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Hanson C, Blumenthal J, Clasen L, Guma E, Raznahan A. Influences of sex chromosome aneuploidy on height, weight, and body mass index in human childhood and adolescence. Am J Med Genet A 2024; 194:150-159. [PMID: 37768018 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.63398] [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: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
Sex chromosome aneuploidies (SCAs) are collectively common conditions caused by carriage of a sex chromosome dosage other than XX for females and XY for males. Increases in sex chromosome dosage (SCD) have been shown to have an inverted-U association with height, but we lack combined studies of SCA effects on height and weight, and it is not known if any such effects vary with age. Here, we study norm-derived height and weight z-scores in 177 youth spanning 8 SCA karyotypes (XXX, XXY, XYY, XXXX, XXXY, XXYY, XXXXX, and XXXXY). We replicate a previously described inverted-U association between mounting SCD and height, and further show that there is also a muted version of this effect for weight: both phenotypes are elevated until SCD reaches 4 for females and 5 for males but decrease thereafter. We next use 266 longitudinal measures available from a subset of karyotypes (XXX, XXY, XYY, and XXYY) to show that mean height in these SCAs diverges further from norms with increasing age. As weight does not diverge from norms with increasing age, BMI decreases with increasing age. These findings extend our understanding of growth as an important clinical outcome in SCA, and as a key context for known effects of SCA on diverse organ systems that scale with body size.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Hanson
- Section on Developmental Neurogenomics, Human Genetics Branch, National Institute of Mental Health Intramural Research Program, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Jonathan Blumenthal
- Section on Developmental Neurogenomics, Human Genetics Branch, National Institute of Mental Health Intramural Research Program, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Liv Clasen
- Section on Developmental Neurogenomics, Human Genetics Branch, National Institute of Mental Health Intramural Research Program, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Elisa Guma
- Section on Developmental Neurogenomics, Human Genetics Branch, National Institute of Mental Health Intramural Research Program, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Armin Raznahan
- Section on Developmental Neurogenomics, Human Genetics Branch, National Institute of Mental Health Intramural Research Program, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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Vodopiutz J, Steurer LM, Haufler F, Laccone F, Garczarczyk-Asim D, Hilkenmeier M, Steinbauer P, Janecke AR. Leri-Weill Dyschondrosteosis Caused by a Leaky Homozygous SHOX Splice-Site Variant. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:genes14040877. [PMID: 37107635 PMCID: PMC10138022 DOI: 10.3390/genes14040877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 04/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
SHOX deficiency is a common genetic cause of short stature of variable degree. SHOX haploinsufficiency causes Leri-Weill dyschondrosteosis (LWD) as well as nonspecific short stature. SHOX haploinsufficiency is known to result from heterozygous loss-of-function variants with pseudo-autosomal dominant inheritance, while biallelic SHOX loss-of-function variants cause the more severe skeletal dysplasia, Langer mesomelic dyschondrosteosis (LMD). Here we report for the first time the pseudo-autosomal recessive inheritance of LWD in two siblings caused by a novel homozygous non-canonical, leaky splice-site variant in intron 3 of SHOX: c.544+5G>C. Transcript analyses in patient-derived fibroblasts showed homozygous patients to produce approximately equal amounts of normally spliced mRNA and mRNA with the abnormal retention of intron 3 and containing a premature stop codon (p.Val183Glyfs*31). The aberrant transcript was shown to undergo nonsense-mediated mRNA decay, and thus resulting in SHOX haploinsufficiency in the homozygous patient. Six healthy relatives who are of normal height are heterozygous for this variant and fibroblasts from a heterozygote for the c.544+5G>C variant produced wild-type transcript amounts comparable to healthy control. The unique situation reported here highlights the fact that the dosage of SHOX determines the clinical phenotype rather than the Mendelian inheritance pattern of SHOX variants. This study extends the molecular and inheritance spectrum of SHOX deficiency disorder and highlights the importance of functional testing of SHOX variants of unknown significance in order to allow appropriate counseling and precision medicine for each family individual.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Vodopiutz
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Division of Pediatric Pulmonology, Allergology and Endocrinology, Comprehensive Center for Pediatrics, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
- Vienna Bone and Growth Center, 1130 Vienna, Austria
| | - Lisa-Maria Steurer
- Vienna Bone and Growth Center, 1130 Vienna, Austria
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Division of Neonatology, Pediatric Intensive Care and Neuropediatrics, Comprehensive Center for Pediatrics, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Florentina Haufler
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Division of Pediatric Pulmonology, Allergology and Endocrinology, Comprehensive Center for Pediatrics, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Franco Laccone
- Institute of Medical Genetics, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Matthias Hilkenmeier
- Department of Pediatrics I, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Philipp Steinbauer
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Division of Neonatology, Pediatric Intensive Care and Neuropediatrics, Comprehensive Center for Pediatrics, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Andreas R Janecke
- Department of Pediatrics I, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
- Division of Human Genetics, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
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3
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Spurna Z, Capkova P, Srovnal J, Duchoslavova J, Punova L, Aleksijevic D, Vrtel R. Clinical impact of variants in non-coding regions of SHOX - Current knowledge. Gene 2022; 818:146238. [PMID: 35074420 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2022.146238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Revised: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
The short stature homeobox-containing (SHOX) is the most frequently analysed gene in patients classified as short stature patients (ISS) or diagnosed with Leri-Weill dyschondrosteosis (LWD), Langer mesomelic dysplasia (LMD), or Madelung deformity (MD). However, clinical testing of this gene focuses primarily on single nucleotide variants (SNV) in its coding sequences and copy number variants (CNV) overlapping SHOX gene. This review summarizes the clinical impact of variants in noncoding regions of SHOX. RECENT FINDINGS: CNV extending exclusively into the regulatory elements (i.e., not interrupting the coding sequence) are found more frequently in downstream regulatory elements of SHOX. Further, duplications are more frequent than deletions. Interestingly, downstream duplications are more common than deletions in patients with ISS or LWD but no such differences exist for upstream CNV. Moreover, the presence of specific CNVs in the patient population suggests the involvement of additional unknown factors. Some of its intronic variants, notably NM_000451.3(SHOX):c.-9delG and c.-65C>A in the 5'UTR, have unclear clinical roles. However, these intronic SNV may increase the probability that other CNV will arise de novo in the SHOX gene based on homologous recombination or incorrect splicing of mRNA. SUMMARY: This review highlights the clinical impact of noncoding changes in the SHOX gene and the need to apply new technologies and genotype-phenotype correlation in their analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zuzana Spurna
- Department of Medical Genetics, University Hospital Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic; Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacký University Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic.
| | - Pavlina Capkova
- Department of Medical Genetics, University Hospital Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic; Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacký University Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Josef Srovnal
- Department of Medical Genetics, University Hospital Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic; Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacký University Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Jana Duchoslavova
- Department of Medical Genetics, University Hospital Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic; Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacký University Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Lucia Punova
- Department of Medical Genetics, University Hospital Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic; Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacký University Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Darina Aleksijevic
- Department of Paediatrics, University Hospital Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Radek Vrtel
- Department of Medical Genetics, University Hospital Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic; Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacký University Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic
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Hoffmann S, Roeth R, Diebold S, Gogel J, Hassel D, Just S, Rappold GA. Identification and Tissue-Specific Characterization of Novel SHOX-Regulated Genes in Zebrafish Highlights SOX Family Members Among Other Genes. Front Genet 2021; 12:688808. [PMID: 34122528 PMCID: PMC8191631 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.688808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
SHOX deficiency causes a spectrum of clinical phenotypes related to skeletal dysplasia and short stature, including Léri-Weill dyschondrosteosis, Langer mesomelic dysplasia, Turner syndrome, and idiopathic short stature. SHOX controls chondrocyte proliferation and differentiation, bone maturation, and cellular growth arrest and apoptosis via transcriptional regulation of its direct target genes NPPB, FGFR3, and CTGF. However, our understanding of SHOX-related pathways is still incomplete. To elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms and to better understand the broad phenotypic spectrum of SHOX deficiency, we aimed to identify novel SHOX targets. We analyzed differentially expressed genes in SHOX-overexpressing human fibroblasts (NHDF), and confirmed the known SHOX target genes NPPB and FGFR among the most strongly regulated genes, together with 143 novel candidates. Altogether, 23 genes were selected for further validation, first by whole-body characterization in developing shox-deficient zebrafish embryos, followed by tissue-specific expression analysis in three shox-expressing zebrafish tissues: head (including brain, pharyngeal arches, eye, and olfactory epithelium), heart, and pectoral fins. Most genes were physiologically relevant in the pectoral fins, while only few genes were also significantly regulated in head and heart tissue. Interestingly, multiple sox family members (sox5, sox6, sox8, and sox18) were significantly dysregulated in shox-deficient pectoral fins together with other genes (nppa, nppc, cdkn1a, cdkn1ca, cyp26b1, and cy26c1), highlighting an important role for these genes in shox-related growth disorders. Network-based analysis integrating data from the Ingenuity pathways revealed that most of these genes act in a common network. Our results provide novel insights into the genetic pathways and molecular events leading to the clinical manifestation of SHOX deficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Hoffmann
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics, Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.,DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site Heidelberg/Mannheim, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ralph Roeth
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics, Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.,nCounter Core Facility, Institute of Human Genetics, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Sabrina Diebold
- Clinic for Internal Medicine II - Molecular Cardiology, University Hospital Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Jasmin Gogel
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics, Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - David Hassel
- Department of Internal Medicine III - Cardiology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Steffen Just
- Clinic for Internal Medicine II - Molecular Cardiology, University Hospital Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Gudrun A Rappold
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics, Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.,DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site Heidelberg/Mannheim, Heidelberg, Germany
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Coelacanth-specific adaptive genes give insights into primitive evolution for water-to-land transition of tetrapods. Mar Genomics 2018; 38:89-95. [DOI: 10.1016/j.margen.2017.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2016] [Revised: 07/30/2017] [Accepted: 12/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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Ramachandrappa S, Kulkarni A, Gandhi H, Ellis C, Hutt R, Roberts L, Hamid R, Papageorghiou A, Mansour S. SHOX haploinsufficiency presenting with isolated short long bones in the second and third trimester. Eur J Hum Genet 2018; 26:350-358. [PMID: 29330548 DOI: 10.1038/s41431-017-0080-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2017] [Revised: 10/16/2017] [Accepted: 10/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Haploinsufficiency of the transcription factor short stature homeobox (SHOX) manifests as a spectrum of clinical phenotypes, ranging from disproportionate short stature and Madelung deformity to isolated short stature. Here, we describe five infants with molecularly confirmed diagnoses of SHOX haploinsufficiency who presented in utero with short long bones during routine antenatal scanning from as early as 19 weeks gestation. Other foetal growth parameters were normal. The molecular basis of SHOX haploinsufficiency was distinct in each case. In four cases, SHOX haploinsufficiency was inherited from a previously undiagnosed parent. In our de novo case, SHOX haploinsufficiency reflected the formation of a derivative sex chromosome during paternal meiosis. Final adult height in the SHOX-deficient parents ranged from -1.9 to -1.2 SDS. All affected parents had disproportionately short limbs and two affected mothers had bilateral Madelung deformity. To our knowledge, SHOX haploinsufficiency has not previously been reported to present in utero. Our experience illustrates that SHOX deficiency should form part of the differential diagnosis of foetal short long bones and suggests a low threshold for genetic testing. This should be particularly targeted at, but not limited to, families with a history of features suggestive of SHOX deficiency. Data on the postnatal growth of our index cases is presented which demonstrates that antenatal presentation of SHOX haploinsufficiency is not indicative of severe postnatal growth restriction. Early identification of SHOX deficiency will enable accurate genetic counselling reflecting a good postnatal outcome and facilitate optimal initiation of growth hormone therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shwetha Ramachandrappa
- South West Thames Regional Genetics Unit, St George's University of London, Cranmer Terrace, London, SW17 0RE, UK
| | - Abhijit Kulkarni
- South West Thames Regional Genetics Unit, St George's University of London, Cranmer Terrace, London, SW17 0RE, UK
| | - Hina Gandhi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust, Canada Avenue, Redhill, RH1 5RH, UK
| | - Cheryl Ellis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust, Wrythe Lane, Carshalton, SM5 1AA, UK
| | - Renata Hutt
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Royal Surrey County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Egerton Road, Guildford, GU2 7XX, UK
| | - Lesley Roberts
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Royal Surrey County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Egerton Road, Guildford, GU2 7XX, UK
| | - Rosol Hamid
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Croydon Health Services NHS Trust, London Road, Croydon, CR7 7YE, UK
| | - Aris Papageorghiou
- Fetal Medicine Unit, St George's University of London, Cranmer Terrace, London, SW17 0RE, UK
| | - Sahar Mansour
- South West Thames Regional Genetics Unit, St George's University of London, Cranmer Terrace, London, SW17 0RE, UK.
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Abstract
Short stature is a common and heterogeneous condition that is often genetic in etiology. For most children with genetic short stature, the specific molecular causes remain unknown; but with advances in exome/genome sequencing and bioinformatics approaches, new genetic causes of growth disorders have been identified, contributing to the understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms of longitudinal bone growth and growth failure. Identifying new genetic causes of growth disorders has the potential to improve diagnosis, prognostic accuracy, and individualized management, and help avoid unnecessary testing for endocrine and other disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youn Hee Jee
- Program in Developmental Endocrinology and Genetics, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, CRC, Room 1-3330, 10 Center Drive MSC 1103, Bethesda, MD 20892-1103, USA.
| | - Anenisia C Andrade
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Solnavägen 1, Solna 171 77, Sweden
| | - Jeffrey Baron
- Program in Developmental Endocrinology and Genetics, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, CRC, Room 1-3330, 10 Center Drive MSC 1103, Bethesda, MD 20892-1103, USA
| | - Ola Nilsson
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Solnavägen 1, Solna 171 77, Sweden; University Hospital, Örebro University, Södra Grev Rosengatan, Örebro 701 85, Sweden
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Stoklasova J, Kaprova J, Trkova M, Nedomova V, Zemkova D, Matyskova J, Soucek O, Sumnik Z, Lebl J. A Rare Variant of Turner Syndrome in Four Sequential Generations: Effect of the Interplay of Growth Hormone Treatment and Estrogens on Body Proportion. Horm Res Paediatr 2017; 86:349-356. [PMID: 27459301 DOI: 10.1159/000448097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2016] [Accepted: 06/30/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Terminal Xp deletion leads to SHOX haploinsufficiency, and when it exceeds Xp22.33 it causes a variant of Turner syndrome (TS) in which gonadal function is preserved and short stature constitutes the major clinical feature. CASE REPORT We present a family with vertical transmission of TS that affected six women in four sequential generations. The karyotype was defined as a combination of terminal Xp deletion and terminal Xq duplication: 46,X,rec(X)inv(p21.1q27.3). All affected women had short stature, but had developed spontaneous puberty and normal fertility. Generation IV exclusively received recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH). We investigated the effect of rhGH treatment on skeletal growth and body proportion via the comparison of auxological data from an untreated 39.7-year-old mother to her 14.8-year-old rhGH-treated daughter. The adult height of the daughter was substantially better than that of the mother [160.3 cm (-0.8 SDS) and 150.0 cm (-2.7 SDS), respectively]; however, the disproportion progressed following rhGH treatment and ultimately led to a worse trunk-to-extremities ratio compared with the mother (4.8 and 3.7 SDS, respectively). CONCLUSION This rare family confirms the vertical transmission of TS spanning multiple generations. The combination of endogenous estrogen production and exogenous rhGH administration in women with SHOX haploinsufficiency may worsen their body disproportion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith Stoklasova
- Department of Pediatrics, 2nd Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague and Motol University Hospital, and GENNET, Prague, Czech Republic
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Auger J, Baptiste A, Benabbad I, Thierry G, Costa JM, Amouyal M, Kottler ML, Leheup B, Touraine R, Schmitt S, Lebrun M, Cormier Daire V, Bonnefont JP, de Roux N, Elie C, Rosilio M. Genotype-Phenotype Relationship in Patients and Relatives with SHOX Region Anomalies in the French Population. Horm Res Paediatr 2017; 86:309-318. [PMID: 27676402 DOI: 10.1159/000448282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2016] [Accepted: 07/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of our study was to describe a large population with anomalies involving the SHOX region, responsible for idiopathic short stature and Léri-Weill dyschondrosteosis (LWD), and to identify a possible genotype/phenotype correlation. METHODS We performed a retrospective multicenter study on French subjects with a SHOX region anomaly diagnosed by multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification or Sanger sequencing. Phenotypes were collected in each of the 7 genetic laboratories practicing this technique for SHOX analysis. RESULTS Among 205 index cases and 100 related cases, 91.3% had LWD. For index cases, median age at evaluation was 11.7 (9.0; 15.9) years and mean height standard deviation score was -2.3 ± 1.1. A deletion of either SHOX or PAR1 or both was found in 74% of patients. Duplications and point mutations/indels affected 8 and 18% of the population, respectively. Genotype-phenotype correlation showed that deletions were more frequently associated with Madelung deformity and mesomelic shortening in girls, as well as with presence of radiologic anomalies, than duplications. CONCLUSIONS Our results highlight genotype-phenotype relationships in the French population with a SHOX defect and provide new information showing that clinical expression is milder in cases of duplication compared to deletions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Auger
- Department of Pediatrics and Medical Genetics, Brabois Hospital, Vandoeuvre-lès-Nancy, France
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Marchini A, Ogata T, Rappold GA. A Track Record on SHOX: From Basic Research to Complex Models and Therapy. Endocr Rev 2016; 37:417-48. [PMID: 27355317 PMCID: PMC4971310 DOI: 10.1210/er.2016-1036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
SHOX deficiency is the most frequent genetic growth disorder associated with isolated and syndromic forms of short stature. Caused by mutations in the homeobox gene SHOX, its varied clinical manifestations include isolated short stature, Léri-Weill dyschondrosteosis, and Langer mesomelic dysplasia. In addition, SHOX deficiency contributes to the skeletal features in Turner syndrome. Causative SHOX mutations have allowed downstream pathology to be linked to defined molecular lesions. Expression levels of SHOX are tightly regulated, and almost half of the pathogenic mutations have affected enhancers. Clinical severity of SHOX deficiency varies between genders and ranges from normal stature to profound mesomelic skeletal dysplasia. Treatment options for children with SHOX deficiency are available. Two decades of research support the concept of SHOX as a transcription factor that integrates diverse aspects of bone development, growth plate biology, and apoptosis. Due to its absence in mouse, the animal models of choice have become chicken and zebrafish. These models, therefore, together with micromass cultures and primary cell lines, have been used to address SHOX function. Pathway and network analyses have identified interactors, target genes, and regulators. Here, we summarize recent data and give insight into the critical molecular and cellular functions of SHOX in the etiopathogenesis of short stature and limb development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Marchini
- Tumour Virology Division F010 (A.M.), German Cancer Research Center, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; Department of Oncology (A.M.), Luxembourg Institute of Health 84, rue Val Fleuri L-1526, Luxembourg; Department of Pediatrics (T.O.), Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Higashi-ku, Hamamatsu 431-3192, Japan; and Department of Human Molecular Genetics (G.A.R.), Institute of Human Genetics, Heidelberg University Hospital, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Tsutomu Ogata
- Tumour Virology Division F010 (A.M.), German Cancer Research Center, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; Department of Oncology (A.M.), Luxembourg Institute of Health 84, rue Val Fleuri L-1526, Luxembourg; Department of Pediatrics (T.O.), Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Higashi-ku, Hamamatsu 431-3192, Japan; and Department of Human Molecular Genetics (G.A.R.), Institute of Human Genetics, Heidelberg University Hospital, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Gudrun A Rappold
- Tumour Virology Division F010 (A.M.), German Cancer Research Center, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; Department of Oncology (A.M.), Luxembourg Institute of Health 84, rue Val Fleuri L-1526, Luxembourg; Department of Pediatrics (T.O.), Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Higashi-ku, Hamamatsu 431-3192, Japan; and Department of Human Molecular Genetics (G.A.R.), Institute of Human Genetics, Heidelberg University Hospital, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
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Fukami M, Seki A, Ogata T. SHOX Haploinsufficiency as a Cause of Syndromic and Nonsyndromic Short Stature. Mol Syndromol 2016; 7:3-11. [PMID: 27194967 DOI: 10.1159/000444596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
SHOX in the short arm pseudoautosomal region (PAR1) of sex chromosomes is one of the major growth genes in humans. SHOX haploinsufficiency results in idiopathic short stature and Léri-Weill dyschondrosteosis and is associated with the short stature of patients with Turner syndrome. The SHOX protein likely controls chondrocyte apoptosis by regulating multiple target genes including BNP,Fgfr3, Agc1, and Ctgf. SHOX haploinsufficiency frequently results from deletions and duplications in PAR1 involving SHOX exons and/or the cis-acting enhancers, while exonic point mutations account for a small percentage of cases. The clinical severity of SHOX haploinsufficiency reflects hormonal conditions rather than mutation types. Growth hormone treatment seems to be beneficial for cases with SHOX haploinsufficiency, although the long-term outcomes of this therapy require confirmation. Future challenges in SHOX research include elucidating its precise function in the developing limbs, identifying additional cis-acting enhancers, and determining optimal therapeutic strategies for patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maki Fukami
- Department of Molecular Endocrinology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Atsuhito Seki
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, National Center for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tsutomu Ogata
- Department of Molecular Endocrinology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Hamamatsu, Japan; Department of Pediatrics, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan
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12
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Bell JA, Weckstein JD, Fecchio A, Tkach VV. A new real-time PCR protocol for detection of avian haemosporidians. Parasit Vectors 2015; 8:383. [PMID: 26187629 PMCID: PMC4506571 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-015-0993-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2015] [Accepted: 07/07/2015] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Birds possess the most diverse assemblage of haemosporidian parasites; including three genera, Plasmodium, Haemoproteus, and Leucocytozoon. Currently there are over 200 morphologically identified avian haemosporidian species, although true species richness is unknown due to great genetic diversity and insufficient sampling in highly diverse regions. Studies aimed at surveying haemosporidian diversity involve collecting and screening samples from hundreds to thousands of individuals. Currently, screening relies on microscopy and/or single or nested standard PCR. Although effective, these methods are time and resource consuming, and in the case of microscopy require substantial expertise. Here we report a newly developed real-time PCR protocol designed to quickly and reliably detect all three genera of avian haemosporidians in a single biochemical reaction. METHODS Using available DNA sequences from avian haemosporidians we designed primers R330F and R480RL, which flank a 182 base pair fragment of mitochondrial conserved rDNA. These primers were initially tested using real-time PCR on samples from Malawi, Africa, previously screened for avian haemosporidians using traditional nested PCR. Our real time protocol was further tested on 94 samples from the Cerrado biome of Brazil, previously screened using a single PCR assay for haemosporidian parasites. These samples were also amplified using modified nested PCR protocols, allowing for comparisons between the three different screening methods (single PCR, nested PCR, real-time PCR). RESULTS The real-time PCR protocol successfully identified all three genera of avian haemosporidians from both single and mixed infections previously detected from Malawi. There was no significant difference between the three different screening protocols used for the 94 samples from the Brazilian Cerrado (χ(2) = 0.3429, df = 2, P = 0.842). After proving effective, the real-time protocol was used to screen 2113 Brazilian samples, identifying 693 positive samples. CONCLUSIONS Our real-time PCR assay proved as effective as two widely used molecular screening techniques, single PCR and nested PCR. However, the real-time protocol has the distinct advantage of detecting all three genera in a single reaction, which significantly increases efficiency by greatly decreasing screening time and cost. Our real-time PCR protocol is therefore a valuable tool in the quickly expanding field of avian haemosporidian research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey A Bell
- Department of Biology, University of North Dakota, 10 Cornell Street STOP 9019, Grand Forks, ND, 58202, USA.
| | - Jason D Weckstein
- Department of Ornithology and Department of Biodiversity, Earth, and Environmental Sciences, Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University, 1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, PA, 19103, USA.
| | - Alan Fecchio
- Department of Ornithology and Department of Biodiversity, Earth, and Environmental Sciences, Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University, 1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, PA, 19103, USA.
| | - Vasyl V Tkach
- Department of Biology, University of North Dakota, 10 Cornell Street STOP 9019, Grand Forks, ND, 58202, USA.
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Levitsky LL, Luria AHO, Hayes FJ, Lin AE. Turner syndrome: update on biology and management across the life span. Curr Opin Endocrinol Diabetes Obes 2015; 22:65-72. [PMID: 25517026 DOI: 10.1097/med.0000000000000128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW We review recent understanding of the pathophysiology, molecular biology, and management of Turner syndrome. RECENT FINDINGS Sophisticated genetic techniques are able to detect mosaicism in one-third of individuals previously thought to have monosomy X. Prenatal detection using maternal blood should permit noninvasive detection of most fetuses with an X chromosome abnormality. Disproportionate growth with short limbs has been documented in this condition, and a target gene of short stature homeobox, connective tissue growth factor (Ctgf), has been described. Liver disease is more common in Turner syndrome than previously recognized. Most girls have gonadal failure. Spontaneous puberty and menarche is more commonly seen in girls with XX mosaicism. Low-dose estrogen replacement therapy may be given early to induce a more normal onset and tempo of puberty. Oocyte donation for assisted reproduction carries a substantial risk, particularly if the woman has known cardiac or aortic disease. Neurodevelopmental differences in Turner syndrome are beginning to be correlated with differences in brain anatomy. SUMMARY An increased understanding of the molecular basis for aspects of this disorder is now developing. In addition, a renewed focus on health maintenance through the life span should provide better general and targeted healthcare for these girls and women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lynne L Levitsky
- aPediatric Endocrine Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital bGenetics Residency Program, Harvard Medical School cBoston Children's Hospital dReproductive Endocrine Unit, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital eGenetics Unit, Mass General Hospital for Children, Massachusetts, Boston, USA
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Sawada R, Kamei H, Hakuno F, Takahashi SI, Shimizu T. In vivo loss of function study reveals theshort stature homeobox-containing(shox) gene plays indispensable roles in early embryonic growth and bone formation in zebrafish. Dev Dyn 2014; 244:146-56. [DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.24239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2014] [Revised: 11/11/2014] [Accepted: 12/02/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Rie Sawada
- Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine; Tokyo Japan
- Departments of Animal Sciences and Applied Biological Chemistry; Graduate School of Agriculture and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo; Tokyo Japan
| | - Hiroyasu Kamei
- Departments of Animal Sciences and Applied Biological Chemistry; Graduate School of Agriculture and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo; Tokyo Japan
| | - Fumihiko Hakuno
- Departments of Animal Sciences and Applied Biological Chemistry; Graduate School of Agriculture and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo; Tokyo Japan
| | - Shin-Ichiro Takahashi
- Departments of Animal Sciences and Applied Biological Chemistry; Graduate School of Agriculture and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo; Tokyo Japan
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