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Pozojevic J, Sivaprasad R, Laß J, Haarich F, Trinh J, Kakar N, Schulz K, Händler K, Verrijn Stuart AA, Giltay JC, van Gassen KL, Caliebe A, Holterhus PM, Spielmann M, Hornig NC. LINE1-mediated epigenetic repression of androgen receptor transcription causes androgen insensitivity syndrome. Sci Rep 2024; 14:16302. [PMID: 39009627 PMCID: PMC11251026 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-65439-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Androgen insensitivity syndrome (AIS) is a difference of sex development (DSD) characterized by different degrees of undervirilization in individuals with a 46,XY karyotype despite normal to high gonadal testosterone production. Classically, AIS is explained by hemizygous mutations in the X-chromosomal androgen receptor (AR) gene. Nevertheless, the majority of individuals with clinically diagnosed AIS do not carry an AR gene mutation. Here, we present a patient with a 46,XY karyotype, born with undervirilized genitalia, age-appropriate testosterone levels and no uterus, characteristic for AIS. Diagnostic whole exome sequencing (WES) showed a maternally inherited LINE1 (L1) retrotransposon insertion in the 5' untranslated region (5'UTR) of the AR gene. Long-read nanopore sequencing confirmed this as an insertion of a truncated L1 element of ≈ 2.7 kb and showed an increased DNA methylation at the L1 insertion site in patient-derived genital skin fibroblasts (GSFs) compared to healthy controls. The insertion coincided with reduced AR transcript and protein levels in patient-derived GSFs confirming the clinical diagnosis AIS. Our results underline the relevance of retrotransposons in human disease, and expand the growing list of human diseases associated with them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jelena Pozojevic
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Lübeck and University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Lübeck, Germany.
| | - Radhika Sivaprasad
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Kiel and University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany
| | - Joshua Laß
- Institute of Neurogenetics, University of Lübeck and University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Franziska Haarich
- Institute of Cardiogenetics, University of Lübeck and German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Hamburg/Lübeck/Kiel, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Joanne Trinh
- Institute of Neurogenetics, University of Lübeck and University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Naseebullah Kakar
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Lübeck and University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Lübeck, Germany
- Department of Biotechnology, FLS&I, BUITEMS, Quetta, Pakistan
| | - Kristin Schulz
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Lübeck and University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Kristian Händler
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Lübeck and University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Annemarie A Verrijn Stuart
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jacques C Giltay
- Division Laboratories, Pharmacy and Biomedical Genetics, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Koen L van Gassen
- Department of Genetics, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Almuth Caliebe
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Kiel and University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany
| | - Paul-Martin Holterhus
- Division of Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Paediatrics, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany
| | - Malte Spielmann
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Lübeck and University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Lübeck, Germany
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Kiel and University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany
- Human Molecular Genomics Group, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, Berlin, Germany
- German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Hamburg/Lübeck/Kiel, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Nadine C Hornig
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Kiel and University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany.
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Giuliatti S, Benedetti AFF, Ramos RM, Petroli RJ, Domenice S, Mendonca BB, Batista RL. Hydropathic AF-2 variants in the androgen receptor gene among androgen insensitivity patients. Andrology 2024. [PMID: 38923406 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Androgen insensitivity syndrome (AIS) is a common condition among individuals with differences of sexual development (DSD) and results from germline allelic variants in the androgen receptor (AR) gene. Understanding the phenotypic consequences of AR allelic variants that disrupt the activation function 2 (AF2) region is essential to grasping its clinical significance. OBJECTIVES This study aims to provide insights into the phenotypic characteristics and clinical impact of AR mutations affecting the AF2 region in AIS patients. We achieve this by reviewing reported AR variants in the AF2 region among individuals with AIS, including identifying a new phenotype associated with the c.2138T>C variant (p.Leu713Pro) in the AR gene. MATERIALS AND METHODS We comprehensively reviewed AR variants within the AF2 region reported in AIS and applied molecular dynamics simulations to assess the impact of the p.Leu713Pro variant on protein dynamics. RESULTS Our review of reported AR variants in the AF2 region revealed a spectrum of phenotypic outcomes in AIS patients. Molecular dynamics simulations indicated that the p.Leu713Pro variant significantly alters the local dynamics of the AR protein and disrupts the correlation and covariance between variables. DISCUSSION The diverse phenotypic presentations observed among individuals with AR variants in the AF2 region highlight the complexity of AIS. The altered protein dynamics resulting from the p.Leu713Pro variant further emphasize the importance of the AF2 region in AR function. CONCLUSION Our study provides valuable insights into AR mutations' phenotypic characteristics and clinical impact on the AF2 region in AIS. Moreover, the disruption of protein dynamics underscores the significance of the AF2 region in AR function and its role in the pathogenesis of AIS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvana Giuliatti
- Department of Genetics, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Anna Flavia Figueredo Benedetti
- Developmental Endocrinology Unit, Hormone and Molecular Genetics Laboratory (LIM/42), Endocrinology Division, Internal Medicine Department, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Raquel Martinez Ramos
- Developmental Endocrinology Unit, Hormone and Molecular Genetics Laboratory (LIM/42), Endocrinology Division, Internal Medicine Department, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Reginaldo José Petroli
- Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade Federal de Alagoas (UFAL), Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Médicas - UFAL, Alagoas, Brazil
| | - Sorahia Domenice
- Developmental Endocrinology Unit, Hormone and Molecular Genetics Laboratory (LIM/42), Endocrinology Division, Internal Medicine Department, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Berenice Bilharinho Mendonca
- Developmental Endocrinology Unit, Hormone and Molecular Genetics Laboratory (LIM/42), Endocrinology Division, Internal Medicine Department, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rafael Loch Batista
- Developmental Endocrinology Unit, Hormone and Molecular Genetics Laboratory (LIM/42), Endocrinology Division, Internal Medicine Department, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazil
- Instituto do Câncer do Estado de São Paulo da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (ICESP), São Paulo, Brazil
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Del Gobbo GF, Wang X, Couse M, Mackay L, Goldsmith C, Marshall AE, Liang Y, Lambert C, Zhang S, Dhillon H, Fanslow C, Rowell WJ, Marshall CR, Kernohan KD, Boycott KM. Long-read genome sequencing reveals a novel intronic retroelement insertion in NR5A1 associated with 46,XY differences of sexual development. Am J Med Genet A 2024; 194:e63522. [PMID: 38131126 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.63522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Despite significant advancements in rare genetic disease diagnostics, many patients with rare genetic disease remain without a molecular diagnosis. Novel tools and methods are needed to improve the detection of disease-associated variants and understand the genetic basis of many rare diseases. Long-read genome sequencing provides improved sequencing in highly repetitive, homologous, and low-complexity regions, and improved assessment of structural variation and complex genomic rearrangements compared to short-read genome sequencing. As such, it is a promising method to explore overlooked genetic variants in rare diseases with a high suspicion of a genetic basis. We therefore applied PacBio HiFi sequencing in a large multi-generational family presenting with autosomal dominant 46,XY differences of sexual development (DSD), for whom extensive molecular testing over multiple decades had failed to identify a molecular diagnosis. This revealed a rare SINE-VNTR-Alu retroelement insertion in intron 4 of NR5A1, a gene in which loss-of-function variants are an established cause of 46,XY DSD. The insertion segregated among affected family members and was associated with loss-of-expression of alleles in cis, demonstrating a functional impact on NR5A1. This case highlights the power of long-read genome sequencing to detect genomic variants that have previously been intractable to detection by standard short-read genomic testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia F Del Gobbo
- Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Xueqi Wang
- Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Madeline Couse
- Centre for Computational Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
| | - Layla Mackay
- Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
- Department of Genetics, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Claire Goldsmith
- Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
- Department of Genetics, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Aren E Marshall
- Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Yijing Liang
- Centre for Computational Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
| | | | - Siyuan Zhang
- PacBio of California, Inc, Menlo Park, California, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Kristin D Kernohan
- Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
- Newborn Screening Ontario, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Kym M Boycott
- Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
- Department of Genetics, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Ottawa, Canada
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Ramos RM, Petroli RJ, D'Alessandre NDR, Guardia GDA, Afonso ACDF, Nishi MY, Domenice S, Galante PAF, Mendonca BB, Batista RL. Small Indels in the Androgen Receptor Gene: Phenotype Implications and Mechanisms of Mutagenesis. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2023; 109:68-79. [PMID: 37572362 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgad470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/14/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Despite high abundance of small indels in human genomes, their precise roles and underlying mechanisms of mutagenesis in Mendelian disorders require further investigation. OBJECTIVE To profile the distribution, functional implications, and mechanisms of small indels in the androgen receptor (AR) gene in individuals with androgen insensitivity syndrome (AIS). METHODS We conducted a systematic review of previously reported indels within the coding region of the AR gene, including 3 novel indels. Distribution throughout the AR coding region was examined and compared with genomic population data. Additionally, we assessed their impact on the AIS phenotype and investigated potential mechanisms driving their occurrence. RESULTS A total of 82 indels in AIS were included. Notably, all frameshift indels exhibited complete AIS. The distribution of indels across the AR gene showed a predominance in the N-terminal domain, most leading to frameshift mutations. Small deletions accounted for 59.7%. Most indels occurred in nonrepetitive sequences, with 15.8% situated within triplet regions. Gene burden analysis demonstrated significant enrichment of frameshift indels in AIS compared with controls (P < .00001), and deletions were overrepresented in AIS (P < .00001). CONCLUSION Our findings underscore a robust genotype-phenotype relationship regarding small indels in the AR gene in AIS, with a vast majority presenting complete AIS. Triplet regions and homopolymeric runs emerged as prone loci for small indels within the AR. Most were frameshift indels, with polymerase slippage potentially explaining half of AR indel occurrences. Complex frameshift indels exhibited association with palindromic runs. These discoveries advance understanding of the genetic basis of AIS and shed light on potential mechanisms underlying pathogenic small indel events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel Martinez Ramos
- Developmental Endocrinology Unit, Hormone and Molecular Genetics Laboratory (LIM/42), Endocrinology Division, Internal Medicine Department, Medical School, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, SP, 05403-000, Brazil
| | - Reginaldo José Petroli
- Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade Federal de Alagoas (UFAL), Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Médicas-UFAL, Maceió, AL, 57072-900, Brazil
| | | | | | - Ana Caroline de Freitas Afonso
- Developmental Endocrinology Unit, Hormone and Molecular Genetics Laboratory (LIM/42), Endocrinology Division, Internal Medicine Department, Medical School, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, SP, 05403-000, Brazil
| | - Mirian Yumie Nishi
- Developmental Endocrinology Unit, Hormone and Molecular Genetics Laboratory (LIM/42), Endocrinology Division, Internal Medicine Department, Medical School, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, SP, 05403-000, Brazil
| | - Sorahia Domenice
- Developmental Endocrinology Unit, Hormone and Molecular Genetics Laboratory (LIM/42), Endocrinology Division, Internal Medicine Department, Medical School, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, SP, 05403-000, Brazil
| | | | - Berenice Bilharinho Mendonca
- Developmental Endocrinology Unit, Hormone and Molecular Genetics Laboratory (LIM/42), Endocrinology Division, Internal Medicine Department, Medical School, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, SP, 05403-000, Brazil
| | - Rafael Loch Batista
- Developmental Endocrinology Unit, Hormone and Molecular Genetics Laboratory (LIM/42), Endocrinology Division, Internal Medicine Department, Medical School, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, SP, 05403-000, Brazil
- Instituto do Câncer do Estado de São Paulo da Faculdade, de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (ICESP), São Paulo, SP, 01246-000, Brazil
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Noveski P, Plaseski T, Dimitrovska M, Plaseska-Karanfilska D. Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome DUE to Non-Coding Variation in the Androgen Receptor Gene: Review of the Literature and Case Report of a Patient with Mosaic c.-547C>T Variant. Balkan J Med Genet 2023; 26:51-56. [PMID: 37576790 PMCID: PMC10413879 DOI: 10.2478/bjmg-2023-0012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Sexual development (SD) is a complex process with strict spatiotemporal regulation of gene expression. Despite advancements in molecular diagnostics, disorders of sexual development (DSD) have a diagnostic rate of ~50%. Androgen insensitivity syndrome (AIS) represents the most common form of 46,XY DSD, with a spectrum of defects in androgen action. Considering the importance of very strict regulation of the SD, it is reasonable to assume that the genetic cause for proportion of the DSD lies in the non-coding part of the genome that regulates proper gene functioning. Here we present a patient with partial AIS (PAIS) due to a mosaic de novo c.-547C>T pathogenic variant in the 5'UTR of androgen receptor (AR) gene. The same mutation was previously described as inherited, in two unrelated patients with complete AIS (CAIS). Thus, our case further confirms the previous findings that variable gene expressivity could be attributed to mosaicism. Mutations in 5'UTR could create new upstream open reading frames (uORFs) or could disrupt the existing one. A recent systematic genome-wide study identified AR as a member of a subset of genes where modifications of uORFs represents an important disease mechanism. Only a small number of studies are reporting non-coding mutations in the AR gene and our case emphasizes the importance of molecular testing of the entire AR locus in AIS patients. The introduction of new methods for comprehensive molecular testing in routine genetic diagnosis, accompanied with new tools for in sillico analysis could improve the genetic diagnosis of AIS, and DSD in general.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Noveski
- Research Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology ‘Georgi D. Efremov’, Macedonian Academy of Sciences and Arts, 1000Skopje, Republic of North Macedonia
| | - T Plaseski
- University Clinic of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolic Disorders, Clinical Centre “Mother Teresa“, 1000Skopje, Republic of North Macedonia
| | - M Dimitrovska
- University Clinic of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolic Disorders, Clinical Centre “Mother Teresa“, 1000Skopje, Republic of North Macedonia
| | - D Plaseska-Karanfilska
- Research Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology ‘Georgi D. Efremov’, Macedonian Academy of Sciences and Arts, 1000Skopje, Republic of North Macedonia
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Ahmed SF, Alimusina M, Batista RL, Domenice S, Lisboa Gomes N, McGowan R, Patjamontri S, Mendonca BB. The Use of Genetics for Reaching a Diagnosis in XY DSD. Sex Dev 2022; 16:207-224. [DOI: 10.1159/000524881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Reaching a firm diagnosis is vital for the long-term management of a patient with a difference or disorder of sex development (DSD). This is especially the case in XY DSD where the diagnostic yield is particularly low. Molecular genetic technology is playing an increasingly important role in the diagnostic process, and it is highly likely that it will be used more often at an earlier stage in the diagnostic process. In many cases of DSD, the clinical utility of molecular genetics is unequivocally clear, but in many other cases there is a need for careful exploration of the benefit of genetic diagnosis through long-term monitoring of these cases. Furthermore, the incorporation of molecular genetics into the diagnostic process requires a careful appreciation of the strengths and weaknesses of the evolving technology, and the interpretation of the results requires a clear understanding of the wide range of conditions that are associated with DSD.
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Gomes NL, Batista RL, Nishi MY, Lerário AM, Silva TE, de Moraes Narcizo A, Benedetti AFF, de Assis Funari MF, Faria Junior JA, Moraes DR, Quintão LML, Montenegro LR, Ferrari MTM, Jorge AA, Arnhold IJP, Costa EMF, Domenice S, Mendonca BB. Contribution of Clinical and Genetic Approaches for Diagnosing 209 Index Cases With 46,XY Differences of Sex Development. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2022; 107:e1797-e1806. [PMID: 35134971 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgac064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Massively parallel sequencing (MPS) technologies have emerged as a first-tier approach for diagnosing several pediatric genetic syndromes. However, MPS has not been systematically integrated into the diagnostic workflow along with clinical/biochemical data for diagnosing 46,XY differences of sex development (DSD). OBJECTIVE To analyze the contribution of phenotypic classification either alone or in association with genetic evaluations, mainly MPS, for diagnosing a large cohort of 46,XY DSD patients. DESIGN/PATIENTS 209 nonsyndromic 46,XY DSD index cases from a Brazilian DSD center were included. Patients were initially classified into 3 subgroups according to clinical and biochemical data: gonadal dysgenesis (GD), disorders of androgen secretion/action, and DSD of unknown etiology. Molecular genetic studies were performed by Sanger sequencing and/or MPS. RESULTS Clinical/biochemical classification into either GD or disorders of hormone secretion/action was obtained in 68.4% of the index cases. Among these, a molecular diagnosis was obtained in 36% and 96.5%, respectively. For the remainder 31.6% classified as DSD of clinically unknown etiology, a molecular diagnosis was achieved in 31.8%. Overall, the molecular diagnosis was achieved in 59.3% of the cohort. The combination of clinical/biochemical and molecular approaches diagnosed 78.9% of the patients. Clinical/biochemical classification matched with the genetic diagnosis in all except 1 case. DHX37 and NR5A1 variants were the most frequent genetic causes among patients with GD and DSD of clinical unknown etiology, respectively. CONCLUSIONS The combination of clinical/biochemical with genetic approaches significantly improved the diagnosis of 46,XY DSD. MPS potentially decreases the complexity of the diagnostic workup as a first-line approach for diagnosing 46,XY DSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathalia Lisboa Gomes
- Unidade de Endocrinologia do Desenvolvimento/ LIM42, Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Unidade de Adrenal, Serviço de Endocrinologia, Santa Casa de Belo Horizonte, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Rafael Loch Batista
- Unidade de Endocrinologia do Desenvolvimento/ LIM42, Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Mirian Y Nishi
- Unidade de Endocrinologia do Desenvolvimento/ LIM42, Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Antônio Marcondes Lerário
- Division of Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Endocrinology and Diabetes, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Thatiana E Silva
- Unidade de Endocrinologia do Desenvolvimento/ LIM42, Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Amanda de Moraes Narcizo
- Laboratório de Sequenciamento em Larga Escala (SELA), Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo FMUSP, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Anna Flávia Figueredo Benedetti
- Laboratório de Sequenciamento em Larga Escala (SELA), Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo FMUSP, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Mariana Ferreira de Assis Funari
- Unidade de Endocrinologia do Desenvolvimento/ LIM42, Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - José Antônio Faria Junior
- Unidade de Endocrinologia do Desenvolvimento/ LIM42, Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Daniela Rodrigues Moraes
- Unidade de Endocrinologia do Desenvolvimento/ LIM42, Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Lia Mesquita Lousada Quintão
- Unidade de Endocrinologia do Desenvolvimento/ LIM42, Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Luciana Ribeiro Montenegro
- Unidade de Endocrinologia do Desenvolvimento/ LIM42, Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Maria Teresa Martins Ferrari
- Unidade de Endocrinologia do Desenvolvimento/ LIM42, Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Alexander A Jorge
- Unidade de Endocrinologia do Desenvolvimento/ LIM42, Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Unidade de Endocrinologia Genética, Laboratório de Endocrinologia Celular e Molecular LIM25, Disciplina de Endocrinologia da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ivo J P Arnhold
- Unidade de Endocrinologia do Desenvolvimento/ LIM42, Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Elaine Maria Frade Costa
- Unidade de Endocrinologia do Desenvolvimento/ LIM42, Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Sorahia Domenice
- Unidade de Endocrinologia do Desenvolvimento/ LIM42, Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Berenice Bilharinho Mendonca
- Unidade de Endocrinologia do Desenvolvimento/ LIM42, Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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Hornig NC, Holterhus PM. Molecular basis of androgen insensitivity syndromes. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2021; 523:111146. [PMID: 33385475 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2020.111146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Revised: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Individuals with complete androgen insensitivity syndrome show a female genital phenotype despite 46, XY gonosomes and the presence of androgen producing testes. This clinical observation indicates the resistance of the body and its cells to androgens like testosterone. At the molecular level, this hormone resistance is caused by hemizygous loss of function mutations in the X-chromosomal androgen receptor (AR) gene. Partial forms of androgen insensitivity syndrome (PAIS) show different degrees of virilisation largely depending on the remaining activity of the AR. Nevertheless, the phenotypic outcome can be variable even in presence of the same mutation and in the same kindred indicating the presence of further influencing factors. Importantly, the majority of clinically diagnosed PAIS individuals do not bear a mutation in their AR gene. A recent assay using the androgen regulated gene apolipoprotein D as biomarker is able to detect androgen insensitivity on the cellular level even in absence of an AR gene mutation. Using this assay a class of AIS without an AR-gene mutation was defined as AIS type II and suggests that unidentified cofactors of the AR are responsible for the PAIS phenotype. Here we outline the scientific progress made from the first clinical definition of AIS over biochemical and molecular characterizations to the concept of AIS type II. This review is based on publications in the PubMed database of the National Institutes of Health using the search terms androgen insensitivity syndrome and androgen receptor mutation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadine C Hornig
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel & University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany.
| | - Paul-Martin Holterhus
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel & University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany
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Ukadike KC, Mustelin T. Implications of Endogenous Retroelements in the Etiopathogenesis of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. J Clin Med 2021; 10:856. [PMID: 33669709 PMCID: PMC7922054 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10040856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Revised: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a heterogeneous autoimmune disease. While its etiology remains elusive, current understanding suggests a multifactorial process with contributions by genetic, immunologic, hormonal, and environmental factors. A hypothesis that combines several of these factors proposes that genomic elements, the L1 retrotransposons, are instrumental in SLE pathogenesis. L1 retroelements are transcriptionally activated in SLE and produce two proteins, ORF1p and ORF2p, which are immunogenic and can drive type I interferon (IFN) production by producing DNA species that activate cytosolic DNA sensors. In addition, these two proteins reside in RNA-rich macromolecular assemblies that also contain well-known SLE autoantigens like Ro60. We surmise that cells expressing L1 will exhibit all the hallmarks of cells infected by a virus, resulting in a cellular and humoral immune response similar to those in chronic viral infections. However, unlike exogenous viruses, L1 retroelements cannot be eliminated from the host genome. Hence, dysregulated L1 will cause a chronic, but perhaps episodic, challenge for the immune system. The clinical and immunological features of SLE can be at least partly explained by this model. Here we review the support for, and the gaps in, this hypothesis of SLE and its potential for new diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic options in SLE.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tomas Mustelin
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, 750 Republican Street, Seattle, WA 98109, USA;
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Hattori A, Fukami M. Established and Novel Mechanisms Leading to de novo Genomic Rearrangements in the Human Germline. Cytogenet Genome Res 2020; 160:167-176. [DOI: 10.1159/000507837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2020] [Accepted: 03/31/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
During gametogenesis, the human genome can acquire various de novo rearrangements. Most constitutional genomic rearrangements are created through 1 of the 4 well-known mechanisms, i.e., nonallelic homologous recombination, erroneous repair after double-strand DNA breaks, replication errors, and retrotransposition. However, recent studies have identified 2 types of extremely complex rearrangements that cannot be simply explained by these mechanisms. The first type consists of chaotic structural changes in 1 or a few chromosomes that result from “chromoanagenesis (an umbrella term that covers chromothripsis, chromoanasynthesis, and chromoplexy).” The other type is large independent rearrangements in multiple chromosomes indicative of “transient multifocal genomic crisis.” Germline chromoanagenesis (chromothripsis) likely occurs predominantly during spermatogenesis or postzygotic embryogenesis, while multifocal genomic crisis appears to be limited to a specific time window during oogenesis and early embryogenesis or during spermatogenesis. This review article introduces the current understanding of the molecular basis of de novo rearrangements in the germline.
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Batista RL, Mendonca BB. Integrative and Analytical Review of the 5-Alpha-Reductase Type 2 Deficiency Worldwide. APPLICATION OF CLINICAL GENETICS 2020; 13:83-96. [PMID: 32346305 PMCID: PMC7167369 DOI: 10.2147/tacg.s198178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2019] [Accepted: 02/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Introduction The conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone is catalyzed by the 5α-reductase type 2 enzyme which plays a crucial role in the external genitalia virilization. It is encoded by the SRD5A2 gene. Allelic variants in this gene cause a 46,XY DSD with no genotype-phenotype relationship. It was firstly reported in the early 70s from isolated clusters. Since then, several cases have been reported. Putting together, it will expand the knowledge on the molecular bases of androgen milieu. Methods We searched for SRD5A2 allelic variants (AV) in the literature (PubMed, Embase, MEDLINE) and websites (ensembl, HGMD, ClinVar). Only cases with AV in both alleles, either in homozygous or compound heterozygous were included. The included cases were analyzed according to ethnicity, exon, domain, aminoacid (aa) conservation, age at diagnosis, sex assignment, gender reassignment, external genitalia virilization and functional studies. External genitalia virilization was scored using Sinnecker scale. Conservation analysis was carried out using the CONSURF platform. For categorical variables, we used X2 test and Cramer's V. Continuous variables were analyzed by t test or ANOVA. Concordance was estimated by Kappa. Results We identified 434 cases of 5ARD2 deficiencies from 44 countries. Most came from Turkey (23%), China (17%), Italy (9%), and Brazil (7%). Sixty-nine percent were assigned as female. There were 70% of homozygous allelic variants and 30% compound heterozygous. Most were missense variants (76%). However, small indels (11%), splicing (5%) and large deletions (4%) were all reported. They were distributed along with all exons with exon 1 (33%) and exon 4 (25%) predominance. Allelic variants in the exon 4 (NADPH-binding domain) resulted in lower virilization (p<0.0001). The codons 55, 65, 196, 235 and 246 are hotspots making up 25% of all allelic variants. Most of them (76%) were located at conserved aa. However, allelic variants at non-conserved aa were more frequently indels (28% vs 6%; p<0.01). The overall rate of gender change from female to male ranged from 16% to 70%. The lowest rate of gender change from female to male occurred in Turkey and the highest in Brazil. External genitalia virilization was similar between those who changed and those who kept their assigned gender. The gender change rate was significantly different across the countries (V=0.44; p<0.001) even with similar virilization scores. Conclusion 5ARD2 deficiency has a worldwide distribution. Allelic variants at the NADPH-ligand region cause lower virilization. Genitalia virilization influenced sex assignment but not gender change which was influenced by cultural aspects across the countries. Molecular diagnosis influenced on sex assignment, favoring male sex assignment in newborns with 5α-reductase type 2 deficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Loch Batista
- Unidade de Endocrinologia do Desenvolvimento, Laboratório de Hormônios e Genética Molecular/LIM42, Hospital das Clínicas, Disciplina de Endocrinologia, do Departamento de Clínica Médica, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Berenice Bilharinho Mendonca
- Unidade de Endocrinologia do Desenvolvimento, Laboratório de Hormônios e Genética Molecular/LIM42, Hospital das Clínicas, Disciplina de Endocrinologia, do Departamento de Clínica Médica, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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