgenograms of the distal limbs or to sequence analysis of HOXA13 unless they show clear signs of the other sequelae characteristic of true HFGS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa M Jorgensen
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Jane I Ruman
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Science, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Leo Doherty
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Hugh S Taylor
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut.
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21
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Messaed C, Rouleau G. Molecular mechanisms underlying polyalanine diseases. Neurobiol Dis 2009; 34:397-405. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2009.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2008] [Revised: 02/12/2009] [Accepted: 02/16/2009] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
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Kalfa N, Philibert P, Sultan C. Is hypospadias a genetic, endocrine or environmental disease, or still an unexplained malformation? ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2008; 32:187-97. [PMID: 18637150 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2605.2008.00899.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Hypospadias is one of the most frequent genital malformations in the male newborn and results from an abnormal penile and urethral development. This process requires a correct genetic programme, time- and space-adapted cellular differentiation, complex tissue interactions, and hormonal mediation through enzymatic activities and hormonal transduction signals. Any disturbance in these regulations may induce a defect in the virilization of the external genitalia and hypospadias. This malformation thus appears to be at the crossroads of various mechanisms implicating genetic and environmental factors. The genes of penile development (HOX, FGF, Shh) and testicular determination (WT1, SRY) and those regulating the synthesis [luteinizing hormone (LH) receptor] and action of androgen (5alpha reductase, androgen receptor) can cause hypospadias if altered. Several chromosomal abnormalities and malformative syndromes include hypospadias, from anterior to penoscrotal forms. More recently, CXorf6 and ATF3 have been reported to be involved. Besides these genomic and hormonal factors, multiple substances found in the environment can also potentially interfere with male genital development because of their similarity to hormones. The proportion of hypospadias cases for which an aetiology is detected varies with the authors but it nevertheless remains low, especially for less severe cases. An interaction between genetic background and environment is likely.
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23
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Kappen C, Neubüser A, Balling R, Finnell R. Molecular basis for skeletal variation: insights from developmental genetic studies in mice. BIRTH DEFECTS RESEARCH. PART B, DEVELOPMENTAL AND REPRODUCTIVE TOXICOLOGY 2007; 80:425-50. [PMID: 18157899 PMCID: PMC3938168 DOI: 10.1002/bdrb.20136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Skeletal variations are common in humans, and potentially are caused by genetic as well as environmental factors. We here review molecular principles in skeletal development to develop a knowledge base of possible alterations that could explain variations in skeletal element number, shape or size. Environmental agents that induce variations, such as teratogens, likely interact with the molecular pathways that regulate skeletal development.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Kappen
- Center for Human Molecular Genetics, Munroe-Meyer Institute, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA.
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24
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Innis JW, Mortlock D, Chen Z, Ludwig M, Williams ME, Williams TM, Doyle CD, Shao Z, Glynn M, Mikulic D, Lehmann K, Mundlos S, Utsch B. Polyalanine expansion in HOXA13: three new affected families and the molecular consequences in a mouse model. Hum Mol Genet 2004; 13:2841-51. [PMID: 15385446 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddh306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Polyalanine expansions in two of three large imperfect trinucleotide repeats encoded by the first exon of HOXA13 have been reported in hand-foot-genital syndrome (HFGS). Here we report additional families with expansions in the third repeat of 11 and 12 alanine residues, the latter being the largest expansion reported. We also report a patient with a novel, de novo 8-alanine expansion in the first large repeat. Thus, expansions in all three large HOXA13 polyalanine repeats can cause HFGS. To determine the molecular basis for impaired HOXA13 function, we performed homologous recombination in ES cells in mice to expand the size of the third largest polyalanine tract by 10 residues (HOXA13(ALA28)). Mutant mice were indistinguishable from Hoxa13 null mice. Mutant limb buds had normal steady-state Hoxa13 RNA expression, normal mRNA splicing and reduced levels of steady-state protein. In vitro translation efficiency of the HOXA13(ALA28) protein was normal. Thus, loss of function is secondary to a reduction in the in vivo abundance of the expanded protein likely due to degradation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey W Innis
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
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25
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Dunø M, Hove H, Kirchhoff M, Devriendt K, Schwartz M. Mapping genomic deletions down to the base: a quantitative copy number scanning approach used to characterise and clone the breakpoints of a recurrent 7p14.2p15.3 deletion. Hum Genet 2004; 115:459-67. [PMID: 15378350 DOI: 10.1007/s00439-004-1174-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2004] [Accepted: 06/29/2004] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
With the recent advances in genomic research, it has become apparent that a substantial part of human malformation and mental retardation is caused by imbalances in genomic content. Thus, there is an increasing need for versatile methods allowing a detailed mapping and cloning of the actual rearrangements. We have combined the flexibility of real-time quantitative PCR with the knowledge of human genome sequence to perform a copy number scanning in three patients known to harbour a deletion in the 7p14p15 locus. In two of the patients the actual breakpoints were cloned and sequenced, whereas the breakpoint of the third patient was mapped to a region previously predicted to be prone for rearrangements. One patient also harboured an inversion in connection with the deletion that disrupted the HDAC9 gene. All three patients showed clinical characteristics reminiscent of the hand-foot-genital syndrome and were deleted for the entire HOXA cluster. Two patients were also deleted for DFNA5, a gene implicated in dominant nonsyndromic hearing impairment, but neither patient showed signs of reduced hearing capabilities. The described copy number scanning approach is largely independent of the genomic locus and may be a valuable tool for characterising a large spectrum of deletions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morten Dunø
- Department of Clinical Genetics, University Hospital Copenhagen, 4062, Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark.
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