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Atlas G, Hanna C, Tan TY, Nisselle A, Tucker E, Ayers K, Sinclair A, O'Connell MA. Genomic testing for differences of sex development: Practices and perceptions of clinicians. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) 2024. [PMID: 39155615 DOI: 10.1111/cen.15123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2024] [Revised: 07/03/2024] [Accepted: 07/22/2024] [Indexed: 08/20/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate the approach taken by clinicians involved in the diagnosis and management of individuals with Differences of Sex Development (DSD), particularly with regard to genomic testing, and identify perceived gaps/strengths/barriers in current practice. DESIGN AND METHODS An anonymous online survey was developed, with questions exploring demographics, perceptions of genomic testing, availability of genetics services and opinions on the role and utility of genomic testing in DSD. All responses were anonymous. Clinicians involved in the diagnosis and management of individuals with DSD were recruited from relevant societies and departments across Australia and New Zealand. RESULTS 79 eligible clinicians commenced the survey, with 63 completing it and 16 providing a partial response. The perceived benefit of having a genetic diagnosis for DSD was almost unanimous (97%). Almost half (48%) of respondents reported barriers in genomic testing. 81% of respondents reported they order genomic tests currently. Approaches to genomic testing when faced with four different clinical scenarios varied across respondents. Clinicians perceived genomic testing to be underutilised (median 36 on sliding scale from 0 to 100). CONCLUSIONS Despite 97% of respondents reporting benefit of a genetic diagnosis for individuals with DSD, this was not reflected throughout the survey with regard to clinical implementation. When faced with clinical scenarios, the recommendations for genomic testing from respondents was much lower, indicating the discrepancy between perception and clinical practice. Genomic testing in the context of DSD is seen as both beneficial and desired, yet there are multiple barriers impacting its integration into standard clinical care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabby Atlas
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Chloe Hanna
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Tiong Yang Tan
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Victorian Clinical Genetics Services, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Amy Nisselle
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Elena Tucker
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Katie Ayers
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Andrew Sinclair
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Michele A O'Connell
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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Nanda PM, Yadav J, Dayal D, Kumar R, Kumar P, Kumar J, Kaur H, Sikka P. Applicability of the External Genitalia Score (EGS) in Indian neonates and children up to 2 years of age. J Pediatr Endocrinol Metab 2024; 0:jpem-2024-0130. [PMID: 39099554 DOI: 10.1515/jpem-2024-0130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2024] [Accepted: 07/21/2024] [Indexed: 08/06/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To generate normative data and validate the recently developed, gender-neutral, External Genitalia Score (EGS) in Indian preterm and term neonates and children up to 2 years of age with normal and atypical genitalia. METHODS This observational study included 1,040 neonates born between 28 and 42 weeks of gestation and 152 children between 1 and 24 months of age. In addition, 50 children with disorders of sex development (DSD) were also enrolled in the study. The Prader stage/external masculinization score (EMS) (as applicable), anogenital ratio (AGR) and EGS were assessed for all neonates and children with typical and atypical genitalia. RESULTS Median EGS values in newborn males with typical genitalia were 9.5 at 28-31 weeks, 10.5 at 32-33 weeks, 11 at 34 weeks and 11.5 in males at 35-42 weeks of gestation. For all females with typical genitalia, the EGS was 0. EMS and EGS showed a positive correlation in males with typical genitalia (r=0.421, p=0.000**) and all children with DSD (r=0.857, p=0.000**). Mean AGR in males and females with typical genitalia and those with DSD were 0.52±0.07, 0.31±0.05 and 0.47±0.13, respectively. EGS correlated with AGR in all males with typical genitalia (r=0.107, p=0.008**), and in all children with DSD (r=0.473, p=0.001**). CONCLUSIONS The EGS enables accurate, gender-neutral and comprehensive assessment of external genitalia in Indian neonates and children with typical and atypical genitalia/DSD. Evaluation for DSD is recommended in any child with EGS greater than 0 and ≤10th percentile for gestation or age (10.5 in a term neonate).
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Affiliation(s)
- Pamali Mahasweta Nanda
- Endocrinology and Diabetes Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Jaivinder Yadav
- Endocrinology and Diabetes Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Devi Dayal
- Endocrinology and Diabetes Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Rakesh Kumar
- Endocrinology and Diabetes Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Praveen Kumar
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Jogender Kumar
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Harvinder Kaur
- Department of Pediatrics, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Pooja Sikka
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
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Li Z, Song H, Sun N, Zhang W, Tian J, Li M. Gender determination and long-time follow-up analysis of mixed gonadal dysgenesis. J Pediatr Urol 2024; 20:441.e1-441.e8. [PMID: 38267310 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpurol.2024.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Mixed gonadal dysgenesis (MGD) is a rare disorder of sexual development. The management of MGD is challenging since the disease significantly impacts a patient's growth, hormone balance, and gonadal development. This article used a large population and a long follow-up period for its analysis. OBJECTIVES This study aims to summarize the gender determination basis and analyze the long-term follow-up of mixed gonadal dysgenesis. METHODS A total of 45 patients' clinical data were summarized and analyzed. Patients were divided by gender. Next, we followed up regarding the occurrence of complications after surgery, the patients' satisfaction with external genitalia appearance, the growth of the patients, counting the surgical pattern the incidence of surgical complications and the development of the patients' growth. All patients included in this study underwent chromosomal karyotype analysis, abdomen exploration, and pathological biopsy. After sex determination, 7 patients who were raised as female underwent clitoroplasty, and bilateral gonadectomy. 38 male patients underwent urethroplasty + one-sided gonadectomy. RESULTS Patient follow-up started in the third month after surgery. Female patients reported no surgery-related complications, while 14 male patients showed surgery-related complications. Additionally, 20 male patients (60.6 %) had a lower height compared to normal peers, 12 of which (36.4 %) were lower than the second standard deviation of the height of normal peers. CONCLUSION The clinical manifestations of mixed gonadal dysgenesis are variable, and the management is complicated. Children's gonadal function, external genital conditions, psychological evaluation, and parents' wishes should be considered before sex determination. In China, most patients are raised as males with a high incidence of postoperative complications. We found that short stature is a common feature in male patients, thus their height and growth should be carefully supervised. Patients should pay attention to their sexual function and sexual potential during adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ze Li
- Department of Surgery, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, China
| | - Hongcheng Song
- Department of Urology, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, China.
| | - Ning Sun
- Department of Urology, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, China
| | - Weiping Zhang
- Department of Urology, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, China
| | - Jun Tian
- Department of Urology, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, China
| | - Minglei Li
- Department of Urology, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, China
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Martinez de Lapiscina I, Kouri C, Aurrekoetxea J, Sanchez M, Naamneh Elzenaty R, Sauter KS, Camats N, Grau G, Rica I, Rodriguez A, Vela A, Cortazar A, Alonso-Cerezo MC, Bahillo P, Bertholt L, Esteva I, Castaño L, Flück CE. Genetic reanalysis of patients with a difference of sex development carrying the NR5A1/SF-1 variant p.Gly146Ala has discovered other likely disease-causing variations. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0287515. [PMID: 37432935 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0287515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023] Open
Abstract
NR5A1/SF-1 (Steroidogenic factor-1) variants may cause mild to severe differences of sex development (DSD) or may be found in healthy carriers. The NR5A1/SF-1 c.437G>C/p.Gly146Ala variant is common in individuals with a DSD and has been suggested to act as a susceptibility factor for adrenal disease or cryptorchidism. Since the allele frequency is high in the general population, and the functional testing of the p.Gly146Ala variant revealed inconclusive results, the disease-causing effect of this variant has been questioned. However, a role as a disease modifier is still possible given that oligogenic inheritance has been described in patients with NR5A1/SF-1 variants. Therefore, we performed next generation sequencing (NGS) in 13 DSD individuals harboring the NR5A1/SF-1 p.Gly146Ala variant to search for other DSD-causing variants and clarify the function of this variant for the phenotype of the carriers. Panel and whole-exome sequencing was performed, and data were analyzed with a filtering algorithm for detecting variants in NR5A1- and DSD-related genes. The phenotype of the studied individuals ranged from scrotal hypospadias and ambiguous genitalia in 46,XY DSD to opposite sex in both 46,XY and 46,XX. In nine subjects we identified either a clearly pathogenic DSD gene variant (e.g. in AR) or one to four potentially deleterious variants that likely explain the observed phenotype alone (e.g. in FGFR3, CHD7). Our study shows that most individuals carrying the NR5A1/SF-1 p.Gly146Ala variant, harbor at least one other deleterious gene variant which can explain the DSD phenotype. This finding confirms that the NR5A1/SF-1 p.Gly146Ala variant may not contribute to the pathogenesis of DSD and qualifies as a benign polymorphism. Thus, individuals, in whom the NR5A1/SF-1 p.Gly146Ala gene variant has been identified as the underlying genetic cause for their DSD in the past, should be re-evaluated with a NGS method to reveal the real genetic diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Idoia Martinez de Lapiscina
- Department of Pediatrics, Inselspital, Pediatric Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolism, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department for BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Research into the Genetics and Control of Diabetes and other Endocrine Disorders, Cruces University Hospital, Barakaldo, Spain
- Instituto de Salud Carlos III, CIBER de Diabetes y Enfermedades Metabólicas Asociadas (CIBERDEM), Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Salud Carlos III, CIBER de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Madrid, Spain
- Endo-ERN, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Chrysanthi Kouri
- Department of Pediatrics, Inselspital, Pediatric Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolism, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department for BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Josu Aurrekoetxea
- Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Research Group of Medical Oncology, Cruces University Hospital, Barakaldo, Spain
- University of the Basque Country (UPV-EHU), Leioa, Spain
| | - Mirian Sanchez
- Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Research into the Genetics and Control of Diabetes and other Endocrine Disorders, Cruces University Hospital, Barakaldo, Spain
| | - Rawda Naamneh Elzenaty
- Department of Pediatrics, Inselspital, Pediatric Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolism, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department for BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Kay-Sara Sauter
- Department of Pediatrics, Inselspital, Pediatric Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolism, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department for BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Núria Camats
- Instituto de Salud Carlos III, CIBER de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Madrid, Spain
- Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Growth and Development group, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Gema Grau
- Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Research into the Genetics and Control of Diabetes and other Endocrine Disorders, Cruces University Hospital, Barakaldo, Spain
- Endo-ERN, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Cruces University Hospital, Barakaldo Spain
| | - Itxaso Rica
- Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Research into the Genetics and Control of Diabetes and other Endocrine Disorders, Cruces University Hospital, Barakaldo, Spain
- Instituto de Salud Carlos III, CIBER de Diabetes y Enfermedades Metabólicas Asociadas (CIBERDEM), Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Salud Carlos III, CIBER de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Madrid, Spain
- Endo-ERN, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Cruces University Hospital, Barakaldo Spain
| | - Amaia Rodriguez
- Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Research into the Genetics and Control of Diabetes and other Endocrine Disorders, Cruces University Hospital, Barakaldo, Spain
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Cruces University Hospital, Barakaldo Spain
| | - Amaia Vela
- Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Research into the Genetics and Control of Diabetes and other Endocrine Disorders, Cruces University Hospital, Barakaldo, Spain
- Instituto de Salud Carlos III, CIBER de Diabetes y Enfermedades Metabólicas Asociadas (CIBERDEM), Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Salud Carlos III, CIBER de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Madrid, Spain
- Endo-ERN, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Cruces University Hospital, Barakaldo Spain
| | - Alicia Cortazar
- Instituto de Salud Carlos III, CIBER de Diabetes y Enfermedades Metabólicas Asociadas (CIBERDEM), Madrid, Spain
- Endocrinology Department, Cruces University Hospital, Barakaldo, Spain
| | | | - Pilar Bahillo
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Endocrinology Unit, x Clinic University Hospital of Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Laura Bertholt
- Pediatric Endocrinology Department, Marques de Valdecilla University Hospital, Santander, Spain
| | - Isabel Esteva
- Endocrinology Section, Gender Identity Unit, Regional University Hospital of Malaga, Malaga, Spain
| | - Luis Castaño
- Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Research into the Genetics and Control of Diabetes and other Endocrine Disorders, Cruces University Hospital, Barakaldo, Spain
- Instituto de Salud Carlos III, CIBER de Diabetes y Enfermedades Metabólicas Asociadas (CIBERDEM), Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Salud Carlos III, CIBER de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Madrid, Spain
- Endo-ERN, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- University of the Basque Country (UPV-EHU), Leioa, Spain
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Cruces University Hospital, Barakaldo Spain
| | - Christa E Flück
- Department of Pediatrics, Inselspital, Pediatric Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolism, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department for BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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Baidya A, Basu AK, Bhattacharjee R, Biswas D, Biswas K, Chakraborty PP, Chatterjee P, Chowdhury S, Dasgupta R, Ghosh A, Ghosh S, Giri D, Goswami S, Maisnam I, Maiti A, Mondal S, Mukhopadhyay P, Mukhopadhyay S, Mukhopadhyay S, Pal SK, Pandit K, Ray S, Chowdhury BR, Raychaudhuri M, Raychaudhuri P, Roy A, Sahana PK, Sanyal D, Sanyal T, Saraogi RK, Sarkar D, Sengupta N, Singh AK, Sinha A. Diagnostic approach in 46, XY DSD: an endocrine society of bengal (ESB) consensus statement. J Pediatr Endocrinol Metab 2023; 36:4-18. [PMID: 36424806 DOI: 10.1515/jpem-2022-0515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES 46, XY difference/disorder of sex development (DSD) is a relatively uncommon group of heterogeneous disorders with varying degree of underandrogenization of male genitalia. Such patients should be approached systematically to reach an aetiological diagnosis. However, we lack, at present, a clinical practice guideline on diagnostic approach in 46, XY DSD from this part of the globe. Moreover, debate persists regarding the timing and cut-offs of different hormonal tests, performed in these cases. The consensus committee consisting of 34 highly experienced endocrinologists with interest and experience in managing DSD discussed and drafted a consensus statement on the diagnostic approach to 46, XY DSD focussing on relevant history, clinical examination, biochemical evaluation, imaging and genetic analysis. CONTENT The consensus was guided by systematic reviews of existing literature followed by discussion. An initial draft was prepared and distributed among the members. The members provided their scientific inputs, and all the relevant suggestions were incorporated. The final draft was approved by the committee members. SUMMARY The diagnostic approach in 46, XY DSD should be multidisciplinary although coordinated by an experienced endocrinologist. We recommend formal Karyotyping, even if Y chromosome material has been detected by other methods. Meticulous history taking and thorough head-to-toe examination should initially be performed with focus on external genitalia, including location of gonads. Decision regarding hormonal and other biochemical investigations should be made according to the age and interpreted according to age-appropriate norms Although LC-MS/MS is the preferred mode of steroid hormone measurements, immunoassays, which are widely available and less expensive, are acceptable alternatives. All patients with 46, XY DSD should undergo abdominopelvic ultrasonography by a trained radiologist. MRI of the abdomen and/or laparoscopy may be used to demonstrate the Mullerian structure and/or to localize the gonads. Genetic studies, which include copy number variation (CNV) or molecular testing of a candidate gene or next generation sequencing then should be ordered in a stepwise manner depending on the clinical, biochemical, hormonal, and radiological findings. OUTLOOK The members of the committee believe that patients with 46, XY DSD need to be approached systematically. The proposed diagnostic algorithm, provided in the consensus statement, is cost effective and when supplemented with appropriate genetic studies, may help to reach an aetiological diagnosis in majority of such cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arjun Baidya
- Department of Endocrinology, Nil Ratan Sircar Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata, India
| | - Asish Kumar Basu
- Department of Endocrinology & Metabolism, Medical College, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Rana Bhattacharjee
- Department of Endocrinology & Metabolism, Medical College, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Dibakar Biswas
- Department of Endocrinology & Metabolism, IPGME&R/SSKM Hospital, Kolkata, India
| | | | | | | | - Subhankar Chowdhury
- Department of Endocrinology & Metabolism, IPGME&R/SSKM Hospital, Kolkata, India
| | - Ranen Dasgupta
- Department of Endocrinology, Nil Ratan Sircar Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata, India
| | - Amritava Ghosh
- Department of Endocrinology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Raipur, India
| | - Sujoy Ghosh
- Department of Endocrinology & Metabolism, IPGME&R/SSKM Hospital, Kolkata, India
| | | | - Soumik Goswami
- Department of Endocrinology, Nil Ratan Sircar Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata, India
| | - Indira Maisnam
- Department of Endocrinology & Metabolism, IPGME&R/SSKM Hospital, Kolkata, India
| | - Animesh Maiti
- Department of Endocrinology & Metabolism, Medical College, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Sunetra Mondal
- Department of Endocrinology & Metabolism, IPGME&R/SSKM Hospital, Kolkata, India
| | - Pradip Mukhopadhyay
- Department of Endocrinology & Metabolism, IPGME&R/SSKM Hospital, Kolkata, India
| | | | | | - Salil Kumar Pal
- Department of Medicine, Calcutta National Medical College, Kolkata, India
| | - Kaushik Pandit
- Department of Endocrinology & Metabolism, IPGME&R/SSKM Hospital, Kolkata, India
| | - Sayantan Ray
- Department of Endocrinology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhubaneswar, India
| | - Bibek Roy Chowdhury
- Department of Endocrinology & Metabolism, IPGME&R/SSKM Hospital, Kolkata, India
| | | | - Pradip Raychaudhuri
- Department of Endocrinology & Metabolism, Medical College, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Ajitesh Roy
- Department of Endocrinology, Vivekananda Institute of Medical Sciences, Kolkata, India
| | - Pranab Kumar Sahana
- Department of Endocrinology & Metabolism, IPGME&R/SSKM Hospital, Kolkata, India
| | - Debmalya Sanyal
- Department of Endocrinology, KPC Medical College, Kolkata, India
| | - Trinanjan Sanyal
- Department of Biochemistry, Malda Medical College & Hospital, Malda, India
| | | | - Dasarathi Sarkar
- Department of Endocrinology, G.D Hospital & Diabetes Institute, Kolkata, India
| | - Nilanjan Sengupta
- Department of Endocrinology, Nil Ratan Sircar Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata, India
| | | | - Anirban Sinha
- Department of Endocrinology & Metabolism, Medical College, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
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Zidoune H, Ladjouze A, Chellat-Rezgoune D, Boukri A, Dib SA, Nouri N, Tebibel M, Sifi K, Abadi N, Satta D, Benelmadani Y, Bignon-Topalovic J, El-Zaiat-Munsch M, Bashamboo A, McElreavey K. Novel Genomic Variants, Atypical Phenotypes and Evidence of a Digenic/Oligogenic Contribution to Disorders/Differences of Sex Development in a Large North African Cohort. Front Genet 2022; 13:900574. [PMID: 36110220 PMCID: PMC9468775 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.900574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In a majority of individuals with disorders/differences of sex development (DSD) a genetic etiology is often elusive. However, new genes causing DSD are routinely reported and using the unbiased genomic approaches, such as whole exome sequencing (WES) should result in an increased diagnostic yield. Here, we performed WES on a large cohort of 125 individuals all of Algerian origin, who presented with a wide range of DSD phenotypes. The study excluded individuals with congenital adrenal hypoplasia (CAH) or chromosomal DSD. Parental consanguinity was reported in 36% of individuals. The genetic etiology was established in 49.6% (62/125) individuals of the total cohort, which includes 42.2% (35/83) of 46, XY non-syndromic DSD and 69.2% (27/39) of 46, XY syndromic DSD. No pathogenic variants were identified in the 46, XX DSD cases (0/3). Variants in the AR, HSD17B3, NR5A1 and SRD5A2 genes were the most common causes of DSD. Other variants were identified in genes associated with congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (CHH), including the CHD7 and PROKR2. Previously unreported pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants (n = 30) involving 25 different genes were identified in 22.4% of the cohort. Remarkably 11.5% of the 46, XY DSD group carried variants classified as pathogenic/likely pathogenic variant in more than one gene known to cause DSD. The data indicates that variants in PLXNA3, a candidate CHH gene, is unlikely to be involved in CHH. The data also suggest that NR2F2 variants may cause 46, XY DSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Housna Zidoune
- Human Developmental Genetics Unit, Institut Pasteur, CNRS, Paris, France
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Department of Animal Biology, University Frères Mentouri Constantine 1, Constantine, Algeria
- Department of Medicine, Laboratory of Biology and Molecular Genetics, University Salah Boubnider Constantine 3, Constantine, Algeria
| | | | - Djalila Chellat-Rezgoune
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Department of Animal Biology, University Frères Mentouri Constantine 1, Constantine, Algeria
- Department of Medicine, Laboratory of Biology and Molecular Genetics, University Salah Boubnider Constantine 3, Constantine, Algeria
| | - Asma Boukri
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetology, CHU Ibn Badis Constantine, Constantine, Algeria
| | | | - Nassim Nouri
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetology, CHU Ibn Badis Constantine, Constantine, Algeria
| | - Meryem Tebibel
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, CHU Beni Messous, Algiers, Algeria
| | - Karima Sifi
- Department of Medicine, Laboratory of Biology and Molecular Genetics, University Salah Boubnider Constantine 3, Constantine, Algeria
| | - Noureddine Abadi
- Department of Medicine, Laboratory of Biology and Molecular Genetics, University Salah Boubnider Constantine 3, Constantine, Algeria
| | - Dalila Satta
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Department of Animal Biology, University Frères Mentouri Constantine 1, Constantine, Algeria
- Department of Medicine, Laboratory of Biology and Molecular Genetics, University Salah Boubnider Constantine 3, Constantine, Algeria
| | - Yasmina Benelmadani
- Department of Medicine, Laboratory of Biology and Molecular Genetics, University Salah Boubnider Constantine 3, Constantine, Algeria
| | | | | | - Anu Bashamboo
- Human Developmental Genetics Unit, Institut Pasteur, CNRS, Paris, France
| | - Ken McElreavey
- Human Developmental Genetics Unit, Institut Pasteur, CNRS, Paris, France
- *Correspondence: Ken McElreavey,
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The aim of this study was to provide a basic overview on human sex development with a focus on involved genes and pathways, and also to discuss recent advances in the molecular diagnostic approaches applied to clinical workup of individuals with a difference/disorder of sex development (DSD). RECENT FINDINGS Rapid developments in genetic technologies and bioinformatics analyses have helped to identify novel genes and genomic pathways associated with sex development, and have improved diagnostic algorithms to integrate clinical, hormonal and genetic data. Recently, massive parallel sequencing approaches revealed that the phenotype of some DSDs might be only explained by oligogenic inheritance. SUMMARY Typical sex development relies on very complex biological events, which involve specific interactions of a large number of genes and pathways in a defined spatiotemporal sequence. Any perturbation in these genetic and hormonal processes may result in atypical sex development leading to a wide range of DSDs in humans. Despite the huge progress in the understanding of molecular mechanisms underlying DSDs in recent years, in less than 50% of DSD individuals, the genetic cause is currently solved at the molecular level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Idoia Martinez de LaPiscina
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolism, Department of Pediatrics, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital
- Department of Biomedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Cruces University Hospital, UPV/EHU, CIBERER, CIBERDEM, ENDO-ERN, Barakaldo, Spain
| | - Christa E Flück
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolism, Department of Pediatrics, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital
- Department of Biomedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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Granada ML, Audí L. El laboratorio en el diagnóstico multidisciplinar del desarrollo sexual anómalo o diferente (DSD). ADVANCES IN LABORATORY MEDICINE 2021; 2:481-493. [PMCID: PMC10197318 DOI: 10.1515/almed-2020-0119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Objetivos El desarrollo de las características sexuales femeninas o masculinas acontece durante la vida fetal, determinándose el sexo genético, el gonadal y el sexo genital interno y externo (femenino o masculino). Cualquier discordancia en las etapas de diferenciación ocasiona un desarrollo sexual anómalo o diferente (DSD) que se clasifica según la composición de los cromosomas sexuales del cariotipo. Contenido En este capítulo se abordan la fisiología de la determinación y el desarrollo de las características sexuales femeninas o masculinas durante la vida fetal, la clasificación general de los DSD y su estudio diagnóstico clínico, bioquímico y genético que debe ser multidisciplinar. Los estudios bioquímicos deben incluir, además de las determinaciones bioquímicas generales, análisis de hormonas esteroideas y peptídicas, en condiciones basales o en pruebas funcionales de estimulación. El estudio genético debe comenzar con la determinación del cariotipo al que seguirá un estudio molecular en los cariotipos 46,XX ó 46,XY, orientado a la caracterización de un gen candidato. Además, se expondrán de manera específica los marcadores bioquímicos y genéticos en los DSD 46,XX, que incluyen el desarrollo gonadal anómalo (disgenesias, ovotestes y testes), el exceso de andrógenos de origen fetal (el más frecuente), fetoplacentario o materno y las anomalías del desarrollo de los genitales internos. Perspectivas El diagnóstico de un DSD requiere la contribución de un equipo multidisciplinar coordinado por un clínico y que incluya los servicios de bioquímica y genética clínica y molecular, un servicio de radiología e imagen y un servicio de anatomía patológica.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Luisa Granada
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Hospital Germans Trias i Pujol, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Badalona, España
| | - Laura Audí
- Growth and Development Research Group, Vall d’Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Center for Biomedical Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Barcelona, Catalonia, España
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Molecular and Cytogenetic Analysis of Romanian Patients with Differences in Sex Development. Diagnostics (Basel) 2021; 11:diagnostics11112107. [PMID: 34829455 PMCID: PMC8620580 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics11112107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Revised: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Differences in sex development (DSD) are often correlated with a genetic etiology. This study aimed to assess the etiology of DSD patients following a protocol of genetic testing. Materials and methods. This study prospectively investigated a total of 267 patients with DSD who presented to Clinical Emergency Hospital for Children Cluj-Napoca between January 2012 and December 2019. Each patient was clinically, biochemically, and morphologically evaluated. As a first intervention, the genetic test included karyotype + SRY testing. A high value of 17-hydroxyprogesterone was found in 39 patients, in whom strip assay analysis of the CYP21A2 gene was subsequently performed. A total of 35 patients were evaluated by chromosomal microarray technique, and 22 patients were evaluated by the NGS of a gene panel. Results. The karyotype analysis established the diagnosis in 15% of the patients, most of whom presented with sex chromosome abnormalities. Genetic testing of CYP21A2 established a confirmation of the diagnosis in 44% of patients tested. SNP array analysis was particularly useful in patients with syndromic DSD; 20% of patients tested presented with pathogenic CNVs or uniparental disomy. Gene panel sequencing established the diagnosis in 11 of the 22 tested patients (50%), and the androgen receptor gene was most often involved in these patients. The genes that presented as pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants or variants of uncertain significance were RSPO1, FGFR1, WT1, CHD7, AR, NIPBL, AMHR2, AR, EMX2, CYP17A1, NR0B1, GNRHR, GATA4, and ATM genes. Conclusion. An evaluation following a genetic testing protocol that included karyotype and SRY gene testing, CYP21A2 analysis, chromosomal analysis by microarray, and high-throughput sequencing were useful in establishing the diagnosis, with a spectrum of diagnostic yield depending on the technique (between 15 and 50%). Additionally, new genetic variants not previously described in DSD were observed.
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Granada ML, Audí L. The laboratory in the multidisciplinary diagnosis of differences or disorders of sex development (DSD): III) Biochemical and genetic markers in the 46,XYIV) Proposals for the differential diagnosis of DSD. ADVANCES IN LABORATORY MEDICINE 2021; 2:494-515. [PMID: 37360892 PMCID: PMC10197773 DOI: 10.1515/almed-2021-0043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 02/20/2021] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Objectives 46,XY differences/disorders of sex development (DSD) involve an abnormal gonadal and/or genital (external and/or internal) development caused by lack or incomplete intrauterine virilization, with or without the presence of Müllerian ducts remnants. Content Useful biochemical markers for differential diagnosis of 46,XY DSD include hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal hormones such as luteinizing and follicle-stimulating hormones (LH and FSH; in baseline or after LHRH stimulation conditions), the anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), inhibin B, insulin-like 3 (INSL3), adrenal and gonadal steroid hormones (including cortisol, aldosterone, testosterone and their precursors, dihydrotestosterone and estradiol) and the pituitary ACTH hormone. Steroid hormones are measured at baseline or after stimulation with ACTH (adrenal hormones) and/or with HCG (gonadal hormones). Summary Different patterns of hormone profiles depend on the etiology and the severity of the underlying disorder and the age of the patient at diagnosis. Molecular diagnosis includes detection of gene dosage or copy number variations, analysis of candidate genes or high-throughput DNA sequencing of panels of candidate genes or the whole exome or genome. Outlook Differential diagnosis of 46,XX or 46,XY DSD requires a multidisciplinary approach, including patient history and clinical, morphological, imaging, biochemical and genetic data. We propose a diagnostic algorithm suitable for a newborn with DSD that focuses mainly on biochemical and genetic data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Luisa Granada
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Hospital Germans Trias i Pujol, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Badalona, Spain
| | - Laura Audí
- Growth and Development Research Group, Vall d’Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Center for Biomedical Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
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Granada ML, Audí L. The laboratory in the multidisciplinary diagnosis of differences or disorders of sex development (DSD): I) Physiology, classification, approach, and methodologyII) Biochemical and genetic markers in 46,XX DSD. ADVANCES IN LABORATORY MEDICINE 2021; 2:468-493. [PMID: 37360895 PMCID: PMC10197333 DOI: 10.1515/almed-2021-0042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Objectives The development of female or male sex characteristics occurs during fetal life, when the genetic, gonadal, and internal and external genital sex is determined (female or male). Any discordance among sex determination and differentiation stages results in differences/disorders of sex development (DSD), which are classified based on the sex chromosomes found on the karyotype. Content This chapter addresses the physiological mechanisms that determine the development of female or male sex characteristics during fetal life, provides a general classification of DSD, and offers guidance for clinical, biochemical, and genetic diagnosis, which must be established by a multidisciplinary team. Biochemical studies should include general biochemistry, steroid and peptide hormone testing either at baseline or by stimulation testing. The genetic study should start with the determination of the karyotype, followed by a molecular study of the 46,XX or 46,XY karyotypes for the identification of candidate genes. Summary 46,XX DSD include an abnormal gonadal development (dysgenesis, ovotestes, or testes), an androgen excess (the most frequent) of fetal, fetoplacental, or maternal origin and an abnormal development of the internal genitalia. Biochemical and genetic markers are specific for each group. Outlook Diagnosis of DSD requires the involvement of a multidisciplinary team coordinated by a clinician, including a service of biochemistry, clinical, and molecular genetic testing, radiology and imaging, and a service of pathological anatomy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Luisa Granada
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Hospital Germans Trias i Pujol, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Badalona, Spain
| | - Laura Audí
- Growth and Development Research Group, Vall d’Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Center for Biomedical Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
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Granada ML, Audí L. El laboratorio en el diagnóstico multidisciplinar del desarrollo sexual anómalo o diferente (DSD): III) Marcadores bioquímicos y genéticos en los 46,XY IV) Propuestas para el diagnóstico diferencial de los DSD. ADVANCES IN LABORATORY MEDICINE 2021; 2:494-515. [PMID: 37360897 PMCID: PMC10197789 DOI: 10.1515/almed-2020-0120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 02/20/2021] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Objetivos El desarrollo sexual anómalo o diferente (DSD) con cariotipo 46,XY incluye anomalías en el desarrollo gonadal y/o genital (externo y/o interno). Contenido Los marcadores bioquímicos útiles para el diagnóstico diferencial de los DSD con cariotipo 46,XY incluyen las hormonas del eje hipotálamo-hipófiso gonadal como son las gonadotropinas LH y FSH (en condiciones basales o tras la estimulación con LHRH), la hormona anti-Mülleriana, la inhibina B, el factor insulinoide tipo 3 y las hormonas esteroideas de origen suprarrenal (se incluirá la hormona hipofisaria ACTH) y testicular (cortisol, aldosterona y sus precursores, testosterona y sus precursores, dihidrotestosterona y estradiol). Las hormonas esteroideas se analizarán en condiciones basales o tras la estimulación con ACTH (hormonas adrenales) y/o con HCG (hormonas testiculares). Los patrones de variación de las distintas hormonas dependerán de la causa y la edad de cada paciente. El diagnóstico molecular debe incluir el análisis de un gen candidato, un panel de genes o el análisis de un exoma completo. Perspectivas El diagnóstico diferencial de los DSD con cariotipos 46,XX ó 46,XY debe ser multidisciplinar, incluyendo los antecedentes clínicos, morfológicos, de imagen, bioquímicos y genéticos. Se han elaborado numerosos algoritmos diagnósticos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Luisa Granada
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Hospital Germans Trias i Pujol, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Badalona, España
| | - Laura Audí
- Growth and Development Research Group, Vall d’Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Center for Biomedical Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III,Barcelona, Catalonia, España
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Kouri C, Sommer G, Flück CE. Oligogenic Causes of Human Differences of Sex Development: Facing the Challenge of Genetic Complexity. Horm Res Paediatr 2021; 96:169-179. [PMID: 34537773 DOI: 10.1159/000519691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Deviations of intrauterine sex determination and differentiation and postnatal sex development can result in a very heterogeneous group of differences of sex development (DSD) with a broad spectrum of phenotypes. Variants in genes involved in sexual development cause different types of DSD, but predicting the phenotype from an individual's genotype and vice versa remains challenging. SUMMARY Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) studies suggested that oligogenic inheritance contributes to the broad manifestation of DSD phenotypes. This review will focus on possible oligogenic inheritance in DSD identified by NGS studies with a special emphasis on NR5A1variants as an example of oligogenic origin associated with a broad range of DSD phenotypes. We thoroughly searched the literature for evidence regarding oligogenic inheritance in DSD diagnosis with NGS technology and describe the challenges to interpret contribution of these genes to DSD phenotypic variability and pathogenicity. Key Messages: Variants in common DSD genes like androgen receptor (AR), mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase 1 (MAP3K1), Hydroxy-Delta-5-Steroid Dehydrogenase 3 Beta- And Steroid Delta-Isomerase 2 (HSD3B2), GATA Binding Protein 4 (GATA4), zinc finger protein friend of GATA family member 2 (ZFPM2), 17b-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 3 (HSD17B3), mastermind-like domain-containing protein 1 (MAMLD1), and nuclear receptor subfamily 5 group A member 1 (NR5A1) have been detected in combination with additional variants in related genes in DSD patients with a broad range of phenotypes, implying a role of oligogenic inheritance in DSD, while still awaiting proof. Use of NGS approach for genetic diagnosis of DSD patients can reveal more complex genetic traits supporting the concept of oligogenic cause of DSD. However, assessing the pathomechanistic contribution of multiple gene variants on a DSD phenotype remains an unsolved conundrum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chrysanthi Kouri
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolism, Department of Pediatrics, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,Department of BioMedical Research (DBMR), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Grit Sommer
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolism, Department of Pediatrics, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,Department of BioMedical Research (DBMR), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Christa E Flück
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolism, Department of Pediatrics, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,Department of BioMedical Research (DBMR), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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Kothandapani A, Jefcoate CR, Jorgensen JS. Cholesterol Contributes to Male Sex Differentiation Through Its Developmental Role in Androgen Synthesis and Hedgehog Signaling. Endocrinology 2021; 162:6204698. [PMID: 33784378 PMCID: PMC8168945 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqab066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Two specialized functions of cholesterol during fetal development include serving as a precursor to androgen synthesis and supporting hedgehog (HH) signaling activity. Androgens are produced by the testes to facilitate masculinization of the fetus. Recent evidence shows that intricate interactions between the HH and androgen signaling pathways are required for optimal male sex differentiation and defects of either can cause birth anomalies indicative of 46,XY male variations of sex development (VSD). Further, perturbations in cholesterol synthesis can cause developmental defects, including VSD, that phenocopy those caused by disrupted androgen or HH signaling, highlighting the functional role of cholesterol in promoting male sex differentiation. In this review, we focus on the role of cholesterol in systemic androgen and local HH signaling events during fetal masculinization and their collective contributions to pediatric VSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anbarasi Kothandapani
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53705, USA
- Correspondence: Anbarasi Kothandapani, PhD, Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 2015 Linden Dr, Madison, WI 53705, USA. E-mail:
| | - Colin R Jefcoate
- Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin 53705, USA
| | - Joan S Jorgensen
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53705, USA
- Correspondence: Joan S. Jorgensen, DVM, PhD, Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 2015 Linden Dr, Madison, WI 53705, USA. E-mail:
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Markosyan R. Patients with disorders of sex development. Ann Pediatr Endocrinol Metab 2021; 26:74-79. [PMID: 34218628 PMCID: PMC8255866 DOI: 10.6065/apem.2040240.120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Disorders of sex development (DSDs) are a genetically and clinically heterogeneous group of congenital conditions of the urogenital tract and reproductive system. Time and spatially controlled transcription factors, signal molecules, and an array of different hormones are involved in the development of sex characteristics, and variations in their pathways and actions are associated with DSD. These conditions may be caused by numerical or structural variations in sex chromosomes as well as autosomes, variations in genes involved in gonadal and/or genital development, and changes in gonadal and/or adrenal steroidogenesis. Endogenous or exogenous (maternal) and possibly endocrine disruptors may also interfere with genital development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renata Markosyan
- Department of Endocrinology, Yerevan State Medical Universisty, Yerevan, Armenia
- "Muratsan" University Hospital, Yerevan, Armenia
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Montenegro LR, Lerário AM, Nishi MY, Jorge AA, Mendonca BB. Performance of mutation pathogenicity prediction tools on missense variants associated with 46,XY differences of sex development. Clinics (Sao Paulo) 2021; 76:e2052. [PMID: 33503178 PMCID: PMC7811835 DOI: 10.6061/clinics/2021/e2052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Accepted: 11/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Single nucleotide variants (SNVs) are the most common type of genetic variation among humans. High-throughput sequencing methods have recently characterized millions of SNVs in several thousand individuals from various populations, most of which are benign polymorphisms. Identifying rare disease-causing SNVs remains challenging, and often requires functional in vitro studies. Prioritizing the most likely pathogenic SNVs is of utmost importance, and several computational methods have been developed for this purpose. However, these methods are based on different assumptions, and often produce discordant results. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the performance of 11 widely used pathogenicity prediction tools, which are freely available for identifying known pathogenic SNVs: Fathmn, Mutation Assessor, Protein Analysis Through Evolutionary Relationships (Phanter), Sorting Intolerant From Tolerant (SIFT), Mutation Taster, Polymorphism Phenotyping v2 (Polyphen-2), Align Grantham Variation Grantham Deviation (Align-GVGD), CAAD, Provean, SNPs&GO, and MutPred. METHODS We analyzed 40 functionally proven pathogenic SNVs in four different genes associated with differences in sex development (DSD): 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 3 (HSD17B3), steroidogenic factor 1 (NR5A1), androgen receptor (AR), and luteinizing hormone/chorionic gonadotropin receptor (LHCGR). To evaluate the false discovery rate of each tool, we analyzed 36 frequent (MAF>0.01) benign SNVs found in the same four DSD genes. The quality of the predictions was analyzed using six parameters: accuracy, precision, negative predictive value (NPV), sensitivity, specificity, and Matthews correlation coefficient (MCC). Overall performance was assessed using a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. RESULTS Our study found that none of the tools were 100% precise in identifying pathogenic SNVs. The highest specificity, precision, and accuracy were observed for Mutation Assessor, MutPred, SNP, and GO. They also presented the best statistical results based on the ROC curve statistical analysis. Of the 11 tools evaluated, 6 (Mutation Assessor, Phanter, SIFT, Mutation Taster, Polyphen-2, and CAAD) exhibited sensitivity >0.90, but they exhibited lower specificity (0.42-0.67). Performance, based on MCC, ranged from poor (Fathmn=0.04) to reasonably good (MutPred=0.66). CONCLUSION Computational algorithms are important tools for SNV analysis, but their correlation with functional studies not consistent. In the present analysis, the best performing tools (based on accuracy, precision, and specificity) were Mutation Assessor, MutPred, and SNPs&GO, which presented the best concordance with functional studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luciana R. Montenegro
- Unidade de Endocrinologia do Desenvolvimento / LIM42 / SELA, Disciplina de Endocrinologia, Hospital das Clinicas (HCFMUSP), Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, BR
- *Corresponding Authors. E-mail:
| | - Antônio M. Lerário
- Unidade de Endocrinologia do Desenvolvimento / LIM42 / SELA, Disciplina de Endocrinologia, Hospital das Clinicas (HCFMUSP), Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, BR
- Division of Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Endocrinology and Diabetes, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, United States of America
| | - Miriam Y. Nishi
- Unidade de Endocrinologia do Desenvolvimento / LIM42 / SELA, Disciplina de Endocrinologia, Hospital das Clinicas (HCFMUSP), Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, BR
| | - Alexander A.L. Jorge
- Unidade de Endocrinologia Genetica (LIM25), Disciplina de Endocrinologia, Faculdade de Medicina (FMUSP), Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, BR
| | - Berenice B. Mendonca
- Unidade de Endocrinologia do Desenvolvimento / LIM42 / SELA, Disciplina de Endocrinologia, Hospital das Clinicas (HCFMUSP), Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, BR
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Martínez de LaPiscina I, Mahmoud RAA, Sauter KS, Esteva I, Alonso M, Costa I, Rial-Rodriguez JM, Rodríguez-Estévez A, Vela A, Castano L, Flück CE. Variants of STAR, AMH and ZFPM2/FOG2 May Contribute towards the Broad Phenotype Observed in 46,XY DSD Patients with Heterozygous Variants of NR5A1. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E8554. [PMID: 33202802 PMCID: PMC7696449 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21228554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2020] [Revised: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Variants of NR5A1 are often found in individuals with 46,XY disorders of sex development (DSD) and manifest with a very broad spectrum of clinical characteristics and variable sex hormone levels. Such complex phenotypic expression can be due to the inheritance of additional genetic hits in DSD-associated genes that modify sex determination, differentiation and organ function in patients with heterozygous NR5A1 variants. Here we describe the clinical, biochemical and genetic features of a series of seven patients harboring monoallelic variants in the NR5A1 gene. We tested the transactivation activity of novel NR5A1 variants. We additionally included six of these patients in a targeted diagnostic gene panel for DSD and identified a second genetic hit in known DSD-causing genes STAR, AMH and ZFPM2/FOG2 in three individuals. Our study increases the number of NR5A1 variants related to 46,XY DSD and supports the hypothesis that a digenic mode of inheritance may contribute towards the broad spectrum of phenotypes observed in individuals with a heterozygous NR5A1 variation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Idoia Martínez de LaPiscina
- Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Cruces University Hospital, UPV/EHU, CIBERER, CIBERDEM, ENDO-ERN. Plaza de Cruces 12, 48903 Barakaldo, Spain; (I.M.d.L.); (A.R.-E.); (A.V.); (L.C.)
| | - Rana AA Mahmoud
- Department of Pediatrics, Endocrinology Section, Ain Shams University, 38 Abbasia, Nour Mosque, El-Mohamady, Al Waili, Cairo 11591, Egypt;
| | - Kay-Sara Sauter
- Pediatric Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolism, Department of Pediatrics, Department of BioMedical Research, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Freiburgstrasse 15, 3010 Bern, Switzerland;
| | - Isabel Esteva
- Endocrinology Section, Gender Identity Unit, Regional University Hospital of Malaga, Av. de Carlos Haya, s/n, 29010 Málaga, Spain;
| | - Milagros Alonso
- Pediatric Endocrinology Department, Ramon y Cajal University Hospital, Ctra. de Colmenar Viejo km. 9, 100, 28034 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Ines Costa
- Pediatric Department, Manises Hospital, Avda. Generalitat Valenciana 50, 46940 Manises, Spain;
| | - Jose Manuel Rial-Rodriguez
- Pediatric Endocrinology Department, Nuestra Señora de Candelaria University Hospital, Ctra general del Rosario 145, 38010 Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain;
| | - Amaia Rodríguez-Estévez
- Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Cruces University Hospital, UPV/EHU, CIBERER, CIBERDEM, ENDO-ERN. Plaza de Cruces 12, 48903 Barakaldo, Spain; (I.M.d.L.); (A.R.-E.); (A.V.); (L.C.)
- Pediatric Endocrinology Department, Cruces University Hospital, Plaza de Cruces 12, 48903 Barakaldo, Spain
| | - Amaia Vela
- Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Cruces University Hospital, UPV/EHU, CIBERER, CIBERDEM, ENDO-ERN. Plaza de Cruces 12, 48903 Barakaldo, Spain; (I.M.d.L.); (A.R.-E.); (A.V.); (L.C.)
- Pediatric Endocrinology Department, Cruces University Hospital, Plaza de Cruces 12, 48903 Barakaldo, Spain
| | - Luis Castano
- Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Cruces University Hospital, UPV/EHU, CIBERER, CIBERDEM, ENDO-ERN. Plaza de Cruces 12, 48903 Barakaldo, Spain; (I.M.d.L.); (A.R.-E.); (A.V.); (L.C.)
- Pediatric Endocrinology Department, Cruces University Hospital, Plaza de Cruces 12, 48903 Barakaldo, Spain
| | - Christa E. Flück
- Pediatric Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolism, Department of Pediatrics, Department of BioMedical Research, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Freiburgstrasse 15, 3010 Bern, Switzerland;
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Camats N, Flück CE, Audí L. Oligogenic Origin of Differences of Sex Development in Humans. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E1809. [PMID: 32155719 PMCID: PMC7084473 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21051809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2020] [Revised: 03/03/2020] [Accepted: 03/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Sex development is a very complex biological event that requires the concerted collaboration of a large network of genes in a spatial and temporal correct fashion. In the past, much has been learned about human sex development from monogenic disorders/differences of sex development (DSD), but the broad spectrum of phenotypes in numerous DSD individuals remains a conundrum. Currently, the genetic cause of less than 50% of DSD individuals has been solved and oligogenic disease has been proposed. In recent years, multiple genetic hits have been found in individuals with DSD thanks to high throughput sequencing. Our group has been searching for additional genetic hits explaining the phenotypic variability over the past years in two cohorts of patients: 46,XY DSD patients carriers of NR5A1 variants and 46,XY DSD and 46,XX DSD with MAMLD1 variants. In both cohorts, our results suggest that the broad phenotypes may be explained by oligogenic origin, in which multiple hits may contribute to a DSD phenotype, unique to each individual. A search for an underlying network of the identified genes also revealed that a considerable number of these genes showed interactions, suggesting that genetic variations in these genes may affect sex development in concert.
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Affiliation(s)
- Núria Camats
- Growth and Development Research Group, Vall d’Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Center for Biomedical Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Barcelona, 08035 Catalonia, Spain;
| | - Christa E Flück
- Pediatric Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolism, Department of Pediatrics and Department of BioMedical Research, Bern University Hospital and University of Bern, CH-3010 Bern, Switzerland;
| | - Laura Audí
- Growth and Development Research Group, Vall d’Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Center for Biomedical Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Barcelona, 08035 Catalonia, Spain;
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19
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Wisniewski AB, Batista RL, Costa EMF, Finlayson C, Sircili MHP, Dénes FT, Domenice S, Mendonca BB. Management of 46,XY Differences/Disorders of Sex Development (DSD) Throughout Life. Endocr Rev 2019; 40:1547-1572. [PMID: 31365064 DOI: 10.1210/er.2019-00049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2019] [Accepted: 07/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Differences/disorders of sex development (DSD) are a heterogeneous group of congenital conditions that result in discordance between an individual's sex chromosomes, gonads, and/or anatomic sex. Advances in the clinical care of patients and families affected by 46,XY DSD have been achieved since publication of the original Consensus meeting in 2006. The aims of this paper are to review what is known about morbidity and mortality, diagnostic tools and timing, sex of rearing, endocrine and surgical treatment, fertility and sexual function, and quality of life in people with 46,XY DSD. The role for interdisciplinary health care teams, importance of establishing a molecular diagnosis, and need for research collaborations using patient registries to better understand long-term outcomes of specific medical and surgical interventions are acknowledged and accepted. Topics that require further study include prevalence and incidence, understanding morbidity and mortality as these relate to specific etiologies underlying 46,XY DSD, appropriate and optimal options for genitoplasty, long-term quality of life, sexual function, involvement with intimate partners, and optimizing fertility potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy B Wisniewski
- Psychology Department, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma
| | - Rafael L Batista
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of São Paulo Medical School, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Elaine M F Costa
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of São Paulo Medical School, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Courtney Finlayson
- Division of Endocrinology, Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Maria Helena Palma Sircili
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of São Paulo Medical School, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Francisco Tibor Dénes
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of São Paulo Medical School, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Sorahia Domenice
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of São Paulo Medical School, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Berenice B Mendonca
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of São Paulo Medical School, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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