Progressive osseous heteroplasia: a model for the imprinting effects of GNAS inactivating mutations in humans

A novel GNAS mutation in pseudohypoparathyroidism type 1a with articular flexion deformity: A case report

Pseudohypoparathyroidism (PHP) type 1a (PHP 1a) is a rare hereditary disorder characterized by target organ resistance to hormonal signaling and the Albright hereditary osteodystrophy (AHO) phenotype, which features round facial features, short fingers, subcutaneous calcifications, short stature, obesity, and intellectual disability. Progressive osseous heteroplasia (POH) is another rare disorder characterized by heterotopic ossification (HO) that progressively affects skin, subcutaneous tissues, and deep skeletal muscle. PHP 1a is inherited maternally due to a GNAS mutation, while pure POH is inherited paternally. This case study presented a Chinese boy with congenital hypothyroidism, tonic-clonic seizures, hypoparathyroidism, AHO, POH, and joint fixation deformity. Sequencing analysis of GNAS-Gsα revealed a heterozygous C.432+2T>C(P.?) variant (NM_000516.7) affecting the canonical splice donor site of intron 5 in the boy and his mother, indicating maternal inheritance of a GNAS mutation. The patient was diagnosed with POH overlap syndrome (POH/PHP 1a). Following calcium and calcitriol supplementation, he experienced a reduction in seizures, and surgery was performed to correct the joint fixation deformity caused by HO. This case report provided valuable insights into the genotype-phenotype correlations of POH overlap syndrome and underscored the significance of genetic testing in diagnosing rare diseases.

Genotype-phenotype correlations in pseudohypoparathyroidism type 1a patients: a systemic review

BACKGROUND

Pseudohypoparathyroidism type 1a (PHP1a) is a rare endocrine disease caused by partial defects of the α subunit of the stimulatory Guanosin triphosphate (GTP) binding protein (Gsα) resulting from maternal GNAS gene variation. The clinical manifestations are related to PTH resistance (hypocalcemia, hyperphosphatemia, and elevated serum intact PTH) in the presence or absence of multihormone resistance, and Albright's hereditary osteodystrophy (AHO).

OBJECTIVES

To summarize the molecular genetics results and clinical characteristics as well as to explore the correlations between them.

METHODS

Articles pertaining to PHP1a until May, 31, 2021 were reviewed and 527 patients with genetic diagnosis were included in the data analysis. The clinical characteristics and molecular genetics results of these patients were analyzed and compared to explore the correlations between them.

RESULTS

A total of 258 GNAS rare variants (RVs) were identified in 527 patients. The RVs were most commonly found in exons 1 and 7 (17.6% each), with frameshift (36.8%), and missense (31.3%) being the main types of RVs. The median age of onset was 5.0 years old. The most common clinical manifestations were elevation of PTH (86.7%) and AHO (87.5%). Thyroid stimulating hormone resistance was the most common hormone resistance (75.5%) other than PTH resistance. Patients with missense and in-frame RVs had lower incidence rates of the round face (P = .001) and subcutaneous ossifications (P < .001) than those with loss-of-function (non-sense, frameshift, splicing site variants, and large deletions) variants.

CONCLUSIONS

This study revealed the correlation between loss-of-function RVs with round faces and subcutaneous ossifications in PHP 1a patients. Further exploration of genotype-phenotype correlations through more standardized and prospective studies with long-term follow-up is necessary.

Progressive osseous heteroplasia: A case report with an unexpected trigger

Progressive osseous heteroplasia (POH) is a rare genetic disorder characterised by progressive heterotopic ossification (HO) within the skin and subcutaneous tissues. The condition is caused by heterozygous inactivating mutations of the GNAS gene and usually presents in infancy. We describe the case of a white male ex-preterm who was first referred because of subcutaneous calcium deposits along the right arm after extravasation of parenteral nutrition. As these lesions progressed, a skin biopsy was undertaken which revealed intramembranous ossification. Genetic testing revealed a constitutional, de novo, heterozygous, nonsense variant in the GNAS gene that has not previously been described, but which is consistent with patient's clinical diagnosis of POH. No endocrine abnormalities or other signs congruent with overlapping conditions were detected. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case describing an inflammatory trigger in POH. Trials with intravenous bisphosphonate and glucocorticoid as well as with topical sodium thiosulphate were attempted without clinical improvement. Excision of the calcifications and physiotherapy seem to have provided a partial improvement on mobility of the elbow. This case widens the spectrum of phenotypes seen in GNAS mutation disorders and suggests that alternative anti-inflammatory treatments may be effective. Mutations in GNAS should be considered in cases of significant progressive calcium deposition after extravasation injury.

Progressive osseous heteroplasia in a 5-year-old boy with a novel mutation in exon 2 of GNAS: a case presentation and literature review

BACKGROUND

Progressive osseous heteroplasia (POH) is a rare genetic condition that causes progressive ossification. This usually results from an inactivating mutation of the paternal GNAS gene. Herein, we report a case of POH caused by a novel mutation in exon 2 of the GNAS gene.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 5-year-old Chinese boy was referred to our hospital for a growing mass in his right foot. Although laboratory findings were normal, radiographic imaging revealed severe ossification in his right foot and smaller areas of intramuscular ossification in his arms and legs. A de novo mutation (c.175C > T, p.Q59X) in exon 2 of the GNAS gene was identified, prompting a diagnosis of POH. We conducted a systematic literature review to better understand this rare disease.

CONCLUSION

We have discovered that a de novo nonsense mutation in exon 2 of GNAS can lead to POH. Our literature review revealed that ankylosis of the extremities is the primary clinical outcome in patients with POH. Unlike other conditions such as fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP), patients with POH do not experience respiratory failure. However, much remains to be learned about the relationship between the type of GNAS gene mutation and the resulting POH symptoms. Further research is needed to understand this complex and rare disease. This case adds to our current understanding of POH and will contribute to future studies and treatments.

Pathogenic variants of the GNAS gene introduce an abnormal amino acid sequence in the β6 strand/α5 helix of Gsα, causing pseudohypoparathyroidism type 1A and pseudopseudohypoparathyroidism in two unrelated Japanese families

Pseudohypoparathyroidism 1A (PHP1A) and pseudopseudohypoparathyroidism (PPHP) are caused by loss-of-function variants of GNAS, which encodes Gsα. We present two unrelated Japanese families with PHP1A and PPHP harboring unreported pathogenic variants of GNAS (c.1141delG, p.Asp381Thrfs*23 and c.1117delC, p.Arg373Alafs*31). These variants introduce abnormal amino acids in the β6 strand/α5 helix of Gsα, which interact with G protein coupling receptor (GPCR). We conclude that these variants alter the association of Gsα with GPCR and cause PHP1A or PPHP.

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Reports of GNAS variants causing extra amino acid sequences are limited.

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Two cases with extended Gsα mutants showed clinical characteristics of PHP1A/PPHP.

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No change was found in the affinity between mutant Gsα and GDP using I-TASSER.

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I-TASSER and AlphaFold2 suggested the Gsα mutants caused dysfunction with GPCR.

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Prediction by I-TASSER and AlphaFold2 are useful in determination of pathogenicity.

Pseudo-hypoparathyroïdie et ses variants

Les pseudohypoparathyroïdies (PHP) sont des maladies rares, caractérisées par une résistance à l’action rénale de la parathormone. Le défaut génétique est localisé au locus GNAS, qui code la sous-unité alpha stimulatrice des protéines G (Gαs). Ce locus est le siège de régulations complexes, épissage alternatif et empreinte parentale éteigant de façon tissu-spécifique l’expression de l’allèle paternel. Des mutations hétérozygotes perte de fonction, des épimutations responsables d’une perte d’expression sont associées à un large spectre pathologique : PHP1A, PHP1B, ossification hétérotopique, ostéodystophie, obésité, retard de croissance in utero, etc., dont les mécanismes restent encore incomplètement connus.

Mild progressive osseous heteroplasia overlap syndrome with PTH and TSH resistance appearing during adolescence and not early childhood

PURPOSE

Progressive osseous heteroplasia (POH), a genetic disorder, is associated with Albright's hereditary osteodystrophy (AHO), pseudohypoparathyroidism, and primary osteoma cutis and has common features of superficial ossification and GNAS-inactivating mutations. Disorders due to GNAS-inactivating mutations are classified as "inactivating parathyroid hormone (PTH)/PTHrP signaling disorder type 2." This study reports a case of mild POH overlap syndrome to improve understanding of genotype-phenotype correlations.

METHODS

A 13-year and 6-month-old Japanese boy was referred to our hospital with a chief complaint of the lower limb length difference. He underwent clinical, biochemical, radiological, and genetic studies.

RESULTS

He showed sporadic GNAS mutation, deep ectopic ossification, small for gestational age (SGA), congenital tooth defect, and lack of AHO features; he met the diagnostic criteria for POH, and mild PTH and TSH resistance was detected. He had constant hyperphosphatasemia and hypocalciuria. At the age of 10 years, he occasionally experienced high iPTH levels. The pituitary stimulation test showed a normal response of all hormones at 3 years of age, but TSH response was decreased (previously 0.770, peak value 4.144 μIU/mL) in the TRH loading test at age 13 years and 6 months. DNA analysis showed a heterozygous p.D189MfsTer14 mutation of GNAS. The parents did not carry this mutation.

CONCLUSION

We report a rare case of POH overlap syndrome with PTH/TSH resistance that appeared in adolescence rather than early childhood. Cases diagnosed with POH in early childhood also require reassessment during adolescence. Further studies of the GNAS heterozygous mutation p.D189MfsTer14 may reveal factors involved in POH overlap syndrome.

PTH resistance

Parathyroid hormone (PTH), which is primarily regulated by extracellular calcium changes, controls calcium and phosphate homeostasis. Different diseases are derived from PTH deficiency (hypoparathyroidism), excess (hyperparathyroidism) and resistance (pseudohypoparathyroidism, PHP). Pseudohypoparathyroidism was historically classified into subtypes according to the presence or not of inherited PTH resistance associated or not with features of Albright's hereditary osteodystrophy and deep and progressive ectopic ossifications. The growing knowledge on the PTH/PTHrP signaling pathway showed that molecular defects affecting different members of this pathway determined distinct, yet clinically related disorders, leading to the proposal of a new nomenclature and classification encompassing all disorders, collectively termed inactivating PTH/PTHrP signaling disorders (iPPSD).

The Distinct Role of the Extra-Large G Protein ɑ-Subunit XLɑs

GNAS is one of the most complex gene loci in the human genome and encodes multiple gene products including Gsα, XLαs, NESP55, A/B, and AS transcripts. XLαs, the extra-large G protein ɑ-subunit, is paternally expressed. XLɑs and Gsɑ share the common 2-13 exons with different promoters and first exons. Therefore, XLɑs contains most of the functional domains of Gsα including receptor and effector binding sites. In vitro studies suggest a "Gsɑ"-like function of XLɑs regarding the stimulation of cAMP generation in response to receptor activation with different cellular actions. However, it is unclear whether XLαs has an important physiological function in humans. Pseudopseudohypoparathyroidism (PPHP) and progressive osseous heteroplasia (POH) are caused by paternally inherited mutations of GNAS. Maternal uniparental disomy of chromosome 20 [UPD(20)mat] lacks paternal chromosome 20. Therefore, the phenotypes of these diseases may be secondary to the abnormal functions of XLɑs, at least partly. From the phenotypes of human diseases like PPHP, POH, and UPD(20)mat, as well as some animal models with deficient XLɑs functions, it could be seen that XLɑs is involved in the growth and development of the mammalian fetus, plays a different role in glucose, lipid, and energy metabolism when compared with Gsɑ, and could prevent heterotopic ossification in humans and mice. More in vivo and in vitro studies, especially the development of conditional XLɑs knockout mice, are needed to clarify the physiopathologic roles and related signal pathways of XLɑs.

Maternal Transmission Ratio Distortion of GNAS Loss-of-Function Mutations

Pseudohypoparathyroidism type 1A (PHP1A) and pseudopseudohypoparathyroidism (PPHP) are two rare autosomal dominant disorders caused by loss-of-function mutations in the imprinted Guanine Nucleotide Binding Protein, Alpha Stimulating Activity (GNAS) gene, coding G_s α. PHP1A is caused by mutations in the maternal allele and results in Albright's hereditary osteodystrophy (AHO) and hormonal resistance, mainly to the parathormone (PTH), whereas PPHP, with AHO features and no hormonal resistance, is linked to mutations in the paternal allele. This study sought to investigate parental transmission of GNAS mutations. We conducted a retrospective study in a population of 204 families with 361 patients harboring GNAS mutations. To prevent ascertainment bias toward a higher proportion of affected children due to the way in which data were collected, we excluded from transmission analysis all probands in the ascertained sibships. After bias correction, the distribution ratio of the mutated alleles was calculated from the observed genotypes of the offspring of nuclear families and was compared to the expected ratio of 50% according to Mendelian inheritance (one-sample Z-test). Sex ratio, phenotype of the transmitting parent, and transmission depending on the severity of the mutation were also analyzed. Transmission analysis was performed in 114 nuclear families and included 250 descendants. The fertility rates were similar between male and female patients. We showed an excess of transmission from mother to offspring of mutated alleles (59%, p = .022), which was greater when the mutations were severe (61.7%, p = .023). Similarly, an excess of transmission was found when the mother had a PHP1A phenotype (64.7%, p = .036). By contrast, a Mendelian distribution was observed when the mutations were paternally inherited. Higher numbers of females within the carriers, but not in noncarriers, were also observed. The mother-specific transmission ratio distortion (TRD) and the sex-ratio imbalance associated to PHP1A point to a role of G_s α in oocyte biology or embryogenesis, with implications for genetic counseling. © 2019 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.

A G protein-coupled, IP3/protein kinase C pathway controlling the synthesis of phosphaturic hormone FGF23

Dysregulated actions of bone-derived phosphaturic hormone fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) result in several inherited diseases, such as X-linked hypophosphatemia (XLH), and contribute substantially to the mortality in kidney failure. Mechanisms governing FGF23 production are poorly defined. We herein found that ablation of the Gq/11α-like, extralarge Gα subunit (XLαs), a product of GNAS, exhibits FGF23 deficiency and hyperphosphatemia in early postnatal mice (XLKO). FGF23 elevation in response to parathyroid hormone, a stimulator of FGF23 production via cAMP, was intact in XLKO mice, while skeletal levels of protein kinase C isoforms α and δ (PKCα and PKCδ) were diminished. XLαs ablation in osteocyte-like Ocy454 cells suppressed the levels of FGF23 mRNA, inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3), and PKCα/PKCδ proteins. PKC activation in vivo via injecting phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) or by constitutively active Gqα-Q209L in osteocytes and osteoblasts promoted FGF23 production. Molecular studies showed that the PKC activation-induced FGF23 elevation was dependent on MAPK signaling. The baseline PKC activity was elevated in bones of Hyp mice, a model of XLH. XLαs ablation significantly, but modestly, reduced serum FGF23 and elevated serum phosphate in Hyp mice. These findings reveal a potentially hitherto-unknown mechanism of FGF23 synthesis involving a G protein-coupled IP3/PKC pathway, which may be targeted to fine-tune FGF23 levels.

Differential Vascularity in Genetic and Nonhereditary Heterotopic Ossification

Introduction. Nonhereditary heterotopic ossification (NHO) is a common complication of trauma. Progressive osseous heteroplasia (POH) and fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP) are rare genetic causes of heterotopic bone. In this article, we detail the vascular patterning associated with genetic versus NHO. Methods. Vascular histomorphometric analysis was performed on patient samples from POH, FOP, and NHO. Endpoints for analysis included blood vessel (BV) number, area, density, size, and wall thickness. Results. Results demonstrated conserved temporal dynamic changes in vascularity across all heterotopic ossification lesions. Immature areas had the highest BV number, while the more mature foci had the highest BV area. Most vascular parameters were significantly increased in genetic as compared with NHO. Discussion. In sum, both genetic and NHO show temporospatial variation in vascularity. These findings suggest that angiogenic pathways are potential therapeutic targets in both genetic and nonhereditary forms of heterotopic ossification.

High frequency of paternal iso or heterodisomy at chromosome 20 associated with sporadic pseudohypoparathyroidism 1B

Pseudohypoparathyroidism 1B (PHP1B) is caused by maternal epigenetic defects in the imprinted GNAS cluster. PHP1B can follow an autosomal dominant mode of inheritance or occur sporadically (spor-PHP1B). These latter patients present broad methylation changes of two or more differentially methylated regions (DMR) that, when mimicking the paternal allele, raises the suspicious of the occurrence of paternal uniparental disomy of chromosome 20 (upd(20)pat). A cohort of 33 spor-PHP1B patients was screened for upd(20)pat using comparative genomic hybridization with SNP-chip. Methylation analyses were assessed by methylation specific-multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification. Upd(20)pat was identified in 6 patients, all exhibiting typical paternal methylation pattern compared to normal controls, namely a complete loss of methylation of GNAS A/B:TSS-DMR, negligible methylation at GNAS-AS1:TSS-DMR and GNAS-XL:Ex1-DMR and complete gain of methylation at GNAS-NESP:TSS-DMR. The overall frequency of upd(20) is 18% in our cohort when searched considering both severe and partial loss of imprinting. However, twenty five patients displayed severe methylation pattern and the upd(20)pat frequency reaches 24% when searching in this group. Consequently, up to day, upd(20)pat is the most common anomaly than other genetic alterations in spor-PHP1B patients. Upd(20)pat occurrence is not linked to the parental age in contrast to upd(20)mat, strongly associated with an advanced maternal childbearing age. This study provides criteria to guide further investigations for upd(20)pat needed for an adequate genetic counseling.

Pseudohypoparathyroidism

Pseudohypoparathyroidism (PHP) refers to a heterogeneous group of uncommon, yet related metabolic disorders that are characterized by impaired activation of the Gsα/cAMP/PKA signaling pathway by parathyroid hormone (PTH) and other hormones that interact with Gsa-coupled receptors. Proximal renal tubular resistance to PTH and thus hypocalcemia and hyperphosphatemia, frequently in presence of brachydactyly, ectopic ossification, early-onset obesity, or short stature are common features of PHP. Registries and large cohorts of patients are needed to conduct clinical and genetic research, to improve the still limited knowledge regarding the underlying disease mechanisms, and allow the development of novel therapies.

Parathyroid hormone resistance syndromes - Inactivating PTH/PTHrP signaling disorders (iPPSDs)

Metabolic disorders caused by impairments of the Gsα/cAMP/PKA pathway affecting the signaling of PTH/PTHrP lead to features caused by non-responsiveness of target organs, in turn leading to manifestations similar to the deficiency of the hormone itself. Pseudohypoparathyroidism (PHP) and related disorders derive from a defect of the α subunit of the stimulatory G protein (Gsα) or of downstream effectors of the same pathway, such as the PKA regulatory subunit 1A and the phosphodiesterase type 4D. The increasing knowledge on these diseases made the actual classification of PHP outdated as it does not include related conditions such as acrodysostosis (ACRDYS) or progressive osseous heteroplasia (POH), so that a new nomenclature and classification has been recently proposed grouping these disorders under the term "inactivating PTH/PTHrP signaling disorder" (iPPSD). This review will focus on the pathophysiology, clinical and molecular aspects of these rare, heterogeneous but closely related diseases.

Diagnosis and management of pseudohypoparathyroidism and related disorders: first international Consensus Statement

This Consensus Statement covers recommendations for the diagnosis and management of patients with pseudohypoparathyroidism (PHP) and related disorders, which comprise metabolic disorders characterized by physical findings that variably include short bones, short stature, a stocky build, early-onset obesity and ectopic ossifications, as well as endocrine defects that often include resistance to parathyroid hormone (PTH) and TSH. The presentation and severity of PHP and its related disorders vary between affected individuals with considerable clinical and molecular overlap between the different types. A specific diagnosis is often delayed owing to lack of recognition of the syndrome and associated features. The participants in this Consensus Statement agreed that the diagnosis of PHP should be based on major criteria, including resistance to PTH, ectopic ossifications, brachydactyly and early-onset obesity. The clinical and laboratory diagnosis should be confirmed by a molecular genetic analysis. Patients should be screened at diagnosis and during follow-up for specific features, such as PTH resistance, TSH resistance, growth hormone deficiency, hypogonadism, skeletal deformities, oral health, weight gain, glucose intolerance or type 2 diabetes mellitus, and hypertension, as well as subcutaneous and/or deeper ectopic ossifications and neurocognitive impairment. Overall, a coordinated and multidisciplinary approach from infancy through adulthood, including a transition programme, should help us to improve the care of patients affected by these disorders.

GNAS mutations and heterotopic ossification

GNAS is a complex imprinted gene encoding the alpha-subunit of the stimulatory heterotrimeric G protein (Gsα). GNAS gives rise to additional gene products that exhibit exclusively maternal or paternal expression, such as XLαs, a large variant of Gsα that shows exclusively paternal expression and is partly identical to the latter. Gsα itself is expressed biallelically in most tissues, although the expression occurs predominantly from the maternal allele in a small set of tissues, such as renal proximal tubules. Inactivating mutations in Gsα-coding GNAS exons are responsible for Albright's hereditary osteodystrophy (AHO), which refers to a constellation of physical and developmental disorders including obesity, short stature, brachydactyly, cognitive impairment, and heterotopic ossification. Patients with Gsα mutations can present with AHO in the presence or absence of end-organ resistance to multiple hormones including parathyroid hormone. Maternal Gsα mutations lead to AHO with hormone resistance (i.e. pseudohypoparathyroidism type-Ia), whereas paternal mutations cause AHO alone (i.e. pseudo-pseudohypoparathyroidism). Heterotopic ossification associated with AHO develops through intramembranous bone formation and is limited to dermis and subcutis. In rare cases carrying Gsα mutations, however, ossifications progress into deep connective tissue and skeletal muscle, a disorder termed progressive osseous heteroplasia (POH). Here I briefly review the genetic, clinical, and molecular aspects of these disorders caused by inactivating GNAS mutations, with particular emphasis on heterotopic ossification.

Ossifications in Albright Hereditary Osteodystrophy: Role of Genotype, Inheritance, Sex, Age, Hormonal Status, and BMI

CONTEXT

Albright hereditary osteodystrophy (AHO) is caused by heterozygous inactivating mutations in GNAS. Depending on the parental origin of the mutated allele, patients develop either pseudohypoparathyroidism type 1A (PHP1A), with multihormone resistance and severe obesity, or pseudopseudohypoparathyroidism (PPHP), without hormonal abnormalities or marked obesity. Subcutaneous ossifications (SCOs) are a source of substantial morbidity in both PHP1A and PPHP.

OBJECTIVE

This study investigated the previously undetermined prevalence of SCO formation in PHP1A vs PPHP as well as possible correlations with genotype, sex, age, hormonal resistance, and body mass index (BMI).

DESIGN

This study evaluated patients with AHO for SCOs by physical examination performed by one consistent physician over 16 years.

SETTING

Albright Clinic, Kennedy Krieger Institute; Institute for Clinical and Translational Research, Johns Hopkins Hospital; Albright Center, Connecticut Children's Medical Center.

PATIENTS

We evaluated 67 patients with AHO (49 with PHP1A, 18 with PPHP) with documented mutations in GNAS.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Relationships of SCOs to genotype, sex, age, hormonal resistance, and BMI.

RESULTS

Forty-seven of 67 participants (70.1%) had SCOs. Patients with PHP1A and PPHP had similar prevalences and degrees of ossification formation. Patients with frameshift and nonsense mutations had much more extensive SCOs than those with missense mutations. Males were affected more than females. There was no correlation with hormonal status or BMI.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a similar prevalence of SCOs in PHP1A and PPHP, and the extent of SCO formation correlates with the severity of the mutation. Males are affected more extensively than females, and the SCOs tend to worsen with age.

Current Nomenclature of Pseudohypoparathyroidism: Inactivating Parathyroid Hormone/Parathyroid Hormone-Related Protein Signaling Disorder

Disorders related to parathyroid hormone (PTH) resistance and PTH signaling pathway impairment are historically classified under the term of pseudohypoparathyroidism (PHP). The disease was first described and named by Fuller Albright and colleagues in 1942. Albright hereditary osteodystrophy (AHO) is described as an associated clinical entity with PHP, characterized by brachydactyly, subcutaneous ossifications, round face, short stature and a stocky build. The classification of PHP is further divided into PHP-Ia, pseudo-PHP (pPHP), PHP-Ib, PHP-Ic and PHP-II according to the presence or absence of AHO, together with an in vivo response to exogenous PTH and the measurement of Gsα protein activity in peripheral erythrocyte membranes in vitro. However, PHP classification fails to differentiate all patients with different clinical and molecular findings for PHP subtypes and classification become more complicated with more recent molecular characterization and new forms having been identified. So far, new classifications have been established by the EuroPHP network to cover all disorders of the PTH receptor and its signaling pathway. Inactivating PTH/PTH-related protein signaling disorder (iPPSD) is the new name proposed for a group of these disorders and which can be further divided into subtypes - iPPSD1 to iPPSD6. These are termed, starting from PTH receptor inactivation mutation (Eiken and Blomstrand dysplasia) as iPPSD1, inactivating Gsα mutations (PHP-Ia, PHP-Ic and pPHP) as iPPSD2, loss of methylation of GNAS DMRs (PHP-Ib) as iPPSD3, PRKAR1A mutations (acrodysostosis type 1) as iPPSD4, PDE4D mutations (acrodysostosis type 2) as iPPSD5 and PDE3A mutations (autosomal dominant hypertension with brachydactyly) as iPPSD6. iPPSDx is reserved for unknown molecular defects and iPPSDn+1 for new molecular defects which are yet to be described. With these new classifications, the aim is to clarify the borders of each different subtype of disease and make the classification according to molecular pathology. The iPPSD group is designed to be expandable and new classifications will readily fit into it as necessary.

(Epi)genotype-Phenotype Analysis in 69 Japanese Patients With Pseudohypoparathyroidism Type I

Context:

Pseudohypoparathyroidism type I (PHP-I) is divided into PHP-Ia with Albright hereditary osteodystrophy and PHP-Ib, which usually shows no Albright hereditary osteodystrophy features. Although PHP-Ia and PHP-Ib are typically caused by genetic defects involving α subunit of the stimulatory G protein (Gsα)–coding GNAS exons and methylation defects of the GNAS differentially methylated regions (DMRs) on the maternal allele, respectively, detailed phenotypic characteristics still remains to be examined.

Objective:

To clarify phenotypic characteristics according to underlying (epi)genetic causes.

Patients and Methods:

We performed (epi)genotype-phenotype analysis in 69 Japanese patients with PHP-I; that is, 28 patients with genetic defects involving Gsα-coding GNAS exons (group 1) consisting of 12 patients with missense variants (subgroup A) and 16 patients with null variants (subgroup B), as well as 41 patients with methylation defects (group 2) consisting of 21 patients with broad methylation defects of the GNAS-DMRs (subgroup C) and 20 patients with an isolated A/B-DMR methylation defect accompanied by the common STX16 microdeletion (subgroup D).

Results:

Although (epi)genotype-phenotype findings were grossly similar to those reported previously, several important findings were identified, including younger age at hypocalcemic symptoms and higher frequencies of hyperphosphatemia in subgroup C than in subgroup D, development of brachydactyly in four patients of subgroup C, predominant manifestation of subcutaneous ossification in subgroup B, higher frequency of thyrotropin resistance in group 1 than in group 2, and relatively low thyrotropin values in four patients with low T4 values and relatively low luteinizing hormone/follicle-stimulating hormone values in five adult females with ovarian dysfunction.

Conclusion:

The results imply the presence of clinical findings characteristic of each underlying cause and provide useful information on the imprinting status of Gsα.

Gsα Controls Cortical Bone Quality by Regulating Osteoclast Differentiation via cAMP/PKA and β-Catenin Pathways

Skeletal bone formation and maintenance requires coordinate functions of several cell types, including bone forming osteoblasts and bone resorbing osteoclasts. Gsα, the stimulatory subunit of heterotrimeric G proteins, activates downstream signaling through cAMP and plays important roles in skeletal development by regulating osteoblast differentiation. Here, we demonstrate that Gsα signaling also regulates osteoclast differentiation during bone modeling and remodeling. Gnas, the gene encoding Gsα, is imprinted. Mice with paternal allele deletion of Gnas (Gnas^+/p-) have defects in cortical bone quality and strength during early development (bone modeling) that persist during adult bone remodeling. Reduced bone quality in Gnas^+/p- mice was associated with increased endosteal osteoclast numbers, with no significant effects on osteoblast number and function. Osteoclast differentiation and resorption activity was enhanced in Gnas^+/p- cells. During differentiation, Gnas^+/p- cells showed diminished pCREB, β-catenin and cyclin D1, and enhanced Nfatc1 levels, conditions favoring osteoclastogenesis. Forskolin treatment increased pCREB and rescued osteoclast differentiation in Gnas^+/p- by reducing Nfatc1 levels. Cortical bone of Gnas^+/p- mice showed elevated expression of Wnt inhibitors sclerostin and Sfrp4 consistent with reduced Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Our data identify a new role for Gsα signaling in maintaining bone quality by regulating osteoclast differentiation and function through cAMP/PKA and Wnt/β-catenin pathways.

From pseudohypoparathyroidism to inactivating PTH/PTHrP signalling disorder (iPPSD), a novel classification proposed by the EuroPHP network

OBJECTIVE

Disorders caused by impairments in the parathyroid hormone (PTH) signalling pathway are historically classified under the term pseudohypoparathyroidism (PHP), which encompasses rare, related and highly heterogeneous diseases with demonstrated (epi)genetic causes. The actual classification is based on the presence or absence of specific clinical and biochemical signs together with an in vivo response to exogenous PTH and the results of an in vitro assay to measure Gsa protein activity. However, this classification disregards other related diseases such as acrodysostosis (ACRDYS) or progressive osseous heteroplasia (POH), as well as recent findings of clinical and genetic/epigenetic background of the different subtypes. Therefore, the EuroPHP network decided to develop a new classification that encompasses all disorders with impairments in PTH and/or PTHrP cAMP-mediated pathway.

DESIGN AND METHODS

Extensive review of the literature was performed. Several meetings were organised to discuss about a new, more effective and accurate way to describe disorders caused by abnormalities of the PTH/PTHrP signalling pathway.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

After determining the major and minor criteria to be considered for the diagnosis of these disorders, we proposed to group them under the term 'inactivating PTH/PTHrP signalling disorder' (iPPSD). This terminology: (i) defines the common mechanism responsible for all diseases; (ii) does not require a confirmed genetic defect; (iii) avoids ambiguous terms like 'pseudo' and (iv) eliminates the clinical or molecular overlap between diseases. We believe that the use of this nomenclature and classification will facilitate the development of rationale and comprehensive international guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of iPPSDs.

GNAS -Related Loss-of-Function Disorders and the Role of Imprinting

GNAS (guanine nucleotide-binding protein, α stimulating) is a complex imprinted locus coding, besides the α-stimulatory subunit of the G protein, the paternally (extra-large, antisense and A/B) and maternally (neuroendocrine secretory protein) transcripts. Heterozygous mutations in the coding sequence of GNAS produce dominant phenotypes (combination of resistances to hormones signaling through G-protein-coupled receptors, osteodystrophy and obesity) that depend on the parental origin of the mutated allele. Likewise, alterations in the methylation at promoters of GNAS transcripts, associated or not with deletions of imprinting control regions in the nearby STX16 gene or within GNAS, prompt resistance to parathormone when affecting the maternal allele. Therefore, imprinting of GNAS is the determining factor for the variability of the phenotype. Knowledge of the various phenotypes is necessary for genetic counseling as well as an appropriate therapeutic balance between regular follow-up, prevention of disease complications and iatrogeny.

Pseudohypoparathyroidism and Gsα-cAMP-linked disorders: current view and open issues

Pseudohypoparathyroidism exemplifies an unusual form of hormone resistance as the underlying molecular defect is a partial deficiency of the α subunit of the stimulatory G protein (Gsα), a key regulator of the cAMP signalling pathway, rather than of the parathyroid hormone (PTH) receptor itself. Despite the first description of this disorder dating back to 1942, later findings have unveiled complex epigenetic alterations in addition to classic mutations in GNAS underpining the molecular basis of the main subtypes of pseudohypoparathyroidism. Moreover, mutations in PRKAR1A and PDE4D, which encode proteins crucial for Gsα-cAMP-mediated signalling, have been found in patients with acrodysostosis. As acrodysostosis, a disease characterized by skeletal malformations and endocrine disturbances, shares clinical and molecular characteristics with pseudohypoparathyroidism, making a differential diagnosis and providing genetic counselling to patients and families is a challenge for endocrinologists. Accumulating data on the genetic and clinical aspects of this group of diseases highlight the limitation of the current classification system and prompt the need for a new definition as well as for new diagnostic and/or therapeutic algorithms. This Review discusses both the current understanding and future challenges for the clinical and molecular diagnosis, classification and treatment of pseudohypoparathyroidism.

Epidemiology and Diagnosis of Hypoparathyroidism

CONTEXT

Hypoparathyroidism is a disorder characterized by hypocalcemia due to insufficient secretion of PTH. Pseudohypoparathyroidism is a less common disorder due to target organ resistance to PTH. This report summarizes the results of the findings and recommendations of the Working Group on Epidemiology and Diagnosis of Hypoparathyroidism.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

Each contributing author reviewed the recent published literature regarding epidemiology and diagnosis of hypoparathyroidism using PubMed and other medical literature search engines.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

The prevalence of hypoparathyroidism is an estimated 37 per 100 000 person-years in the United States and 22 per 100 000 person-years in Denmark. The incidence in Denmark is approximately 0.8 per 100 000 person-years. Estimates of prevalence and incidence of hypoparathyroidism are currently lacking in most other countries. Hypoparathyroidism increases the risk of renal insufficiency, kidney stones, posterior subcapsular cataracts, and intracerebral calcifications, but it does not appear to increase overall mortality, cardiovascular disease, fractures, or malignancy. The diagnosis depends upon accurate measurement of PTH by second- and third-generation assays. The most common etiology is postsurgical hypoparathyroidism, followed by autoimmune disorders and rarely genetic disorders. Even more rare are etiologies including parathyroid gland infiltration, external radiation treatment, and radioactive iodine therapy for thyroid disease. Differentiation between these different etiologies is aided by the clinical presentation, serum biochemistries, and in some cases, genetic testing.

CONCLUSIONS

Hypoparathyroidism is often associated with complications and comorbidities. It is important for endocrinologists and other physicians who care for these patients to be aware of recent advances in the epidemiology, diagnosis, and genetics of this disorder.

Progressive osseous heteroplasia is not a Mendelian trait but a type 2 segmental manifestation of GNAS inactivation disorders: A hypothesis

Progressive osseous heteroplasia (POH) is a segmental disorder characterized by progressive heterotopic ossification that extends from dermal and subcutaneous tissues to deeper structures. So far, it has been taken as a rarely occurring bone disease with autosomal dominant inheritance. Here, arguments are presented in favor of the alternative concept that the disorder is merely a type 2 segmental manifestation of autosomal dominant GNAS inactivation disorders. Type 2 segmental mosaicism arises, in a heterozygous embryo, from a somatic mutational event that occurs at an early developmental stage, resulting in loss of the corresponding wild-type allele and giving rise to a homozygous or hemizygous cell clone. As a characteristic feature, such type 2 segmental involvement is far more pronounced than the type 1 segmental mosaicism as noted in otherwise healthy individuals. The concept of type 2 segmental mosaicism has been proven at the molecular level in six human traits including neurofibromatosis 1, Hailey-Hailey disease, and Gorlin syndrome. In POH, molecular proof of principle is so far lacking. The following lines of reasoning, however, support the hypothesis that POH can be explained by a similar mechanism. Firstly, POH has been found to be associated with different phenotypes caused by inactivating GNAS mutations, which is why it cannot be categorized as one distinct Mendelian trait. Secondly, POH occurs as a rather rare complication of these autosomal dominant traits, which is not compatible with the assumption of a separate Mendelian disorder. Thirdly, in a case of plate-like osteoma that represents a more superficial variant of POH, molecular proof of the concept of type 2 segmental manifestation has already been provided, and the available literature suggests that POH can be best explained by a similar mechanism. Moreover, findings obtained in animal experiments support the assumption that human POH represents such superimposed segmental manifestation of GNAS inactivation disorders.

Ablation of the Stimulatory G Protein α-Subunit in Renal Proximal Tubules Leads to Parathyroid Hormone-Resistance With Increased Renal Cyp24a1 mRNA Abundance and Reduced Serum 1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D

PTH regulates serum calcium, phosphate, and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25(OH)2D) levels by acting on bone and kidney. In renal proximal tubules (PTs), PTH inhibits reabsorption of phosphate and stimulates the synthesis of 1,25(OH)2D. The PTH receptor couples to multiple G proteins. We here ablated the α-subunit of the stimulatory G protein (Gsα) in mouse PTs by using Cre recombinase driven by the promoter of type-2 sodium-glucose cotransporter (Gsα(Sglt2KO) mice). Gsα(Sglt2KO) mice were normophosphatemic but displayed, relative to controls, hypocalcemia (1.19 ±0.01 vs 1.23 ±0.01 mmol/L; P < .05), reduced serum 1,25(OH)2D (59.3 ±7.0 vs 102.5 ±12.2 pmol/L; P < .05), and elevated serum PTH (834 ±133 vs 438 ±59 pg/mL; P < .05). PTH-induced elevation in urinary cAMP excretion was blunted in Gsα(Sglt2KO) mice (2- vs 4-fold over baseline in controls; P < .05). Relative to baseline in controls, PTH-induced reduction in serum phosphate tended to be blunted in Gsα(Sglt2KO) mice (-0.39 ±0.33 vs -1.34 ±0.36 mg/dL; P = .07). Gsα(Sglt2KO) mice showed elevated renal vitamin D 24-hydroxylase and bone fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF23) mRNA abundance (∼3.4- and ∼11-fold over controls, respectively; P < .05) and tended to have elevated serum FGF23 (829 ±76 vs 632 ±60 pg/mL in controls; P = .07). Heterozygous mice having constitutive ablation of the maternal Gsα allele (E1(m-/+)) (model of pseudohypoparathyroidism type-Ia), in which Gsα levels in PT are reduced, also exhibited elevated serum FGF23 (474 ±20 vs 374 ±27 pg/mL in controls; P < .05). Our findings indicate that Gsα is required in PTs for suppressing renal vitamin D 24-hydroxylase mRNA levels and for maintaining normal serum 1,25(OH)2D.

Diagnosis and management of congenital hypothyroidism associated with pseudohypoparathyroidism

Hypothyroidism is a particular condition observed in pseudohypoparathyroidism (PHP), a rare disorder characterized by parathyroid (PTH) resistance leading to hypocalcemia and hyperphosphatemia associated with a GNAS (guanine nucleotide-binding protein α-subunit) mutation (PHP1A) or epimutation (PHP1B). To determine the presence of hypothyroidism at birth we conducted a retrospective study in our cohort of patients presenting with either PHP1A (n = 116) or PHP1B (n = 99). We also investigated patients presenting at birth with congenital hypothyroidism (CH) and a eutopic thyroid gland for phosphocalcium abnormalities suggesting PTH resistance and PHP. Our study reveals CH as the earliest diagnostic clue for PHP1A, but not for PHP1B. We estimated the frequency of CH at birth to be between 8 and 34% in patients presenting with PHP1A. The elevation of phosphatemia and PTH concentration precedes hypocalcemia in PHP1A. Conversely, the frequency of PHP1A in patients presenting CH is dramatically low. This may be due to the low prevalence of PHP1A which remains unknown.

CONCLUSIONS

Subclinical and overt hypothyroidism can occur in PHP1A patients at birth many years before PTH resistance becomes clinically apparent. Although such cases appear to be rare, some pediatric patients with unexplained CH are likely to benefit from measuring calcium, phosphorus, and PTH for extended periods of time.

GNAS Spectrum of Disorders

The GNAS complex locus encodes the alpha-subunit of the stimulatory G protein (Gsα), a ubiquitous signaling protein mediating the actions of many hormones, neurotransmitters, and paracrine/autocrine factors via generation of the second messenger cAMP. GNAS gives rise to other gene products, most of which exhibit exclusively monoallelic expression. In contrast, Gsα is expressed biallelically in most tissues; however, paternal Gsα expression is silenced in a small number of tissues through as-yet-poorly understood mechanisms that involve differential methylation within GNAS. Gsα-coding GNAS mutations that lead to diminished Gsα expression and/or function result in Albright's hereditary osteodystrophy (AHO) with or without hormone resistance, i.e., pseudohypoparathyroidism type-Ia/Ic and pseudo-pseudohypoparathyroidism, respectively. Microdeletions that alter GNAS methylation and, thereby, diminish Gsα expression in tissues in which the paternal Gsα allele is normally silenced also cause hormone resistance, which occurs typically in the absence of AHO, a disorder termed pseudohypoparathyroidism type-Ib. Mutations of GNAS that cause constitutive Gsα signaling are found in patients with McCune-Albright syndrome, fibrous dysplasia of bone, and different endocrine and non-endocrine tumors. Clinical features of these diseases depend significantly on the parental allelic origin of the GNAS mutation, reflecting the tissue-specific paternal Gsα silencing. In this article, we review the pathogenesis and the phenotypes of these human diseases.

[Paternal GNAS mutations: Which phenotypes? What genetic counseling?]

Parental imprinting and the type of the genetic alteration play a determinant role in the phenotype expression of GNAS locus associated to pseudohypoparathyroidism (PHP). GNAS locus gives rise to several different messenger RNA transcripts that are derived from the paternal allele, the maternal allele, or both and can be either coding or non-coding. As a consequence, GNAS mutations lead to a wide spectrum of phenotypes. An alteration in the coding sequence of the gene leads to a haplo-insufficiency and a dysmorphic phenotype (Albright's syndrome or AHO). AHO is a clinical syndrome defined by specific physical features including short stature, obesity, round-shaped face, subcutaneous ossifications, brachymetarcapy (mainly of the 4th and 5th ray). If the alteration is on the maternal allele, there is a hormonal resistance to the PTH at the kidney level and to the TSH at the thyroid level. The phenotype is known as pseudohypoparathyroidism type 1a (PHP1a). If the alteration is on the paternal allele, there are few clinical signs with no hormonal resistance and the phenotype is known as pseudopseudo hypoparathyroidism (pseudo-PPHP). Heterozygous GNAS mutations on the paternal GNAS allele were associated with intra uterin growth retardation (IUGR). Moreover, birth weights were lower with paternal GNAS mutations affecting exon 2-13 than with exon 1/intron 1 mutations suggesting a role for loss of function XLαs. Progressive osseous heteroplasia (POH) is a rare disease of ectopic bone formation, characterized by cutaneous and subcutaneous ossifications progressing towards deep connective and muscular tissues. POH is caused by a heterozygous GNAS inactivating mutation and has been associated with paternal inheritance. However, genotype/phenotype correlations suggest that there is no direct correlation between the ossifying process and parental origin, as there is high variability in heterotopic ossification. Clinical heterogeneity makes genetic counseling a very delicate matter, specifically where paternal inheritance is concerned as it can lead either to a mild expression of pseudo-PHP or to a severe one of POH.

Evidence of hormone resistance in a pseudo-pseudohypoparathyroidism patient with a novel paternal mutation in GNAS

CONTEXT

Loss-of-function GNAS mutations lead to hormone resistance and Albright's hereditary osteodystrophy (AHO) when maternally inherited, i.e. pseudohypoparathyroidism-Ia (PHPIa), but cause AHO alone when located on the paternal allele, i.e. pseudoPHP (PPHP).

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to establish the molecular diagnosis in a patient with AHO and evidence of hormone resistance.

CASE

The patient is a female who presented at the age of 13.5years with short stature and multiple AHO features. No evidence for TSH or gonadotropin-resistance was present. Serum calcium and vitamin D levels were normal. However, serum PTH was elevated on multiple occasions (64-178pg/mL, normal: 9-52) and growth hormone response to clonidine or L-DOPA was blunted, suggesting hormone resistance and PHP-Ia. The patient had diminished erythrocyte Gsα activity and a novel heterozygous GNAS mutation (c.328 G>C; p.A109P). The mother lacked the mutation, and the father's DNA was not available. Hence, a diagnosis of PPHP also appeared possible, supported by low birth weight and a lack of AHO features associated predominantly with PHP-Ia, i.e. obesity and cognitive impairment. To determine the parental origin of the mutation, we amplified the paternally expressed A/B and biallelically expressed Gsα transcripts from the patient's peripheral blood RNA. While both wild-type and mutant nucleotides were detected in the Gsα amplicon, only the mutant nucleotide was present in the A/B amplicon, indicating that the mutation was paternal.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that PTH and other hormone resistance may not be an exclusive feature of PHP-Ia and could also be observed in patients with PPHP.

Progressive osseous heteroplasia: diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis

Progressive osseous heteroplasia (POH) is an ultrarare genetic condition of progressive ectopic ossification. Most cases of POH are caused by heterozygous inactivating mutations of GNAS, the gene encoding the alpha subunit of the G-stimulatory protein of adenylyl cyclase. POH is part of a spectrum of related genetic disorders, including Albright hereditary osteodystrophy, pseudohypoparathyroidism, and primary osteoma cutis, that share common features of superficial ossification and association with inactivating mutations of GNAS. The genetics, diagnostic criteria, supporting clinical features, current management, and prognosis of POH are reviewed here, and emerging therapeutic strategies are discussed.

A positive genotype-phenotype correlation in a large cohort of patients with Pseudohypoparathyroidism Type Ia and Pseudo-pseudohypoparathyroidism and 33 newly identified mutations in the GNAS gene

Maternally inherited inactivating GNAS mutations are the most common cause of parathyroid hormone (PTH) resistance and Albright hereditary osteodystrophy (AHO) leading to pseudohypoparathyroidism type Ia (PHPIa) due to Gsα deficiency. Paternally inherited inactivating mutations lead to isolated AHO signs characterizing pseudo-pseudohypoparathyroidism (PPHP). Mutations are distributed throughout the Gsα coding exons of GNAS and there is a lack of genotype–phenotype correlation. In this study, we sequenced exon 1–13 of GNAS in a large cohort of PHPIa- and PPHP patients and identified 58 different mutations in 88 patients and 27 relatives. Thirty-three mutations including 15 missense mutations were newly discovered. Furthermore, we found three hot spots: a known hotspot (p.D190MfsX14), a second at codon 166 (p.R166C), and a third at the exon 5 acceptor splice site (c.435 + 1G>A), found in 15, 5, and 4 unrelated patients, respectively. Comparing the clinical features to the molecular genetic data, a significantly higher occurrence of subcutaneous calcifications in patients harboring truncating versus missense mutations was demonstrated. Thus, in the largest cohort of PHPIa patients described to date, we extend the spectrum of known GNAS mutations and hot spots and demonstrate for the first time a correlation between the genetic defects and the expression of a clinical AHO-feature.

GNAS mutations in Pseudohypoparathyroidism type 1a and related disorders

Pseudohypoparathyroidism type 1a (PHP1a) is characterized by hypocalcaemia and hyperphosphatemia due to parathyroid hormone resistance, in association with the features of Albright's hereditary osteodystrophy (AHO). PHP1a is caused by maternally inherited inactivating mutations of Gs-alpha, which is encoded by a complex imprinted locus termed GNAS. Paternally inherited mutations can lead either to pseudopseudohypoparathyroidism (PPHP) characterized by AHO alone, or to progressive osseous heteroplasia (POH), characterized by severe heterotopic ossification. The clinical aspects and molecular genetics of PHP1a and its related disorders are reviewed together with the 343 kindreds with Gs-alpha germline mutations reported so far in the literature. These 343 (176 different) mutations are scattered throughout the 13 exons that encode Gs-alpha and consist of 44.9% frameshift, 28.0% missense, 14.0% nonsense, and 9.0% splice-site mutations, 3.2% in-frame deletions or insertions, and 0.9% whole or partial gene deletions. Frameshift and other highly disruptive mutations were more frequent in the reported 37 POH kindreds than in PHP1a/PPHP kindreds (97.3% vs. 68.7%, P < 0.0001). This mutation update and respective genotype-phenotype data may be of use for diagnostic and research purposes and contribute to a better understanding of these complex disorders.

Endochondral ossification in a case of progressive osseous heteroplasia in a young female child

Progressive osseous heteroplasia (POH) (OMIM 166350) is a rare autosomal dominant condition, characterized by heterotopic ossification of the skin, subcutaneous fat, and deep connective tissue. This condition is distinct from Albright's hereditary osteodystrophy or McCune Albright syndrome (OMIM 103580) and fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (OMIM 135100). We present an unusual presentation of POH in a 7-year-old female child. The clinical features included a painful swelling on the left foot, with mechanical complaints. There was no congenital hallux valgus. Family anamnesis was positive in the father. There were subcutaneous ossifications of his left upper arm, right-sided thorax, and lateral side of the right ankle. The father did not allow any radiographs or further examinations. Radiographic examination of the patient revealed ossified subcutaneous plaques on the left foot, lumbar spine, and left scapulae. Additional blood samples were analyzed, revealing no pseudohypoparathyroidism. Sequence analysis of the gene associated with POH, the GNAS1 gene, revealed the heterozygote mutation c.565_568del, previously found in Albright's hereditary osteodystrophy. Histopathological examination of the subcutaneous ossification showed presence of chondrocyte clusters, a feature usually found in fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva. The combination of the clinical features, the absence of pseudohypoparathyroidism, histology revealing chondrocyte clusters, and the specific GNAS mutation in this patient makes this a truly unusual presentation of POH. The findings in the described case might denote subdivisions of POH. The condition is associated with progressive superficial to deep ossification, progressive restriction of range of motion, and recurrence if excised. We hope to inform pediatricians and orthopedic surgeons to create more awareness of this disorder so that unnecessary treatments can be avoided and proper counseling offered.

Postnatal establishment of allelic Gαs silencing as a plausible explanation for delayed onset of parathyroid hormone resistance owing to heterozygous Gαs disruption

Pseudohypoparathyroidism type-Ia (PHP-Ia), characterized by renal proximal tubular resistance to parathyroid hormone (PTH), results from maternal mutations of GNAS that lead to loss of α-subunit of the stimulatory G protein (Gαs) activity. Gαs expression is paternally silenced in the renal proximal tubule, and this genomic event is critical for the development of PTH resistance, as patients display impaired hormone action only if the mutation is inherited maternally. The primary clinical finding of PHP-Ia is hypocalcemia, which can lead to various neuromuscular defects including seizures. PHP-Ia patients frequently do not present with hypocalcemia until after infancy, but it has remained uncertain whether PTH resistance occurs in a delayed fashion. Analyzing reported cases of PHP-Ia with documented GNAS mutations and mice heterozygous for disruption of Gnas, we herein determined that the manifestation of PTH resistance caused by the maternal loss of Gαs, ie, hypocalcemia and elevated serum PTH, occurs after early postnatal life. To investigate whether this delay could reflect gradual development of paternal Gαs silencing, we then analyzed renal proximal tubules isolated by laser capture microdissection from mice with either maternal or paternal disruption of Gnas. Our results revealed that, whereas expression of Gαs mRNA in this tissue is predominantly from the maternal Gnas allele at weaning (3 weeks postnatal) and in adulthood, the contributions of the maternal and paternal Gnas alleles to Gαs mRNA expression are equal at postnatal day 3. In contrast, we found that paternal Gαs expression is already markedly repressed in brown adipose tissue at birth. Thus, the mechanisms silencing the paternal Gαs allele in renal proximal tubules are not operational during early postnatal development, and this finding correlates well with the latency of PTH resistance in patients with PHP-Ia.

Muscle pouch implantation: an ectopic bone formation model

Ectopic bone formation refers to the ossification of tissue outside of its typical microenvironment. Numerous animal models exist to experimentally induce ectopic bone formation in order to examine the process of osteogenesis or to evaluate the "osteogenic potential" of a given implant. The most widely employed methods in the rodent include subcutaneous, intramuscular, and renal capsule implantation. This chapter will outline the (1) clinical correlates to ectopic ossification, (2) a brief history of experimental models of ectopic ossification, (3) advantages and disadvantages of various models (with a focus on rodent models), and (4) detailed methods and explanation of a mouse intramuscular implantation procedure.

Screening for GNAS genetic and epigenetic alterations in progressive osseous heteroplasia: first Italian series

Progressive osseous heteroplasia (POH) is a rare autosomal dominant disorder of mesenchymal differentiation characterized by progressive heterotopic ossification (HO) of dermis, deep connective tissues and skeletal muscle. Usually, initial bone formation occurs during infancy as primary osteoma cutis (OC) then progressively extending into deep connective tissues and skeletal muscle over childhood. Most cases of POH are caused by paternally inherited inactivating mutations of GNAS gene. Maternally inherited mutations as well as epigenetic defects of the same gene lead to pseudohypoparathyroidism (PHP) and Albright's hereditary osteodystrophy (AHO). During the last decade, some reports documented the existence of patients with POH showing additional features characteristic of AHO such as short stature and brachydactyly, previously thought to occur only in other GNAS-associated disorders. Thus, POH can now be considered as part of a wide spectrum of ectopic bone formation disorders caused by inactivating GNAS mutations. Here, we report genetic and epigenetic analyses of GNAS locus in 10 patients affected with POH or primary OC, further expanding the spectrum of mutations associated with this rare disease and indicating that, unlike PHP, methylation alterations at the same locus are absent or uncommon in this disorder.

Paternal GNAS mutations lead to severe intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) and provide evidence for a role of XLαs in fetal development

CONTEXT

Heterozygous GNAS inactivating mutations cause pseudohypoparathyroidism type Ia (PHP-Ia) when maternally inherited and pseudopseudohypoparathyroidism (PPHP)/progressive osseous heteroplasia (POH) when paternally inherited. Recent studies have suggested that mutations on the paternal, but not the maternal, GNAS allele could be associated with intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) and thus small size for gestational age.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the study was to confirm and expand these findings in a large number of patients presenting with either PHP-Ia or PPHP/POH.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We collected birth parameters (ie, gestational age, weight, length, and head circumference) of patients with either PHP-Ia (n = 29) or PPHP/POH (n = 26) with verified GNAS mutations. The parental allele carrying the mutation was assessed by investigating the parents or, when a de novo mutation was identified, through informative intragenic polymorphisms.

RESULTS

Heterozygous GNAS mutations on either parental allele were associated with IUGR. However, when these mutations are located on the paternal GNAS allele, IUGR was considerably more pronounced than with mutations on the maternal allele. Moreover, birth weights were lower with paternal GNAS mutations affecting exons 2-13 than with exon 1/intron 1 mutations.

CONCLUSIONS

These data indicate that a paternally derived GNAS transcript, possibly XLαs, is required for normal fetal growth and development and that this transcript affects placental functions. Thus, similar to other imprinted genes, GNAS controls growth and/or fetal development.

The GNAS complex locus and human diseases associated with loss-of-function mutations or epimutations within this imprinted gene

GNAS is a complex imprinted locus leading to several different gene products that show exclusive monoallelic expression. GNAS also encodes the α-subunit of the stimulatory G protein (Gsα), a ubiquitously expressed signaling protein that is essential for the actions of many hormones and other endogenous molecules. Gsα is expressed biallelically in most tissues but its expression is silenced from the paternal allele in a small number of tissues. The tissue-specific paternal silencing of Gsα results in different parent-of-origin-specific phenotypes in patients who carry inactivating GNAS mutations. In this paper, we review the GNAS complex locus and discuss how disruption of Gsα expression and the expression of other GNAS products shape the phenotypes of human disorders caused by mutations in this gene.

A mouse model for osseous heteroplasia

GNAS/Gnas encodes G_sα that is mainly biallelically expressed but shows imprinted expression in some tissues. In Albright Hereditary Osteodystrophy (AHO) heterozygous loss of function mutations of GNAS can result in ectopic ossification that tends to be superficial and attributable to haploinsufficiency of biallelically expressed G_sα. Oed-Sml is a point missense mutation in exon 6 of the orthologous mouse locus Gnas. We report here both the late onset ossification and occurrence of benign cutaneous fibroepithelial polyps in Oed-Sml. These phenotypes are seen on both maternal and paternal inheritance of the mutant allele and are therefore due to an effect on biallelically expressed G_sα. The ossification is confined to subcutaneous tissues and so resembles the ossification observed with AHO. Our mouse model is the first with both subcutaneous ossification and fibroepithelial polyps related to G_sα deficiency. It is also the first mouse model described with a clinically relevant phenotype associated with a point mutation in G_sα and may be useful in investigations of the mechanisms of heterotopic bone formation. Together with earlier results, our findings indicate that G_sα signalling pathways play a vital role in repressing ectopic bone formation.

An update on the clinical and molecular characteristics of pseudohypoparathyroidism

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To provide the reader with a review of contemporary literature describing the evolving understanding of the molecular pathobiology of pseudohypoparathyroidism (PHP).

RECENT FINDINGS

The features of PHP type 1 reflect imprinting of the GNAS gene, which encodes the α subunit of the heterotrimeric G protein (Gα(s)) that couples heptahelical receptors to activation of adenylyl cyclase. Transcription of Gα(s) is biallelic in most cells, but is primarily from the maternal allele in some tissues (e.g. proximal renal tubules, thyroid, pituitary somatotropes, gonads). Patients with PHP 1a have heterozygous mutations within the exons of the maternal GNAS allele that encode Gα(s), whereas patients with PHP 1b have methylation defects in the GNAS locus that reduce transcription of Gα(s) from the maternal allele. In both PHP 1a and PHP 1b, paternal imprinting of Gα(s) leads to resistance to parathyroid hormone and TSH. Although brachydactyly is characteristic of PHP 1a, it is sometimes present in patients with PHP 1b.

SUMMARY

Molecular studies enable a distinction between PHP 1a and PHP 1b, with different mechanisms accounting for Gα(s) deficiency. Clinical overlap between these two forms of PHP type 1 is likely due to the variable levels of Gα(s) activity expressed in specific cell types.

Paternally inherited gsα mutation impairs adipogenesis and potentiates a lean phenotype in vivo

Paternally inherited inactivating mutations of the GNAS gene have been associated with a rare and disabling genetic disorder, progressive osseous heteroplasia, in which heterotopic ossification occurs within extraskeletal soft tissues, such as skin, subcutaneous fat, and skeletal muscle. This ectopic bone formation is hypothesized to be caused by dysregulated mesenchymal progenitor cell differentiation that affects a bipotential osteogenic-adipogenic lineage cell fate switch. Interestingly, patients with paternally inherited inactivating mutations of GNAS are uniformly lean. Using a mouse model of Gsα-specific exon 1 disruption, we examined whether heterozygous inactivation of Gnas affects adipogenic differentiation of mesenchymal precursor cells from subcutaneous adipose tissues (fat pad). We found that paternally inherited Gsα inactivation (Gsα(+/p-) ) impairs adipogenic differentiation of adipose-derived stromal cells (ASCs). The Gsα(+/p-) mutation in ASCs also decreased expression of the adipogenic factors CCAAT-enhancer-binding protein (C/EBP)β, C/EBPα, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma, and adipocyte protein 2. Impaired adipocyte differentiation was rescued by an adenylyl cyclase activator, forskolin, and provided evidence that Gsα-cAMP signals are necessary in early stages of this process. Supporting a role for Gnas in adipogenesis in vivo, fat tissue weight and expression of adipogenic genes from multiple types of adipose tissues from Gsα(+/p-) mice were significantly decreased. Interestingly, the inhibition of adipogenesis by paternally inherited Gsα mutation also enhances expression of the osteogenic factors, msh homeobox 2, runt-related transcription factor 2, and osteocalcin. These data support the hypothesis that Gsα plays a critical role in regulating the balance between fat and bone determination in soft tissues, a finding that has important implications for a wide variety of disorders of osteogenesis and adipogenesis.

Infantile osteoma cutis as a presentation of a GNAS mutation

We report a case of osteoma cutis associated with a GNAS mutation in a 7-month-old boy. The patient displayed no other laboratory or physical abnormalities to suggest other GNAS-associated disorders of cutaneous ossification, including Albright's hereditary osteodystrophy or pseudohypoparathyroidism 1A, although a history of intrauterine growth restriction was troubling for progressive osseous heteroplasia. A review of the clinical and laboratory manifestations of these disorders is discussed, as well as differentiating features.

Heterozygous inactivation of Gnas in adipose-derived mesenchymal progenitor cells enhances osteoblast differentiation and promotes heterotopic ossification

Human genetic disorders sharing the common feature of subcutaneous heterotopic ossification (HO) are caused by heterozygous inactivating mutations in GNAS, a gene encoding multiple transcripts including two stimulatory G proteins, the α subunit of the stimulatory G protein (G(s)α) of adenylyl cyclase, and the extralong form of G(s)α, XLαs. In one such disorder, progressive osseous heteroplasia (POH), bone formation initiates within subcutaneous fat before progressing to deeper tissues, suggesting that osteogenesis may involve abnormal differentiation of mesenchymal precursors that are present in adipose tissues. We determined by immunohistochemical analysis that GNAS protein expression is limited to G(s)α in bone-lining cells and to G(s)α and XLαs in osteocytes. By contrast, the GNAS proteins G(s)α, XLαs, and NESP55 are detected in adipocytes and in adipose stroma. Although Gnas transcripts, as assessed by quantitative RT-PCR, show no significant changes on osteoblast differentiation of bone-derived precursor cells, the abundance of these transcripts is enhanced by osteoblast differentiation of adipose-derived mesenchymal progenitors. Using a mouse knockout model, we determined that heterozygous inactivation of Gnas (by disruption of the G(s)α-specific exon 1) abrogates upregulation of multiple Gnas transcripts that normally occurs with osteoblast differentiation in wild-type adipose stromal cells. These transcriptional changes in Gnas(+/-) mice are accompanied by accelerated osteoblast differentiation of adipose stromal cells in vitro. In vivo, altered osteoblast differentiation in Gnas(+/-) mice manifests as subcutaneous HO by an intramembranous process. Taken together, these data suggest that Gnas is a key regulator of fate decisions in adipose-derived mesenchymal progenitor cells, specifically those which are involved in bone formation.

Heterotopic ossifications in a mouse model of albright hereditary osteodystrophy

Albright hereditary osteodystrophy (AHO) is characterized by short stature, brachydactyly, and often heterotopic ossifications that are typically subcutaneous. Subcutaneous ossifications (SCO) cause considerable morbidity in AHO with no effective treatment. AHO is caused by heterozygous inactivating mutations in those GNAS exons encoding the α-subunit of the stimulatory G protein (Gα(s)). When inherited maternally, these mutations are associated with obesity, cognitive impairment, and resistance to certain hormones that mediate their actions through G protein-coupled receptors, a condition termed pseudohypoparathyroidism type 1a (PHP1a). When inherited paternally, GNAS mutations cause only AHO but not hormonal resistance, termed pseudopseudohypoparathyroidism (PPHP). Mice with targeted disruption of exon 1 of Gnas (Gnas(E1-/+)) replicate human PHP1a or PPHP phenotypically and hormonally. However, SCO have not yet been reported in Gnas(E1+/-) mice, at least not those that had been analyzed by us up to 3 months of age. Here we now show that Gnas(E1-/+) animals develop SCO over time. The ossified lesions increase in number and size and are uniformly detected in adult mice by one year of age. They are located in both the dermis, often in perifollicular areas, and the subcutis. These lesions are particularly prominent in skin prone to injury or pressure. The SCO comprise mature bone with evidence of mineral deposition and bone marrow elements. Superficial localization was confirmed by radiographic and computerized tomographic imaging. In situ hybridization of SCO lesions were positive for both osteonectin and osteopontin. Notably, the ossifications were much more extensive in males than females. Because Gnas(E1-/+) mice develop SCO features that are similar to those observed in AHO patients, these animals provide a model system suitable for investigating pathogenic mechanisms involved in SCO formation and for developing novel therapeutics for heterotopic bone formation. Moreover, these mice provide a model with which to investigate the regulatory mechanisms of bone formation.