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Jiang W, Yu J, Mao Y, Tang Y, Cao L, Du Q, Li J, Yang J. Identification and functional analysis of a rare variant of gene DHX37 in a patient with 46,XY disorders of sex development. Mol Genet Genomic Med 2024; 12:e2453. [PMID: 38769888 PMCID: PMC11106588 DOI: 10.1002/mgg3.2453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 04/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND 46,XY sex reversal 11 (SRXY11) [OMIM#273250] is characterized by genital ambiguity that may range from mild male genital defects to gonadal sex reversal in severe cases. DHX37 is an RNA helicase that has recently been reported as a cause of SRXY11. So far, a total of 21 variants in DHX37 have been reported in 58 cases with 46,XY disorders of sex development (DSD). METHODS Whole exome sequencing (WES) was conducted to screen for variations in patients with 46,XY DSD. The subcellular localization of mutant DHX37 proteins was detected by immunofluorescence. And the levels of mutant DHX37 proteins were detected via Western blotting. RESULTS A novel pathogenic variant of DHX37 was identified in a patient with 46,XY DSD c.2012G > C (p.Arg671Thr). Bioinformatics analysis showed that the protein function of the variant was impaired. Compared with the structure of the wild-type DHX37 protein, the number of hydrogen bonds and interacting amino acids of the variant protein were changed to varying degrees. In vitro assays revealed that the variant had no significant effect on the intracellular localization of the protein but significantly reduced the expression level of the protein. CONCLUSIONS Our finding further expands the spectrum of the DHX37 variant and could assist in the molecular diagnosis of 46,XY DSD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Jiang
- Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study, Centre for Medical Genetics, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences, Sichuan Provincial People's HospitalUniversity of Electronic Science and Technology of ChinaChengduChina
- Research Unit for Blindness Prevention of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU026), Sichuan Academy of Medical SciencesChengduChina
| | - Jing Yu
- Meishan Women and Children's HospitalAlliance Hospital of West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan UniversityMeishanChina
| | - Yu Mao
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Sichuan Provincial People's HospitalUniversity of Electronic Science and Technology of ChinaChengduChina
| | - Yunman Tang
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Sichuan Provincial People's HospitalUniversity of Electronic Science and Technology of ChinaChengduChina
| | - Li Cao
- Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study, Centre for Medical Genetics, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences, Sichuan Provincial People's HospitalUniversity of Electronic Science and Technology of ChinaChengduChina
- Research Unit for Blindness Prevention of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU026), Sichuan Academy of Medical SciencesChengduChina
| | - Qin Du
- Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study, Centre for Medical Genetics, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences, Sichuan Provincial People's HospitalUniversity of Electronic Science and Technology of ChinaChengduChina
- Research Unit for Blindness Prevention of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU026), Sichuan Academy of Medical SciencesChengduChina
| | - Jianan Li
- Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study, Centre for Medical Genetics, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences, Sichuan Provincial People's HospitalUniversity of Electronic Science and Technology of ChinaChengduChina
- Research Unit for Blindness Prevention of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU026), Sichuan Academy of Medical SciencesChengduChina
| | - Jiyun Yang
- Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study, Centre for Medical Genetics, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences, Sichuan Provincial People's HospitalUniversity of Electronic Science and Technology of ChinaChengduChina
- Research Unit for Blindness Prevention of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU026), Sichuan Academy of Medical SciencesChengduChina
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Migale R, Neumann M, Mitter R, Rafiee MR, Wood S, Olsen J, Lovell-Badge R. FOXL2 interaction with different binding partners regulates the dynamics of ovarian development. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadl0788. [PMID: 38517962 PMCID: PMC10959415 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adl0788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/24/2024]
Abstract
The transcription factor FOXL2 is required in ovarian somatic cells for female fertility. Differential timing of Foxl2 deletion, in embryonic versus adult mouse ovary, leads to distinctive outcomes, suggesting different roles across development. Here, we comprehensively investigated FOXL2's role through a multi-omics approach to characterize gene expression dynamics and chromatin accessibility changes, coupled with genome-wide identification of FOXL2 targets and on-chromatin interacting partners in somatic cells across ovarian development. We found that FOXL2 regulates more targets postnatally, through interaction with factors regulating primordial follicle formation and steroidogenesis. Deletion of one interactor, ubiquitin-specific protease 7 (Usp7), results in impairment of somatic cell differentiation, germ cell nest breakdown, and ovarian development, leading to sterility. Our datasets constitute a comprehensive resource for exploration of the molecular mechanisms of ovarian development and causes of female infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Migale
- Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology and Developmental Genetics, The Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Michelle Neumann
- Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology and Developmental Genetics, The Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Richard Mitter
- Bioinformatics core, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Mahmoud-Reza Rafiee
- RNA Networks Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Sophie Wood
- Genetic Modification Service, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Jessica Olsen
- Genetic Modification Service, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Robin Lovell-Badge
- Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology and Developmental Genetics, The Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, UK
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Yang H, Ma X, Tian H, Yuan J, Wu D, Dong G, Liu Q, Fu J. Two Novel Heterozygous Variants in RecA2 Domain of DHX37 Cause 46,XY Gonadal Dysgenesis and Testicular Regression Syndrome. Sex Dev 2023; 17:198-202. [PMID: 37717579 PMCID: PMC11232946 DOI: 10.1159/000534086] [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: 03/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The pathogenic variants in DEAH-box RNA helicase DHX37 are one of the major causes of 46,XY gonadal dysgenesis and testicular regression syndrome (TRS). To date, only 13 different missense variants have been reported. We report two additional cases with different clinical presentations carrying two novel variants in the DHX37 gene. CASE PRESENTATION AND RESULTS Case 1 (4.4-year-old boy) presented with significant micropenis and cryptorchidism and was diagnosed as TRS. Case 2 (13.5-year-old girl) had a 46,XY karyotype with female external genitalia and was diagnosed as GD. Two novel DHX37 variants affecting the RecA2 domain, p.G478R and p.L627F, were identified in these cases. Both variants identified in the probands were also present in their unaffected mother. CONCLUSION Our findings broaden the variant spectrum of DHX37 in 46,XY differences of sex development (DSD) individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Yang
- Department of Urology, Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Hangzhou, China,
| | - Xiuqi Ma
- Department of Pediatrics, Guizhou Hospital of Shanghai Children's Medical Center, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang, China
| | - Hongjuan Tian
- Department of Urology, Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jinna Yuan
- Department of Endocrinology, Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Hangzhou, China
| | - Dehua Wu
- Department of Urology, Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Hangzhou, China
| | - Guanping Dong
- Department of Endocrinology, Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qian Liu
- Department of Pediatrics, Guizhou Hospital of Shanghai Children's Medical Center, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang, China
| | - Junfen Fu
- Department of Endocrinology, Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Hangzhou, China
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Islam RA, Rallis C. Ribosomal Biogenesis and Heterogeneity in Development, Disease, and Aging. EPIGENOMES 2023; 7:17. [PMID: 37606454 PMCID: PMC10443367 DOI: 10.3390/epigenomes7030017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Although reported in the literature, ribosome heterogeneity is a phenomenon whose extent and implications in cell and organismal biology is not fully appreciated. This has been the case due to the lack of the appropriate techniques and approaches. Heterogeneity can arise from alternative use and differential content of protein and RNA constituents, as well as from post-transcriptional and post-translational modifications. In the few examples we have, it is apparent that ribosomal heterogeneity offers an additional level and potential for gene expression regulation and might be a way towards tuning metabolism, stress, and growth programs to external and internal stimuli and needs. Here, we introduce ribosome biogenesis and discuss ribosomal heterogeneity in various reported occasions. We conclude that a systematic approach in multiple organisms will be needed to delineate this biological phenomenon and its contributions to growth, aging, and disease. Finally, we discuss ribosome mutations and their roles in disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rowshan Ara Islam
- School of Life Sciences, University of Essex, Wivenhoe Park, Colchester CO4 3SQ, UK;
- School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London E1 4NS, UK
| | - Charalampos Rallis
- School of Life Sciences, University of Essex, Wivenhoe Park, Colchester CO4 3SQ, UK;
- School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London E1 4NS, UK
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Harold C. All these screens that we've done: how functional genetic screens have informed our understanding of ribosome biogenesis. Biosci Rep 2023; 43:BSR20230631. [PMID: 37335083 PMCID: PMC10329186 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20230631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2023] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Ribosome biogenesis is the complex and essential process that ultimately leads to the synthesis of cellular proteins. Understanding each step of this essential process is imperative to increase our understanding of basic biology, but also more critically, to provide novel therapeutic avenues for genetic and developmental diseases such as ribosomopathies and cancers which can arise when this process is impaired. In recent years, significant advances in technology have made identifying and characterizing novel human regulators of ribosome biogenesis via high-content, high-throughput screens. Additionally, screening platforms have been used to discover novel therapeutics for cancer. These screens have uncovered a wealth of knowledge regarding novel proteins involved in human ribosome biogenesis, from the regulation of the transcription of the ribosomal RNA to global protein synthesis. Specifically, comparing the discovered proteins in these screens showed interesting connections between large ribosomal subunit (LSU) maturation factors and earlier steps in ribosome biogenesis, as well as overall nucleolar integrity. In this review, a discussion of the current standing of screens for human ribosome biogenesis factors through the lens of comparing the datasets and discussing the biological implications of the areas of overlap will be combined with a look toward other technologies and how they can be adapted to discover more factors involved in ribosome synthesis, and answer other outstanding questions in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecelia M. Harold
- Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, U.S.A
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de Oliveira FR, Mazzola TN, de Mello MP, Francese-Santos AP, Lemos-Marini SHVD, Maciel-Guerra AT, Hiort O, Werner R, Guerra-Junior G, Fabbri-Scallet H. DHX37 and NR5A1 Variants Identified in Patients with 46,XY Partial Gonadal Dysgenesis. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:life13051093. [PMID: 37240737 DOI: 10.3390/life13051093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The group of disorders known as 46,XY gonadal dysgenesis (GD) is characterized by anomalies in testis determination, including complete and partial GD (PGD) and testicular regression syndrome (TRS). Several genes are known to be involved in sex development pathways, however approximately 50% of all cases remain elusive. Recent studies have identified variants in DHX37, a gene encoding a putative RNA helicase essential in ribosome biogenesis and previously associated with neurodevelopmental disorders, as a cause of PGD and TRS. To investigate the potential role of DHX37 in disorders of sexual development (DSD), 25 individuals with 46,XY DSD were analyzed and putative pathogenic variants were found in four of them. WES analyses were performed on these patients. In DHX37, the variant p.(Arg308Gln), recurrent associated with DSD, was identified in one patient; the p.(Leu467Val), predicted to be deleterious, was found together with an NR5A1 loss-of-function variant in patient 2; and, the p.(Val999Met) was identified in two unrelated patients, one of whom (patient 3) also carried a pathogenic NR5A1 variant. For both patients carrying DHX37 and NR5A1 pathogenic variants, a digenic inheritance is suggested. Our findings support the importance of DHX37 variants as a cause of disorders of sex development, implying a role in testis development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felipe Rodrigues de Oliveira
- Center for Molecular Biology and Genetic Engineering (CBMEG), State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas 13083-875, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Child and Adolescent Health, School of Medical Sciences, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas 13083-887, Brazil
| | - Taís Nitsch Mazzola
- Center for Investigation in Paediatric, School of Medical Sciences, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas 13083-887, Brazil
| | - Maricilda Palandi de Mello
- Center for Molecular Biology and Genetic Engineering (CBMEG), State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas 13083-875, Brazil
- Interdisciplinary Group for the Study of Sex Determination and Differentiation (GIEDDS), State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas 13083-887, Brazil
| | - Ana Paula Francese-Santos
- Department of Translational Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas 13083-887, Brazil
| | - Sofia Helena V de Lemos-Marini
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medical Sciences, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas 13083-887, Brazil
| | - Andrea Trevas Maciel-Guerra
- Interdisciplinary Group for the Study of Sex Determination and Differentiation (GIEDDS), State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas 13083-887, Brazil
- Department of Translational Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas 13083-887, Brazil
| | - Olaf Hiort
- Division of Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Paediatric and Adolescent Medicine, University of Lübeck, 23562 Lübeck, Germany
| | - Ralf Werner
- Division of Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Paediatric and Adolescent Medicine, University of Lübeck, 23562 Lübeck, Germany
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Lübeck, 23562 Lübeck, Germany
| | - Gil Guerra-Junior
- Interdisciplinary Group for the Study of Sex Determination and Differentiation (GIEDDS), State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas 13083-887, Brazil
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medical Sciences, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas 13083-887, Brazil
| | - Helena Fabbri-Scallet
- Center for Molecular Biology and Genetic Engineering (CBMEG), State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas 13083-875, Brazil
- Interdisciplinary Group for the Study of Sex Determination and Differentiation (GIEDDS), State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas 13083-887, Brazil
- Department of Translational Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas 13083-887, Brazil
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Reyes AP, León NY, Frost ER, Harley VR. Genetic control of typical and atypical sex development. Nat Rev Urol 2023:10.1038/s41585-023-00754-x. [PMID: 37020056 DOI: 10.1038/s41585-023-00754-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023]
Abstract
Sex development relies on the sex-specific action of gene networks to differentiate the bipotential gonads of the growing fetus into testis or ovaries, followed by the differentiation of internal and external genitalia depending on the presence or absence of hormones. Differences in sex development (DSD) arise from congenital alterations during any of these processes, and are classified depending on sex chromosomal constitution as sex chromosome DSD, 46,XY DSD or 46,XX DSD. Understanding the genetics and embryology of typical and atypical sex development is essential for diagnosing, treating and managing DSD. Advances have been made in understanding the genetic causes of DSD over the past 10 years, especially for 46,XY DSD. Additional information is required to better understand ovarian and female development and to identify further genetic causes of 46,XX DSD, besides congenital adrenal hyperplasia. Ongoing research is focused on the discovery of further genes related to typical and atypical sex development and, therefore, on improving diagnosis of DSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandra P Reyes
- Centre for Endocrinology and Metabolism, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Genetics Department, Hospital Infantil de México Federico Gómez, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Nayla Y León
- Centre for Endocrinology and Metabolism, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Emily R Frost
- Centre for Endocrinology and Metabolism, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Vincent R Harley
- Centre for Endocrinology and Metabolism, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
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Wan Y, Yu R, Luo J, Huang P, Zheng X, Sun L, Hu K. A novel DEAH-box helicase 37 mutation associated with differences of sex development. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1059159. [PMID: 37065748 PMCID: PMC10098359 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1059159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the genetic etiology of a family pedigree with two patients affected by differences of sex development (DSD). METHODS Assess the clinical characteristics of the patients and achieve exome sequencing results and in vitro functional studies. RESULTS The 15-year-old proband, raised as female, presented with delayed puberty and short stature associated with atypical genitalia. Hormonal profile showed hypergonadotrophic hypogonadism. Imaging studies revealed the absence of a uterus and ovaries. The karyotype confirmed a 46, XY pattern. Her younger brother presented with a micropenis and hypoplastic scrotum with non-palpable testis and hypospadias. Laparoscopic exploration was performed on the younger brother. Streak gonads were found and removed due to the risk of neoplastic transformation. Post-operative histopathology showed the co-existence of Wolffian and Müllerian derivatives. Whole-exome sequencing identified a novel mutation (c.1223C>T, p. Ser408Leu) in the Asp-Glu-Ala-His-box helicase 37 gene, which was found to be deleterious by in silico analysis. Segregation analysis of the variant displayed a sex-limited, autosomal dominant, maternal inheritance pattern. In vitro experiments revealed that the substitution of 408Ser by Leu caused decreased DHX37 expression both at the mRNA and protein levels. Moreover, the β-catenin protein was upregulated, and the p53 protein was unaltered by mutant DHX37. CONCLUSIONS We described a novel mutation (c.1223C>T, p. Ser408Leu) of the DHX37 gene associated with a Chinese pedigree consisting of two 46, XY DSD patients. We speculated that the underlying molecular mechanism might involve upregulation of the β-catenin protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Wan
- Department of Endocrinology, Guizhou Provincial People’s Hospital, Guiyang, China
| | - Richeng Yu
- Department of Endocrinology, Guizhou Provincial People’s Hospital, Guiyang, China
| | - Jianhua Luo
- Department of Endocrinology, Guizhou Provincial People’s Hospital, Guiyang, China
| | - Ping Huang
- Department of Pathology, Guizhou Provincial People’s Hospital, Guiyang, China
| | - Xingju Zheng
- Department of Medical Imaging, Guizhou Provincial People’s Hospital, Guiyang, China
| | - Liqun Sun
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- *Correspondence: Kui Hu, ; Liqun Sun,
| | - Kui Hu
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Guizhou Provincial People’s Hospital, Guiyang, China
- *Correspondence: Kui Hu, ; Liqun Sun,
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