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Vining B, Ming Z, Bagheri-Fam S, Harley V. Diverse Regulation but Conserved Function: SOX9 in Vertebrate Sex Determination. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12040486. [PMID: 33810596 PMCID: PMC8066042 DOI: 10.3390/genes12040486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Revised: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Sex determination occurs early during embryogenesis among vertebrates. It involves the differentiation of the bipotential gonad to ovaries or testes by a fascinating diversity of molecular switches. In most mammals, the switch is SRY (sex determining region Y); in other vertebrates it could be one of a variety of genes including Dmrt1 or dmy. Downstream of the switch gene, SOX9 upregulation is a central event in testes development, controlled by gonad-specific enhancers across the 2 Mb SOX9 locus. SOX9 is a ‘hub’ gene of gonadal development, regulated positively in males and negatively in females. Despite this diversity, SOX9 protein sequence and function among vertebrates remains highly conserved. This article explores the cellular, morphological, and genetic mechanisms initiated by SOX9 for male gonad differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brittany Vining
- Sex Development Laboratory, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC 3168, Australia; (B.V.); (Z.M.); (S.B.-F.)
- Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Zhenhua Ming
- Sex Development Laboratory, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC 3168, Australia; (B.V.); (Z.M.); (S.B.-F.)
- Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Stefan Bagheri-Fam
- Sex Development Laboratory, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC 3168, Australia; (B.V.); (Z.M.); (S.B.-F.)
| | - Vincent Harley
- Sex Development Laboratory, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC 3168, Australia; (B.V.); (Z.M.); (S.B.-F.)
- Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +61-3-8572-2527
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Ambulkar PS, Waghmare JE, Verma Shivkumar P, Narang P, Pal AK. A missense mutation (c.226C>A) in HMG box SRY gene affects nNLS function in 46,XY sex reversal female. Andrologia 2021; 53:e14011. [PMID: 33570214 DOI: 10.1111/and.14011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Revised: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The SRY initiates cascade of gene expression that transforms the undifferentiated gonad, genital ridge into testis. Mutations of the SRY gene is associated with complete gonadal dysgenesis in females with 46,XY karyotype. Primary amenorrhea is one of the clinical findings to express the genetic cause in 46,XY sex reversal. Here, we report a 26-year-old married woman presenting with primary amenorhea and complete gonadal dysgenesis. The clinical phenotypes were hypoplastic uterus with streak gonad and underdeveloped secondary sexual characters. The cytogenetic analysis confirmed 46,XY sex reversal karyotype of a female. Using molecular approach, we screened open reading frame of the SRY gene by PCR and targeted DNA Sanger sequencing. The patient was confirmed with nucleotide substitution (c.226C>A; p.Arg76Ser) at in HMG box domain of SRY gene that causes 46,XY sex reversal female. Mutation prediction algorithms suggest that alteration might be disease causing mutation and mutated (p.Arg76Ser) amino acid deleteriously affects HMG box nNLS region of SRY protein. Clinical phenotypes and in silico analysis confirmed that missense substitution (p.Arg76Ser) impaired nNLS binding Calmodulin-mediated nuclear transport of SRY from cytoplasm to nucleus. The mutation affects down regulation of male sex differentiation pathway and is responsible for 46,XY sex reversal female with gonadal dysgenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prafulla S Ambulkar
- Centre for Genetics & Genomics, Department of Anatomy, Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences, Sevagram, Wardha, India
| | - Jwalant E Waghmare
- Centre for Genetics & Genomics, Department of Anatomy, Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences, Sevagram, Wardha, India
| | - Poonam Verma Shivkumar
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences, Sevagram, Wardha, India
| | - Pratibha Narang
- Centre for Genetics & Genomics, Department of Anatomy, Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences, Sevagram, Wardha, India.,Department of Microbiology, Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences, Sevagram, Wardha, India
| | - Asoke K Pal
- Centre for Genetics & Genomics, Department of Anatomy, Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences, Sevagram, Wardha, India
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Buonocore F, Clifford-Mobley O, King TFJ, Striglioni N, Man E, Suntharalingham JP, del Valle I, Lin L, Lagos CF, Rumsby G, Conway GS, Achermann JC. Next-Generation Sequencing Reveals Novel Genetic Variants (SRY, DMRT1, NR5A1, DHH, DHX37) in Adults With 46,XY DSD. J Endocr Soc 2019; 3:2341-2360. [PMID: 31745530 PMCID: PMC6855215 DOI: 10.1210/js.2019-00306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2019] [Accepted: 10/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
CONTEXT The genetic basis of human sex development is slowly being elucidated, and >40 different genetic causes of differences (or disorders) of sex development (DSDs) have now been reported. However, reaching a specific diagnosis using traditional approaches can be difficult, especially in adults where limited biochemical data may be available. OBJECTIVE We used a targeted next-generation sequencing approach to analyze known and candidate genes for DSDs in individuals with no specific molecular diagnosis. PARTICIPANTS AND DESIGN We studied 52 adult 46,XY women attending a single-center adult service, who were part of a larger cohort of 400 individuals. Classic conditions such as17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase deficiency type 3, 5α-reductase deficiency type 2, and androgen insensitivity syndrome were excluded. The study cohort had broad working diagnoses of complete gonadal dysgenesis (CGD) (n = 27) and partially virilized 46,XY DSD (pvDSD) (n = 25), a group that included partial gonadal dysgenesis and those with a broad "partial androgen insensitivity syndrome" label. Targeted sequencing of 180 genes was undertaken. RESULTS Overall, a likely genetic cause was found in 16 of 52 (30.8%) individuals (22.2% CGD, 40.0% pvDSD). Pathogenic variants were found in sex-determining region Y (SRY; n = 3), doublesex and mab-3-related transcription factor 1 (DMRT1; n = 1), NR5A1/steroidogenic factor-1 (SF-1) (n = 1), and desert hedgehog (DHH; n = 1) in the CGD group, and in NR5A1 (n = 5), DHH (n = 1), and DEAH-box helicase 37 (DHX37; n = 4) in the pvDSD group. CONCLUSIONS Reaching a specific diagnosis can have clinical implications and provides insight into the role of these proteins in sex development. Next-generation sequencing approaches are invaluable, especially in adult populations or where diagnostic biochemistry is not possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Buonocore
- Genetics and Genomic Medicine, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Tom F J King
- Reproductive Medicine Unit, University College London Hospitals, London, United Kingdom
| | - Niccolò Striglioni
- Genetics and Genomic Medicine, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Elim Man
- Genetics and Genomic Medicine, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jenifer P Suntharalingham
- Genetics and Genomic Medicine, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ignacio del Valle
- Genetics and Genomic Medicine, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Lin Lin
- Genetics and Genomic Medicine, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Carlos F Lagos
- Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery Laboratory, Facultad de Medicina y Ciencia, Universidad San Sebastián, Santiago, Chile
| | - Gill Rumsby
- Clinical Biochemistry, University College London Hospitals, London, United Kingdom
| | - Gerard S Conway
- Reproductive Medicine Unit, University College London Hospitals, London, United Kingdom
| | - John C Achermann
- Genetics and Genomic Medicine, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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Epigenetic changes in mammalian gametes throughout their lifetime: the four seasons metaphor. Chromosoma 2019; 128:423-441. [DOI: 10.1007/s00412-019-00704-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2019] [Revised: 04/03/2019] [Accepted: 04/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
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McFadden MJ, Hryciw T, Brown A, Junop MS, Brennan JD. Evaluation of the calmodulin-SOX9 interaction by "magnetic fishing" coupled to mass spectrometry. Chembiochem 2014; 15:2411-9. [PMID: 25233956 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.201402414] [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: 07/27/2014] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Disruption of calmodulin (CaM)-based protein interactions has been touted as a potential means for modulating several disease pathways. Among these is SOX9, which is a DNA binding protein that is involved in chrondrocyte differentiation and regulation of the hormones that control sexual development. In this work, we employed a "magnetic fishing"/mass spectrometry assay in conjunction with intrinsic fluorescence to examine the interaction of CaM with the CaM-binding domain of SOX9 (SOX-CAL), and to assess the modulation of this interaction by known anti-CaM compounds. Our data show that there is a high affinity interaction between CaM and SOX-CAL (27±9 nM), and that SOX-CAL bound to the same location as the well-known CaM antagonist melittin; unexpectedly, we also found that addition of CaM-binding small molecules initially produced increased SOX-CAL binding, indicative of binding to both the well-known high-affinity CaM binding site and a second, lower-affinity binding site.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meghan J McFadden
- Biointerfaces Institute and Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON L8S 4M1 (Canada)
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Racca JD, Chen YS, Maloy JD, Wickramasinghe N, Phillips NB, Weiss MA. Structure-function relationships in human testis-determining factor SRY: an aromatic buttress underlies the specific DNA-bending surface of a high mobility group (HMG) box. J Biol Chem 2014; 289:32410-29. [PMID: 25258310 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m114.597526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Human testis determination is initiated by SRY, a Y-encoded architectural transcription factor. Mutations in SRY cause 46 XY gonadal dysgenesis with female somatic phenotype (Swyer syndrome) and confer a high risk of malignancy (gonadoblastoma). Such mutations cluster in the SRY high mobility group (HMG) box, a conserved motif of specific DNA binding and bending. To explore structure-function relationships, we constructed all possible substitutions at a site of clinical mutation (W70L). Our studies thus focused on a core aromatic residue (position 15 of the consensus HMG box) that is invariant among SRY-related HMG box transcription factors (the SOX family) and conserved as aromatic (Phe or Tyr) among other sequence-specific boxes. In a yeast one-hybrid system sensitive to specific SRY-DNA binding, the variant domains exhibited reduced (Phe and Tyr) or absent activity (the remaining 17 substitutions). Representative nonpolar variants with partial or absent activity (Tyr, Phe, Leu, and Ala in order of decreasing side-chain volume) were chosen for study in vitro and in mammalian cell culture. The clinical mutation (Leu) was found to markedly impair multiple biochemical and cellular activities as respectively probed through the following: (i) in vitro assays of specific DNA binding and protein stability, and (ii) cell culture-based assays of proteosomal degradation, nuclear import, enhancer DNA occupancy, and SRY-dependent transcriptional activation. Surprisingly, however, DNA bending is robust to this or the related Ala substitution that profoundly impairs box stability. Together, our findings demonstrate that the folding, trafficking, and gene-regulatory function of SRY requires an invariant aromatic "buttress" beneath its specific DNA-bending surface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph D Racca
- From the Department of Biochemistry, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 44106
| | - Yen-Shan Chen
- From the Department of Biochemistry, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 44106
| | - James D Maloy
- From the Department of Biochemistry, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 44106
| | - Nalinda Wickramasinghe
- From the Department of Biochemistry, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 44106
| | - Nelson B Phillips
- From the Department of Biochemistry, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 44106
| | - Michael A Weiss
- From the Department of Biochemistry, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 44106
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Abstract
Formerly known as 'intersex' conditions, disorders of sex development (DSDs) are congenital conditions in which chromosomal, gonadal or anatomical sex is atypical. A complete revision of the nomenclature and classification of DSDs has been undertaken, which emphasizes the genetic aetiology of these disorders and discards pejorative terms. Uptake of the new terminology is widespread. DSDs affecting gonadal development are perhaps the least well understood. Unravelling the molecular mechanisms underlying gonadal development has revealed new causes of DSDs, although a specific molecular diagnosis is made in only ∼20% of patients. Conversely, identification of the molecular causes of DSDs has provided insight into the mechanisms of gonadal development. Studies of N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea mutagenesis in the mouse, and multigene diagnostic screening and genome-wide approaches, such as array-comparative genomic hybridization and next-generation sequencing, in patients with DSDs are accelerating the discovery of genes involved in gonadal development and DSDs. Furthermore, long-range gene regulatory mutations and multiple gene mutations are emerging as new causes of DSDs. Patients with DSDs, their parents and medical staff are confronted with challenging decisions regarding gender assignment, genital surgery and lifelong care. These advances are refining prognostic prediction and systematically improving the diagnosis and long-term management of children with DSDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Makoto Ono
- Molecular Genetics and Development Division, Prince Henry's Institute of Medical Research, Monash Medical Centre, Department of Anatomy and Biochemistry, Monash University, Clayton, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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de los Santos MJ, García-Láez V, Beltrán-Torregrosa D, Horcajadas JA, Martínez-Conejero JA, Esteban FJ, Pellicer A, Labarta E. Hormonal and molecular characterization of follicular fluid, cumulus cells and oocytes from pre-ovulatory follicles in stimulated and unstimulated cycles. Hum Reprod 2012; 27:1596-605. [DOI: 10.1093/humrep/des082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
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Angelopoulou R, Lavranos G, Manolakou P. Sex determination strategies in 2012: towards a common regulatory model? Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2012; 10:13. [PMID: 22357269 PMCID: PMC3311596 DOI: 10.1186/1477-7827-10-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2011] [Accepted: 02/22/2012] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Sex determination is a complicated process involving large-scale modifications in gene expression affecting virtually every tissue in the body. Although the evolutionary origin of sex remains controversial, there is little doubt that it has developed as a process of optimizing metabolic control, as well as developmental and reproductive functions within a given setting of limited resources and environmental pressure. Evidence from various model organisms supports the view that sex determination may occur as a result of direct environmental induction or genetic regulation. The first process has been well documented in reptiles and fish, while the second is the classic case for avian species and mammals. Both of the latter have developed a variety of sex-specific/sex-related genes, which ultimately form a complete chromosome pair (sex chromosomes/gonosomes). Interestingly, combinations of environmental and genetic mechanisms have been described among different classes of animals, thus rendering the possibility of a unidirectional continuous evolutionary process from the one type of mechanism to the other unlikely. On the other hand, common elements appear throughout the animal kingdom, with regard to a) conserved key genes and b) a central role of sex steroid control as a prerequisite for ultimately normal sex differentiation. Studies in invertebrates also indicate a role of epigenetic chromatin modification, particularly with regard to alternative splicing options. This review summarizes current evidence from research in this hot field and signifies the need for further study of both normal hormonal regulators of sexual phenotype and patterns of environmental disruption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roxani Angelopoulou
- Experimental Embryology Unit, Department of Histology and Embryology, Medical School, Athens University, Athens, Greece
| | - Giagkos Lavranos
- Experimental Embryology Unit, Department of Histology and Embryology, Medical School, Athens University, Athens, Greece
| | - Panagiota Manolakou
- Experimental Embryology Unit, Department of Histology and Embryology, Medical School, Athens University, Athens, Greece
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Bernard P, Ryan J, Sim H, Czech DP, Sinclair AH, Koopman P, Harley VR. Wnt signaling in ovarian development inhibits Sf1 activation of Sox9 via the Tesco enhancer. Endocrinology 2012; 153:901-12. [PMID: 22128028 DOI: 10.1210/en.2011-1347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Genome analysis of patients with disorders of sex development, and gain- and loss-of-function studies in mice indicate that gonadal development is regulated by opposing signals. In females, the Wnt/β-catenin canonical pathway blocks testicular differentiation by repressing the expression of the Sertoli cell-specific gene Sox9 by an unknown mechanism. Using cell and embryonic gonad culture models, we show that activation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway inhibits the expression of Sox9 and Amh, whereas mRNA and protein levels of Sry and steroidogenic factor 1 (Sf1), two key transcriptional regulators of Sox9, are not altered. Ectopic activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in male gonads led to a loss of Sf1 binding to the Tesco enhancer and absent Sox9 expression that we also observed in wild-type ovaries. Moreover, ectopic Wnt/β-catenin signaling induced the expression of the female somatic cell markers, Bmp2 and Rspo1, as a likely consequence of Sox9 loss. Wnt/β-catenin signaling in XY gonads did not, however, affect gene expression of the steroidogenic Leydig cell Sf1 target gene, Cyp11a1, or Sf1 binding to the Cyp11a1 promoter. Our data support a model in ovary development whereby activation of β-catenin prevents Sf1 binding to the Sox9 enhancer, thereby inhibiting Sox9 expression and Sertoli cell differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pascal Bernard
- Prince Henry's Institute of Medical Research, Monash Medical Centre, P.O. Box 5152, Clayton, Melbourne 3168, Australia
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Moniot B, Farhat A, Aritake K, Declosmenil F, Nef S, Eguchi N, Urade Y, Poulat F, Boizet-Bonhoure B. Hematopoietic prostaglandin D synthase (H-Pgds) is expressed in the early embryonic gonad and participates to the initial nuclear translocation of the SOX9 protein. Dev Dyn 2011; 240:2335-43. [DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.22726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/03/2011] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
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