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Rozynek J, Nowacka-Woszuk J, Stachowiak M, Sowinska N, Lukomska A, Gruss M, Switonski M, Szczerbal I. Lack of causative mutation in the AMH and AMHR2 genes in a cat (38,XY) with persistent Mullerian duct syndrome (PMDS). Reprod Domest Anim 2024; 59:e14635. [PMID: 38837470 DOI: 10.1111/rda.14635] [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: 04/27/2024] [Revised: 05/18/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
A 1-year-old European shorthair male cat with a normally developed penis was subjected to genetic, endocrinological and histological studies due to unilateral cryptorchidism. The blood testosterone level was typical for males, while the level of anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) was very low. Surgical removal of internal reproductive organs was followed by a histological study, which revealed inactive testicles with neoplastic changes and derivatives of Mullerian ducts. Cytogenetic analysis showed a normal XY sex chromosome complement and molecular analysis confirmed the presence of Y-linked genes (SRY and ZFY). Although the level of AMH was low, two normal copies of the AMH gene were found using droplet digital PCR (ddPCR). Analysis of the coding sequences of two candidate genes (AMH and AMHR2) for persistent Mullerian duct syndrome (PMDS) in the affected cat and in control male cats (n = 24) was performed using the Sanger sequencing method. In the affected cat, homozygosity was found for three novel missense variants in Exon 1 (one SNP) and Exon 5 (two SNPs) of AMH, but the same homozygous genotypes were also observed in one and two control cats, respectively, whose sex development was not examined. Three known synonymous variants with homozygous status were found in AMHR2. We conclude that the DNA variants identified in AMH and AMHR2 are not responsible for PMDS in the affected cat.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Anna Lukomska
- Department of Preclinical Sciences and Infectious Diseases, Poznan, Poland
| | - Michal Gruss
- Department of Internal Diseases and Diagnostics, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Poznan, Poland
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2
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Welsh PJ, McDaniel K, Goldsmith EW, Ramsay JD, Conley A, Owen TJ, Ambrosini YM, Ciccarelli M. Case report: Persistent Müllerian duct syndrome and enlarged prostatic utricle in a male dog. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1185621. [PMID: 37470070 PMCID: PMC10352618 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1185621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023] Open
Abstract
A 1-year-old male intact Miniature Schnauzer mix was presented for chronic intermittent hematuria. Abdominal ultrasonography revealed a large, fluid-filled cystic structure extending cranially and dorsally to the prostate. Computed tomography scan images revealed that the fluid-filled cavity resembled a uterus, with both horns entering the scrotum through the inguinal canal adjacent to the testes. On cytogenetic analysis, the dog was found to have a homozygote mutation on AMHRII consistent with persistent Müllerian duct syndrome (PMDS). A gonadohysterectomy was performed, and surgical and histologic findings confirmed the presence of a uterus, oviducts, vagina, and testes in this dog. Additionally, an intraoperative fluoroscopy exam revealed a communication between the uterus and the bladder via an enlarged utricle, explaining the hematuria and urine in the reproductive tract (urometra). To our knowledge, this is the first clinical report of a phenotypically intact male dog with PMDS and urometra due to an enlarged prostatic utricle. This case illustrates a combination of a disorder of sex and urogenital sinus development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter J. Welsh
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States
| | - Kaylyn McDaniel
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States
| | - Elizabeth W. Goldsmith
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States
- Washington Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States
| | - Joshua D. Ramsay
- Pathology Services, North American Science Associates, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Alan Conley
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Tina Jo Owen
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States
| | - Yoko M. Ambrosini
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States
| | - Michela Ciccarelli
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States
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3
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Nowacka-Woszuk J, Stachowiak M, Szczerbal I, Szydlowski M, Szabelska-Beresewicz A, Zyprych-Walczak J, Krzeminska P, Nowak T, Lukomska A, Ligocka Z, Biezynski J, Dzimira S, Nizanski W, Switonski M. Whole genome sequencing identifies a missense polymorphism in PADI6 associated with testicular/ovotesticular XX disorder of sex development in dogs. Genomics 2022; 114:110389. [PMID: 35597501 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygeno.2022.110389] [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: 02/01/2022] [Revised: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Disorders of sex development (DSDs) are congenital malformations defined as discrepancies between sex chromosomes and phenotypical sex. Testicular or ovotesticular XX DSDs are frequently observed in female dogs, while monogenic XY DSDs are less frequent. Here, we applied whole genome sequencing (WGS) to search for causative mutations in XX DSD females in French Bulldogs (FB) and American Staffordshire Terries (AST) and in XY DSD Yorkshire Terries (YT). The WGS results were validated by Sanger sequencing and ddPCR. It was shown that a missense SNP of the PADI6 gene, is significantly associated with the XX DSD (SRY-negative) phenotype in AST (P = 0.0051) and FB (P = 0.0306). On the contrary, we did not find any associated variant with XY DSD in YTs. Our study suggests that the genetic background of the XX DSD may be more complex and breed-specific.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Nowacka-Woszuk
- Department of Genetics and Animal Breeding, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Wolynska 33, 60-637 Poznan, Poland
| | - Monika Stachowiak
- Department of Genetics and Animal Breeding, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Wolynska 33, 60-637 Poznan, Poland
| | - Izabela Szczerbal
- Department of Genetics and Animal Breeding, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Wolynska 33, 60-637 Poznan, Poland
| | - Maciej Szydlowski
- Department of Genetics and Animal Breeding, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Wolynska 33, 60-637 Poznan, Poland
| | - Alicja Szabelska-Beresewicz
- Department of Mathematical and Statistical Methods, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Wojska Polskiego 28, 60-637 Poznan, Poland
| | - Joanna Zyprych-Walczak
- Department of Mathematical and Statistical Methods, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Wojska Polskiego 28, 60-637 Poznan, Poland
| | - Paulina Krzeminska
- Department of Genetics and Animal Breeding, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Wolynska 33, 60-637 Poznan, Poland
| | - Tomasz Nowak
- Department of Genetics and Animal Breeding, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Wolynska 33, 60-637 Poznan, Poland
| | - Anna Lukomska
- Department of Preclinical Sciences and Infectious Diseases, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Wolynska 35, 60-637 Poznan, Poland
| | - Zuzanna Ligocka
- Department of Reproduction and Clinic of Farm Animals, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Pl. Grunwaldzki 49, 50-366 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Janusz Biezynski
- Department of Surgery, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Pl. Grunwaldzki 51, 50-366 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Stanislaw Dzimira
- Department of Pathology, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, C. K. Norwida 31, 50-375 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Wojciech Nizanski
- Department of Reproduction and Clinic of Farm Animals, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Pl. Grunwaldzki 49, 50-366 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Marek Switonski
- Department of Genetics and Animal Breeding, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Wolynska 33, 60-637 Poznan, Poland.
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Krzeminska P, Nowacka-Woszuk J, Switonski M. Copy number variation of the SRY gene showed an association with disorders of sex development in Yorkshire Terrier dogs. Anim Genet 2021; 53:152-155. [PMID: 34664728 DOI: 10.1111/age.13147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The molecular background of disorders of sex development (DSD) in dogs is poorly understood. Several copies of the SRY genes have been reported in the dog genome. We used droplet digital PCR with the aim of determining variability in SRY copy number and its association with DSD in dogs. Altogether 19 DSD male dogs (XY DSD) of 10 breeds and 87 control dogs of eight breeds were analyzed. Moreover, we performed a comparative analysis of SRY copy number in other canids: wolves (3), red foxes (16), and Chinese raccoon dogs (10). We found that the modal number of SRY copies in dogs, wolves, red foxes, and Chinese raccoon dogs was 3, 3, 1, and 3 respectively. Variability of copy number was only observed in Yorkshire Terriers (two or three copies) and red foxes (one or two copies). An analysis of six DSD Yorkshire Terriers and 38 control males of this breed showed that 50% of the DSD dogs had two copies, while the incidence of this variant was significantly lower in the control dogs (10.5%). Searching for the copy number of the coding and 5'-flanking fragments revealed full concordance with the copy number. These fragments were also sequenced in DSD (19) and control (24) dogs, and no DNA variants were found. We conclude that, in the dog, two or three functional copies of the SRY gene are present, and a smaller number of copies showed an association with the risk of DSD phenotype in Yorkshire Terriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Krzeminska
- Department of Genetics and Animal Breeding, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Wolynska 33, Poznan, 60-637, Poland
| | - J Nowacka-Woszuk
- Department of Genetics and Animal Breeding, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Wolynska 33, Poznan, 60-637, Poland
| | - M Switonski
- Department of Genetics and Animal Breeding, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Wolynska 33, Poznan, 60-637, Poland
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Fromme L, Yogui DR, Alves MH, Desbiez AL, Langeheine M, Quagliatto A, Siebert U, Brehm R. Morphology of the genital organs of male and female giant anteaters ( Myrmecophaga tridactyla). PeerJ 2021; 9:e11945. [PMID: 34447632 PMCID: PMC8364315 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.11945] [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: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The giant anteater belongs to the supraorder Xenarthra which occupies a systematically isolated position among placental mammals. The species is categorized as Vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, and understanding its reproductive characteristics is critical for future conservation efforts. METHODS Gross and microscopic anatomy of the genital organs of 23 male and 21 female adult and young roadkill giant anteaters in Brazil were studied. RESULTS Male giant anteaters presented a short conical penis, intraabdominal testes, and prostate, vesicular and bulbourethral glands. A tubular remnant of the partially fused Müllerian ducts extended from the seminal colliculus through the prostate gland, continued cranially in the genital fold, bifurcated, and attached with one elongation each to the left and right epididymal corpus. The structure presented a total length of up to 10 cm and contained a yellowish liquid in its lumen. Histologically, the caudal section of this structure resembled the female vagina, the middle portion corresponded to the uterus, and the extensions showed characteristics of uterine tubes. In adult female giant anteaters, ovoid ovaries with occasional seminiferous cord-like structures were observed. The animals possessed a simple uterus, which was directly continuous with the vaginal canal. The caudal portion of the vagina had two lumina, separated by a longitudinal septum and opening into two apertures into the vaginal vestibule, cranial to the urethral opening. In the urethral and the lateral vestibular wall, glandular structures with characteristics of male prostate and bulbourethral glands, respectively, were found. The vestibule opened through a vertical vulvar cleft to the exterior. A pair of well-differentiated Wolffian ducts with a central lumen originated ventrally at the vaginal opening into the vestibule and passed in a cranial direction through the ventral vaginal and uterine wall. Each duct extended highly coiled along the ipsilateral uterine tube until the lateral pole of the ovaries where it merged with the rete ovarii. DISCUSSION The reproductive morphology of giant anteaters reveals characteristics shared with other Xenarthrans: intraabdominal testes, a simple uterus, and a double caudal vagina. The persistence of well-differentiated genital ducts of the opposite sex in both males and females, however, singles them out among other species. These structures are the results of an aberration during fetal sexual differentiation and possess secretory functions. The possibility of a pathological degeneration of these organs should be considered in reproductive medicine of the species. CONCLUSION Knowledge of the unique reproductive characteristics of the giant anteater is essential for future reproductive management of the species. Additionally, further research on the peculiarities of the persisting genital duct structures might help to understand sexual differentiation in placental mammals in general.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lilja Fromme
- Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
- Institute for Anatomy, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Débora R. Yogui
- Project Anteaters and Highways, Instituto de Conservação de Animais Silvestres (ICAS), Campo Grande, Brazil
- Nashville Zoo, Nashville, TN, United States of America
| | - Mario Henrique Alves
- Project Anteaters and Highways, Instituto de Conservação de Animais Silvestres (ICAS), Campo Grande, Brazil
- Fundación Zoológica de Cali, Valle del Cauca, Colombia
| | - Arnaud L.J. Desbiez
- Project Anteaters and Highways, Instituto de Conservação de Animais Silvestres (ICAS), Campo Grande, Brazil
- Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS), Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Instituto de Pesquisas Ecológicas (IPÊ), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marion Langeheine
- Institute for Anatomy, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - André Quagliatto
- Laboratório de Ensino e Pesquisa em Animais Silvestres (LAPAS), Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Brazil
| | - Ursula Siebert
- Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Ralph Brehm
- Institute for Anatomy, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
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Nowacka-Woszuk J, Szczerbal I, Stachowiak M, Dzimira S, Nizanski W, Biezynski J, Nowak T, Gogulski M, Switonski M. Screening for structural variants of four candidate genes in dogs with disorders of sex development revealed the first case of a large deletion in NR5A1. Anim Reprod Sci 2020; 223:106632. [PMID: 33128907 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2020.106632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Revised: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Disorders of sex development (DSD) are important causes of infertility and sterility, and are risk factors for gonadal carcinogenesis. Many DSDs are caused by genetic factors, mainly sex chromosome abnormalities or mutations of genes involved in sexual development, as well as structural variants (SVs) - large deletions, duplications, and insertions, if these overlap genes involved in sex development. The aim of this study was to determine if there were SVs in four candidate genes - NR0B1 (DAX1), NR5A1, RSPO1, and SOX3 - using droplet digital PCR (ddPCR). There was study of two cohorts of dogs with DSD, including 55 animals with XX DSD and 15 with XY DSD. In addition, 40 control females and 10 control males were included in the study. Among cases, for which there were evaluations, a large deletion consisting of four exons of the NR5A1 gene was identified in a Yorkshire Terrier with a rudimentary penis, hypospadias, bilateral cryptorchidism, and spermatogenesis inactive testes. This is the first mutation in the NR5A1 gene leading to XY DSD phenotype to be reported in domestic animals. There were no SVs in the genes evaluated in the present study in the cohort of dogs with XX DSD. The results from this study provide evidence that the large structural variants of these genes are rarely associated with the DSD phenotype in dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Nowacka-Woszuk
- Department of Genetics and Animal Breeding, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Wolynska 33, 60-637, Poznan, Poland
| | - Izabela Szczerbal
- Department of Genetics and Animal Breeding, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Wolynska 33, 60-637, Poznan, Poland
| | - Monika Stachowiak
- Department of Genetics and Animal Breeding, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Wolynska 33, 60-637, Poznan, Poland
| | - Stanislaw Dzimira
- Department of Pathology, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, C.K. Norwida 31, 50-375, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Wojciech Nizanski
- Department of Reproduction and Clinic of Farm Animals, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Pl. Grunwaldzki 49, 50-366, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Janusz Biezynski
- Department of Surgery, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Pl. Grunwaldzki 51, 50-366, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Tomasz Nowak
- Department of Animal Reproduction, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Wolynska 35, 60-637, Poznan, Poland
| | - Maciej Gogulski
- University Centre for Veterinary Medicine, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Szydlowska 43, 60-656, Poznan, Poland; Department of Preclinical Sciences and Infectious Diseases, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Wolynska 35, 60-637, Poznan, Poland
| | - Marek Switonski
- Department of Genetics and Animal Breeding, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Wolynska 33, 60-637, Poznan, Poland.
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Schneider XJ, Fraser NS, Hill J. Theriogenology Question of the Month. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2020; 254:1401-1405. [PMID: 31149879 DOI: 10.2460/javma.254.12.1401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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8
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Szczerbal I, Switonski M. Genetic disorders of sex development in cats: An update. Anim Reprod Sci 2020; 216:106353. [PMID: 32414464 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2020.106353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Revised: 03/21/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Disorders of sex development (DSD) are rarely reported in cats, but this does not mean these occurrences are an insignificant reproductive and health problem in this species. The DSD condition affects reproduction and can be associated with an increased risk of gonadal tumorigenesis. In this review, an overview of findings since 2012 are presented that focus on cytogenetic and molecular genetic studies of cats with abnormal external genitalia. Results from advanced cytogenetic analysis of sex chromosomes indicate there is a range of abnormalities, including aneuploidies, structural rearrangements and freemartinism, which manifests as leukocyte XX/XY chimerism. The molecular abnormalities that result in feline monogenic and multifactorial DSD (such as hypospadias and cryptorchidism) are very few. There are only two mutations of genes (CYP11B1 and TAC3) which are known to be responsible for syndromes associated with abnormal sexual development. Several candidate genes (SRY, AR, SRD5A2, MAMLD1, DHH, HSD3B2, and HSD17B3) have also been examined, but no associations were identified between these polymorphisms and DSD phenotypes. The findings in developing the present review indicate sex chromosome abnormalities are quite common causes of feline DSD. The study of the molecular disorders that lead to the development of DSD in cats with normal XX or XY sex chromosome complements is still in its infancy, and further research is needed into this topic. It can be anticipated that the use of next generation sequencing technologies to study the genetic disorders that result in the DSD condition in cats will lead to an increase the detection of several causative mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Szczerbal
- Department of Genetics and Animal Breeding, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - M Switonski
- Department of Genetics and Animal Breeding, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Poznan, Poland.
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Stimmelmayr R, Ferrer T, Rotstein DS. Persistent Mü̈llerian duct syndrome in a beluga whale Delphinapterus leucas. DISEASES OF AQUATIC ORGANISMS 2019; 136:273-278. [PMID: 31724560 DOI: 10.3354/dao03418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
This case study describes a persistent Mü̈llerian duct syndrome (PMDS), a rare form of XY disorder of sex development (DSD), in a mature (>15 yr) beluga whale Delphinapterus leucas. The phenotypically and genetically male beluga whale had both Mü̈llerian (paramesonephric) and Wolffian (mesonephric) duct derivatives. A mild hydrometra was present. Gross and histological analyses indicated the testes were atrophied. Histopathologic findings in the testes also included fibrosis in addition to ductus deferens ductular dilation, epididymal ductular dilation, lymphoplasmacytic balanitis, uterine glandular atrophy, and endometrial fibrosis. DSDs are rarely reported in cetaceans, and PMDS has never been described in a cetacean.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raphaela Stimmelmayr
- Department of Wildlife Management, North Slope Borough, Utqiagvik, AK 99723, USA
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10
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Mullen RD, Ontiveros AE, Moses MM, Behringer RR. AMH and AMHR2 mutations: A spectrum of reproductive phenotypes across vertebrate species. Dev Biol 2019; 455:1-9. [PMID: 31301298 PMCID: PMC6754765 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2019.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2019] [Revised: 06/04/2019] [Accepted: 07/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) is a member of the Transforming Growth Factor-β family of secreted signaling proteins. AMH is expressed in Sertoli cells of the fetal and adult testes and granulosa cells of the postnatal ovary. AMH is required for the regression of the Müllerian ducts in mammalian fetuses during male differentiation. AMH signals through its Type II receptor, AMHR2. AMHR2 is expressed in mesenchyme adjacent to the Müllerian ducts, and in Sertoli, Leydig, and granulosa cells. Although AMH and AMHR2 genes have been identified in numerous vertebrate species, spontaneous or engineered mutations or variants have been found or created in only a few mammals and teleost fishes. AMH or AMHR2 mutations in mammals lead to the development of Persistent Müllerian Duct Syndrome (PMDS), a recessive condition in which affected males are fully virilized but retain Müllerian duct-derived tissues, including a uterus and oviducts, and in human and dog, undescended testes. Amh mutant female mice had accelerated ovarian primordial follicle recruitment, suggesting a role for AMH in regulating germ cells. amh and amhr2 mutations have also been experimentally generated in various teleost fishes. Depending on the fish species, loss of AMH signaling results in infertility, germ cell tumors, or male-to-female sex reversal. Here we compare the spectrum of phenotypes caused by AMH and AMHR2 mutations in a variety of vertebrate species. There are both common and unique phenotypes between species, highlighting the range of biological processes regulated by AMH signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel D Mullen
- Department of Genetics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Alejandra E Ontiveros
- Department of Genetics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA; Program in Developmental Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, 77030, USA
| | - Malcolm M Moses
- Department of Genetics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA; Program in Genetics and Epigenetics, MD Anderson Cancer Center UT Health Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Richard R Behringer
- Department of Genetics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA; Program in Developmental Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, 77030, USA; Program in Genetics and Epigenetics, MD Anderson Cancer Center UT Health Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
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11
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Krzeminska P, Nizanski W, Nowacka-Woszuk J, Switonski M. Analysis of testosterone pathway genes in dogs (78,XY; SRY-positive) with ambiguous external genitalia revealed a homozygous animal for 2-bp deletion causing premature stop codon in HSD17B3. Anim Genet 2019; 50:705-711. [PMID: 31476086 DOI: 10.1111/age.12850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The genetic background of disorders of sex development (DSD) in dogs with a normal male sex chromosome set (78,XY) is poorly described. In this study, we present for the first time, an analysis of six genes of the testosterone pathway, encoding enzymes (CYP17A1, HSD3B2, HSD17B3, SRD5A2) and transcription factors (NR5A1, AR). The entire coding sequence and flanking regions of the introns, 5'-UTR and 3'-UTR were analyzed in five DSD dogs (78,XY, SRY-positive) with ambiguous external genitalia and in 15 control dogs. A homozygous deletion of 2 bp in exon 2 of HSD17B3 (hydroxysteroid 17-beta dehydrogenase 3) was found in a Dachshund dog with enlarged clitoris, vulva and abdominal gonads and decreased serum testosterone level. In silico analysis revealed that this deleterious variant causes truncation of the encoded polypeptide (from 306 to 65 amino acids) and deprivation of the active site of the encoded enzyme. Genotyping of 23 control Dachshund dogs showed a normal homozygous genotype. Thus, we assumed that the 2-bp deletion is the causative variant. Moreover, 24 SNPs (four in CYP17A1, three in HSD3B2, six in HSD17B3, five in SRD5A2, one in AR and five in NR5A1), two intronic indels (one in HSD3B2 and one in SRD5A2) and two microsatellite polymorphisms in exon 1 of AR were found. Six SNPs appeared to be novel. No association with DSD phenotype was observed. Identification of the first case of DSD in domestic animals caused by a deleterious variant of a gene involved in testosterone synthesis showed that these genes are important candidates in such studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Krzeminska
- Department of Genetics and Animal Breeding, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Wolynska 33, 60-637, Poznan, Poland
| | - W Nizanski
- Department of Reproduction and Clinic of Farm Animals, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Plac Grunwaldzki 49, 50-366, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - J Nowacka-Woszuk
- Department of Genetics and Animal Breeding, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Wolynska 33, 60-637, Poznan, Poland
| | - M Switonski
- Department of Genetics and Animal Breeding, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Wolynska 33, 60-637, Poznan, Poland
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12
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Nogueira DM, Armada JLA, Penedo DM, Tannouz VGS, Meyers-Wallen VN. Persistent Mullerian duct Syndrome in a Brazilian miniature schnauzer dog. AN ACAD BRAS CIENC 2019; 91:e20180752. [PMID: 31241703 DOI: 10.1590/0001-3765201920180752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2018] [Accepted: 11/09/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Here we describe an eight-year-old miniature schnauzer (MS) dog from Brazil with Persistent Mullerian Duct Syndrome (PMDS) and the single base pair substitution in AMHR2 exon 3, first detected in this breed in the USA. This finding is evidence of mutation dissemination to South America. In PMDS, a type of XY Disorder of Sex Development (DSD), dogs with a male karyotype and external phenotype also have a uterus, oviducts, and a cranial vagina internally. Approximately half of PMDS MS are unilaterally or bilaterally cryptorchid and many develop pyometra and/or Sertoli cell tumor. Bilateral Sertoli cell testicular tumors were present in this case, and the dog died a few days after surgical castration and hysterectomy. Although the karyotype was compatible with male chromosomal sex, a Robertsonian translocation was also identified, which may be an incidental finding. This report emphasizes the importance of cytogenetic and molecular genetic analyses, along with clinical examination, to identify chromosomal or genetic variations associated with canine PMDS. These are helpful tools to obtain early diagnosis in the MS, which is important to improve health outcomes for affected dogs and to reduce the prevalence of PMDS and cryptorchidism in this breed by avoiding the mating of carriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denise M Nogueira
- Departamento de Genética, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro/UFRRJ, BR 465, Km 7, 23897-000 Seropédica, RJ, Brazil
| | - Jorge L A Armada
- Departamento de Genética, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro/UFRRJ, BR 465, Km 7, 23897-000 Seropédica, RJ, Brazil
| | - Diego M Penedo
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Animal, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro/UFRRJ, BR 465, Km 7, 23897-000 Seropédica, RJ, Brazil
| | - Vania G S Tannouz
- Rua Professor Valadares, 171, Grajaú, 20561-020 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Vicki N Meyers-Wallen
- James A. Baker Institute for Animal Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
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13
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Karakas Alkan K, Ceylan A, Alkan H, Ozen D, Bayraktaroglu AG, Kaymaz M. Immunohistochemical and qPCR determination of the expression and serum level of anti-Müllerian hormone in pre-pubertal, intact and ovarian remnant syndrome detected bitches. Reprod Domest Anim 2019; 54:979-986. [PMID: 31050839 DOI: 10.1111/rda.13451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2018] [Accepted: 04/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine the serum concentrations, ovarian presence and expression of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) in pre-pubertal, bitches with signs of ovarian remnant syndrome (ORS) and intact bitches. In addition, we aimed to verify the suitability of serum AMH concentrations for diagnostic purposes in sterilized bitches and/or in suspected cases of ORS in the field of veterinary medicine. For this purpose, 36 healthy female dogs divided into six groups: proestrus, oestrus, dioestrus, anoestrus, pre-pubertal and ORS. Serum AMH concentrations were determined by electrochemiluminescence immunoassay, and ovarian presence and distribution of AMH was confirmed by immunohistochemical and qPCR techniques. According to the results of qPCR, while the expression values of AMH were at the highest concentrations in the proestrus and oestrus, there was a statistically significant decrease in these values at the later stages of the cycle (p < 0.05). According to hormone analysis, the serum AMH values of the ORS group had decreased significantly compared with the proestrus and oestrus (p < 0.05). Although serum AMH levels of ORS group were increased compared with anestrus and pre-pubertal groups, this increase was statistically non-significant (p > 0.05). Immunohistochemically, AMH expression was first observed in the granulosa cells of primordial follicles in folliculogenesis. Expression values were the highest in the proestrous and oestrus groups, but values from bitches in later stages of the cycle were statistically significant decrease in comparison with these groups (p < 0.05). As a result, AMH concentration and expression were found to be higher in proestrus and oestrus than in other periods (p < 0.05). In addition, the measurable level of AMH concentration in bitches with ORS is an indication that it can be used in the diagnosis of ORS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kubra Karakas Alkan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Ahmet Ceylan
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Hasan Alkan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Selcuk University, Konya, Turkey
| | - Dogukan Ozen
- Department of Biostatistics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Alev Gurol Bayraktaroglu
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Mustafa Kaymaz
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey
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14
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Krzemińska P, D'Anza E, Ciotola F, Paciello O, Restucci B, Peretti V, Albarella S, Switonski M. Polymorphisms of MAMLD1, SRD5A2, and AR Candidate Genes in Seven Dogs (78,XY; SRY-Positive) Affected by Hypospadias or Cryptorchidism. Sex Dev 2019; 13:92-98. [PMID: 31055572 DOI: 10.1159/000500219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Knowledge of the molecular background of disorders of sex development (DSD) in dogs with normal sets of XY chromosomes (XY DSD) is very scarce. However, extensive studies have been carried out in humans, showing that polymorphisms and mutations of numerous genes, including SRY, MAMLD1, SRD5A2, and AR, are associated with or responsible for XY DSD. In this study, we analyzed the entire coding sequence of these genes in 7 dogs (78,XY) with ambiguous external genitalia (hypospadias, cryptorchidism, bifid scrotum, or rudimentary penis). The most common disorder was hypospadias (6 cases), followed by cryptorchidism (4 cases). The co-occurrence of both abnormalities was observed in 3 dogs. Polymorphisms were found in MAMLD1 (3 SNPs), SRD5A2 (5 SNPs), and AR (2 STRs and 1 SNP), while SRY was monomorphic. However, the distribution of the polymorphic variants in the DSD dogs and 11 control XY dogs did not differ significantly. Our study suggests that an association between the polymorphisms of the studied candidate genes and hypospadias or cryptorchidism is unlikely in dogs. We thus support the recent suggestion that hypospadias is not rare in this species, and moreover, we show that co-occurrence of hypospadias and cryptorchidism can be quite frequent.
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15
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Szczerbal I, Krzeminska P, Dzimira S, Tamminen TM, Saari S, Nizanski W, Gogulski M, Nowacka-Woszuk J, Switonski M. Disorders of sex development in cats with different complements of sex chromosomes. Reprod Domest Anim 2018; 53:1317-1322. [PMID: 30099782 DOI: 10.1111/rda.13263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2018] [Accepted: 06/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The genetic background of disorders of sex development (DSDs) in cats is poorly understood, due to a relatively low number of such studies in this species. Here we present three new DSD cases with different complements of sex chromosomes. The first, an Oriental Shorthair cat with a rudimentary penis, abdominal atrophic testicles and lack of uterus appeared to be a freemartin, since leucocyte chimerism XX/XY and a lack of Y-linked genes (SRY and ZFY) were observed in DNA isolated from hair follicles. XXY trisomy was identified in the second case, a tortoiseshell Devon Rex male cat with atrophic scrotal testicles and a normal penis. Finally, a European Shorthair cat with atrophic testicles in a bifid scrotum, rudimentary penis and a lack of uterus had XY complement, including Y chromosome of normal size and morphology. Also presence of eight Y-linked genes, detected by PCR, was confirmed. Due to the low testosterone level in this last patient, we searched for a causative mutation in two candidate genes (HSD3B2 and HSD17B3) involved in the metabolism of this steroid hormone. Altogether, five polymorphic sites in HSD3B2 and two in HSD17B3 were found, but none of them showed associations with DSD phenotype. We thus excluded a possibility that the causative mutation is present in these genes. In conclusion, we confirmed that analysis of the sex chromosome complement is a crucial step in diagnosis of DSDs. However, extensive molecular studies of the genes involved in sex development are needed to elucidate the causes of DSDs in cats with normal complements of sex chromosomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Izabela Szczerbal
- Department of Genetics and Animal Breeding, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Paulina Krzeminska
- Department of Genetics and Animal Breeding, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Stanislaw Dzimira
- Department of Pathology, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Tuire Maria Tamminen
- Department of Production Animal Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Seppo Saari
- Veterinary Histopathology Service Patovet Ay Kivihaantie 7, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Wojciech Nizanski
- Department of Reproduction and Clinic of Farm Animals, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Maciej Gogulski
- University Centre for Veterinary Medicine, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Joanna Nowacka-Woszuk
- Department of Genetics and Animal Breeding, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Marek Switonski
- Department of Genetics and Animal Breeding, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Poznan, Poland
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16
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De Lorenzi L, Arrighi S, Groppetti D, Bonacina S, Parma P. Persistent Müllerian Duct Syndrome in a German Shepherd Dog. Sex Dev 2018; 12:288-294. [DOI: 10.1159/000492037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/07/2018] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
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17
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Khan FA, Gartley CJ, Khanam A. Canine cryptorchidism: An update. Reprod Domest Anim 2018; 53:1263-1270. [PMID: 29956390 DOI: 10.1111/rda.13231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2018] [Accepted: 05/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
This review article is aimed at providing an update on canine cryptorchidism based on the research studies published in this area over the last 26 years. Although a majority of these research studies were directed at investigating the genetic and molecular basis of cryptorchidism, the mechanisms underlying this problem in dogs are still not clear. Future studies using advanced genomic and molecular approaches and including a larger number of dogs of multiple breeds are required to further our understanding of canine cryptorchidism. Diagnosis and treatment of cryptorchidism in dogs have not received much attention. Research advancements include investigation of ultrasonography and anti-Müllerian hormone assay as potential diagnostic methods. Advancements in treatment include the use of laparoscopic-assisted cryptorchidectomy. Based on the available literature, this method appears to be the best for removal of abdominal cryptorchid testes from dogs. However, future studies that compare laparoscopic-assisted cryptorchidectomy with the traditional approaches are required for a more conclusive determination of the best method for cryptorchidectomy in dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Firdous A Khan
- Department of Population Medicine, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada.,Department of Large Animal Medicine and Surgery, School of Veterinary Medicine, St. George's University, True Blue, Grenada
| | - Cathy J Gartley
- Department of Population Medicine, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Afroza Khanam
- Department of Large Animal Medicine and Surgery, School of Veterinary Medicine, St. George's University, True Blue, Grenada
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18
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Sertoli Cell Tumour and Uterine Leiomyoma in Miniature Schnauzer Dogs with Persistent Müllerian Duct Syndrome Caused by Mutation in the AMHR2 Gene. J Comp Pathol 2018; 161:20-24. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcpa.2018.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2018] [Revised: 03/28/2018] [Accepted: 04/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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19
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Kim YJ, Kwon HJ, Byun HS, Yeom D, Choi JH, Kim JH, Shim H. Surveyor assay to diagnose persistent Müllerian duct syndrome in Miniature Schnauzers. J Vet Sci 2017; 18:547-549. [PMID: 27515263 PMCID: PMC5746449 DOI: 10.4142/jvs.2017.18.4.547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2016] [Revised: 05/03/2017] [Accepted: 07/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Persistent Müllerian duct syndrome (PMDS) is a pseudohermaphroditism in males characterized by the presence of Müllerian duct derivatives. As PMDS dogs often lack clinical symptoms, a molecular diagnosis is essential to identify the syndrome in these animals. In this study, a new molecular method using DNA mismatch-specific Surveyor nuclease was developed. The Surveyor nuclease assay identified the AMHR2 mutation that produced PMDS in a Miniature Schnauzer as accurately as that obtained by using the conventional method based on restriction digestion. As an alternative to the current molecular diagnostic method, the new method may result in increased accuracy when detecting PMDS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young June Kim
- Department of Nanobiomedical Science and BK21 PLUS NBM Global Research Center for Regenerative Medicine, Dankook University, Cheonan 31116, Korea
| | | | | | | | | | - Joong-Hyun Kim
- Institute of Tissue Regeneration Engineering, Dankook University, Cheonan 31116, Korea
| | - Hosup Shim
- Department of Nanobiomedical Science and BK21 PLUS NBM Global Research Center for Regenerative Medicine, Dankook University, Cheonan 31116, Korea.,Institute of Tissue Regeneration Engineering, Dankook University, Cheonan 31116, Korea.,Department of Physiology, Dankook University School of Medicine, Cheonan 31116, Korea
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20
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Smit MM, Ekenstedt KJ, Minor KM, Lim CK, Leegwater P, Furrow E. Prevalence of the AMHR2 mutation in Miniature Schnauzers and genetic investigation of a Belgian Malinois with persistent Müllerian duct syndrome. Reprod Domest Anim 2017; 53:371-376. [PMID: 29194807 DOI: 10.1111/rda.13116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2017] [Accepted: 10/26/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Persistent Müllerian duct syndrome (PMDS) is a sex-limited disorder in which males develop portions of the female reproductive tract. Important consequences of PMDS are cryptorchidism and its sequelae of infertility and increased risk of testicular cancer. Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and its receptor (AMHR2) induce the regression of the Müllerian ducts in male embryos. In Miniature Schnauzer dogs, the genetic basis has been identified as an autosomal recessive nonsense mutation in AMHR2, but the allele frequency of the mutation is unknown. Thus, the primary objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of the AMHR2 mutation in North American Miniature Schnauzers, in order to ascertain the value of genetic testing in this breed. An additional objective was to determine whether mutations in AMH or AMHR2 were responsible for PMDS in a Belgian Malinois; this would aid development of a genetic test for the Belgian Malinois breed. Genomic DNA from 216 Miniature Schnauzers (including one known PMDS case) was genotyped for the AMHR2 mutation, and DNA from a single PMDS-affected Belgian Malinois was sequenced for all coding exons of AMH and AMHR2. The Miniature Schnauzer cohort had an AMHR2 mutation allele frequency of 0.16 and a carrier genotypic frequency of 0.27. The genetic basis for PMDS in the Belgian Malinois was not determined, as no coding or splicing mutations were identified in either AMH or AMHR2. These findings support a benefit to AMHR2 mutation testing Miniature Schnauzers used for breeding or with cryptorchidism.
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Affiliation(s)
- M M Smit
- Department of Clinical Sciences of Companion Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - K J Ekenstedt
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, USA.,Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - K M Minor
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, USA
| | - C K Lim
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Paj Leegwater
- Department of Clinical Sciences of Companion Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - E Furrow
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, USA
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21
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Meyers-Wallen VN, Boyko AR, Danko CG, Grenier JK, Mezey JG, Hayward JJ, Shannon LM, Gao C, Shafquat A, Rice EJ, Pujar S, Eggers S, Ohnesorg T, Sinclair AH. XX Disorder of Sex Development is associated with an insertion on chromosome 9 and downregulation of RSPO1 in dogs (Canis lupus familiaris). PLoS One 2017; 12:e0186331. [PMID: 29053721 PMCID: PMC5650465 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0186331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2017] [Accepted: 09/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Remarkable progress has been achieved in understanding the mechanisms controlling sex determination, yet the cause for many Disorders of Sex Development (DSD) remains unknown. Of particular interest is a rare XX DSD subtype in which individuals are negative for SRY, the testis determining factor on the Y chromosome, yet develop testes or ovotestes, and both of these phenotypes occur in the same family. This is a naturally occurring disorder in humans (Homo sapiens) and dogs (C. familiaris). Phenotypes in the canine XX DSD model are strikingly similar to those of the human XX DSD subtype. The purposes of this study were to identify 1) a variant associated with XX DSD in the canine model and 2) gene expression alterations in canine embryonic gonads that could be informative to causation. Using a genome wide association study (GWAS) and whole genome sequencing (WGS), we identified a variant on C. familiaris autosome 9 (CFA9) that is associated with XX DSD in the canine model and in affected purebred dogs. This is the first marker identified for inherited canine XX DSD. It lies upstream of SOX9 within the canine ortholog for the human disorder, which resides on 17q24. Inheritance of this variant indicates that XX DSD is a complex trait in which breed genetic background affects penetrance. Furthermore, the homozygous variant genotype is associated with embryonic lethality in at least one breed. Our analysis of gene expression studies (RNA-seq and PRO-seq) in embryonic gonads at risk of XX DSD from the canine model identified significant RSPO1 downregulation in comparison to XX controls, without significant upregulation of SOX9 or other known testis pathway genes. Based on these data, a novel mechanism is proposed in which molecular lesions acting upstream of RSPO1 induce epigenomic gonadal mosaicism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vicki N. Meyers-Wallen
- Baker Institute for Animal Health, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States of America
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Adam R. Boyko
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States of America
| | - Charles G. Danko
- Baker Institute for Animal Health, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States of America
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States of America
| | - Jennifer K. Grenier
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States of America
| | - Jason G. Mezey
- Department of Biological Statistics and Computational Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States of America
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Jessica J. Hayward
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States of America
| | - Laura M. Shannon
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States of America
| | - Chuan Gao
- Department of Biological Statistics and Computational Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States of America
| | - Afrah Shafquat
- Department of Biological Statistics and Computational Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States of America
| | - Edward J. Rice
- Baker Institute for Animal Health, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States of America
| | - Shashikant Pujar
- Baker Institute for Animal Health, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States of America
| | - Stefanie Eggers
- Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Thomas Ohnesorg
- Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Andrew H. Sinclair
- Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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22
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Park EJ, Lee SH, Jo YK, Hahn SE, Go DM, Lee SH, Lee BC, Jang G. Coincidence of Persistent Müllerian duct syndrome and testicular tumors in dogs. BMC Vet Res 2017; 13:156. [PMID: 28576146 PMCID: PMC5455205 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-017-1068-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2015] [Accepted: 05/23/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Persistent Müllerian duct syndrome (PMDS), a rare form of male pseudohermaphroditism in dogs, is an abnormal sexual phenotype in males that is characterized by the existence of a hypoplastic oviduct, uterus, and cranial part of the vagina. Dogs suffering from PMDS are often accompanied by cryptorchidism. To date, it has been mainly found in the Miniature Schnauzer breed. CASE PRESENTATION In this report, two cases of PMDS with a malignant testicular tumor originating from cryptorchidism in breeds other than the Miniature Schnauzer breed are described. The patients were a seven-year-old male Maltese dog and a 17-year-old male mixed-breed dog weighing 3.8 kg. They also exhibited an enlarged prostate with or without abscess and an elevated serum estradiol level and were surgically treated to remove the testicular tumor and Müllerian duct derivatives. CONCLUSIONS It is recommended that PMDS should be differentially diagnosed by ultrasonography and that orchiectomy be performed at an early age in patients suspected to have cryptorchidism to prevent the ectopic testes from becoming tumorous.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eun Jung Park
- Laboratory of Theriogenology & Biotechnology, College of Veterinary Medicine and the Research Institute of Veterinary Science, Seoul National University, Kwanak-ro 1, Daehak-Dong, Kwanak-Gu, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea.,Veterinary Teaching Hospital, College of Veterinary Medicine and the Research Institute of Veterinary Science, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Seok-Hee Lee
- Laboratory of Theriogenology & Biotechnology, College of Veterinary Medicine and the Research Institute of Veterinary Science, Seoul National University, Kwanak-ro 1, Daehak-Dong, Kwanak-Gu, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea.,Veterinary Teaching Hospital, College of Veterinary Medicine and the Research Institute of Veterinary Science, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Kwang Jo
- Laboratory of Theriogenology & Biotechnology, College of Veterinary Medicine and the Research Institute of Veterinary Science, Seoul National University, Kwanak-ro 1, Daehak-Dong, Kwanak-Gu, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea.,Veterinary Teaching Hospital, College of Veterinary Medicine and the Research Institute of Veterinary Science, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang-Eun Hahn
- Laboratory of Theriogenology & Biotechnology, College of Veterinary Medicine and the Research Institute of Veterinary Science, Seoul National University, Kwanak-ro 1, Daehak-Dong, Kwanak-Gu, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea.,Veterinary Teaching Hospital, College of Veterinary Medicine and the Research Institute of Veterinary Science, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Do-Min Go
- Veterinary Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine and the Research Institute of Veterinary Science, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Su-Hyung Lee
- Veterinary Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine and the Research Institute of Veterinary Science, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Byeong-Chun Lee
- Laboratory of Theriogenology & Biotechnology, College of Veterinary Medicine and the Research Institute of Veterinary Science, Seoul National University, Kwanak-ro 1, Daehak-Dong, Kwanak-Gu, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea.,Veterinary Teaching Hospital, College of Veterinary Medicine and the Research Institute of Veterinary Science, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Goo Jang
- Laboratory of Theriogenology & Biotechnology, College of Veterinary Medicine and the Research Institute of Veterinary Science, Seoul National University, Kwanak-ro 1, Daehak-Dong, Kwanak-Gu, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea. .,Veterinary Teaching Hospital, College of Veterinary Medicine and the Research Institute of Veterinary Science, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea. .,Emergence Center for Food-Medicine Personalized Therapy System, Advanced Institutes of Convergence Technology, Seoul National University, Gyeonggi-do, 443-270, Republic of Korea.
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23
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Balogh O, Berger A, Pieńkowska-Schelling A, Willmitzer F, Grest P, Janett F, Schelling C, Reichler IM. 37,X/38,XY Mosaicism in a Cryptorchid Bengal Cat with Müllerian Duct Remnants. Sex Dev 2016; 9:327-32. [DOI: 10.1159/000443233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/28/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
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24
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Monteagudo LV, Tejedor MT, Uixerá A, Mitjana O, Falceto MV, Bonastre C. Inherited pathology and pet trading. Vet Rec 2015; 176:315-6. [PMID: 25792683 DOI: 10.1136/vr.h1498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Luis V Monteagudo
- Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, University of Zaragoza, Miguel Servet 177, 50013-Zaragoza, Spain
| | - M Teresa Tejedor
- Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, University of Zaragoza, Miguel Servet 177, 50013-Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Alicia Uixerá
- Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, University of Zaragoza, Miguel Servet 177, 50013-Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Olga Mitjana
- Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, University of Zaragoza, Miguel Servet 177, 50013-Zaragoza, Spain
| | - M Victoria Falceto
- Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, University of Zaragoza, Miguel Servet 177, 50013-Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Cristina Bonastre
- Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, University of Zaragoza, Miguel Servet 177, 50013-Zaragoza, Spain
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Panasiewicz G, Zamojska A, Bieniek M, Gizejewski Z, Szafranska B. Persistent Müllerian duct syndrome (PMDS) in the Polish free-ranged bull populations of the European bison (Bison bonasus L.). Anim Reprod Sci 2015; 152:123-36. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2014.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2014] [Revised: 11/12/2014] [Accepted: 11/19/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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26
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Switonski M. Dog as a model in studies on human hereditary diseases and their gene therapy. Reprod Biol 2014; 14:44-50. [PMID: 24607254 DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2013.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2013] [Accepted: 12/24/2013] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
During the last 15 years spectacular progress has been achieved in knowledge on the dog genome organization and the molecular background of hereditary diseases in this species. A majority of canine genetic diseases have their counterparts in humans and thus dogs are considered as a very important large animal model in human biomedicine. Among canine monogenic diseases with known causative gene mutations there are two large groups classified as retinal dystrophies and lysosomal storage diseases. Specific types of these diseases are usually diagnosed in a single or several breeds. A well known disorder, restricted to a single breed, is congenital stationary night blindness described in Briards. This disease is a counterpart of Leber amaurosis in children. On the other hand, one of the most common monogenic human diseases (Duchenne muscular dystrophy), has its canine counterparts in several breeds (e.g., the Golden retriever, Beagle and German short-haired pointer). For some of the canine diseases gene therapy strategy was successfully applied, e.g., for congenital stationary night blindness, rod-cone dystrophy and muccopolysaccharydoses type I, IIIB and VII. Since phenotypic variability between the breeds is exceptionally high, the dog is an interesting model to study the molecular background of congenital malformations (e.g., dwarfism and osteoporosis imperfecta). Also disorders of sexual development (DSD), especially testicular or ovotesticular DSD (78,XX; SRY-negative), which is widely distributed across dozens of breeds, are of particular interest. Studies on the genetic background of canine cancers, a major health problem in this species, are also quite advanced. On the other hand, genetic studies on canine counterparts of major human complex diseases (e.g., obesity, the metabolic syndrome and diabetes mellitus) are still in their infancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marek Switonski
- Department of Genetics and Animal Breeding, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Wolynska 33, 60-637 Poznan, Poland.
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Disorder of sexual development in a Yorkshire terrier (78, XY; SRY-positive). J Appl Genet 2013; 54:193-9. [DOI: 10.1007/s13353-013-0137-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2012] [Revised: 01/11/2013] [Accepted: 01/17/2013] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Meyers-Wallen VN. Application of Genomic and Molecular Methods to Fundamental Questions in Canine and Feline Reproductive Health. Reprod Domest Anim 2012; 47 Suppl 6:309-12. [DOI: 10.1111/rda.12043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2012] [Accepted: 07/24/2012] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- VN Meyers-Wallen
- Baker Institute for Animal Health; College of Veterinary Medicine; Cornell University; Ithaca; NY; USA
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RNA-Seq approach for genetic improvement of meat quality in pig and evolutionary insight into the substrate specificity of animal carbonyl reductases. PLoS One 2012; 7:e42198. [PMID: 22962580 PMCID: PMC3433470 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0042198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2011] [Accepted: 07/05/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Changes in meat quality traits are strongly associated with alterations in postmortem metabolism which depend on genetic variations, especially nonsynonymous single nucleotide variations (nsSNVs) having critical effects on protein structure and function. To selectively identify metabolism-related nsSNVs, next-generation transcriptome sequencing (RNA-Seq) was carried out using RNAs from porcine liver, which contains a diverse range of metabolic enzymes. The multiplex SNV genotyping analysis showed that various metabolism-related genes had different nsSNV alleles. Moreover, many nsSNVs were significantly associated with multiple meat quality traits. Particularly, ch7:g.22112616A>G SNV was identified to create a single amino acid change (Thr/Ala) at the 145th residue of H1.3-like protein, very close to the putative 147th threonine phosphorylation site, suggesting that the nsSNV may affect multiple meat quality traits by affecting the epigenetic regulation of postmortem metabolism-related gene expression. Besides, one nonsynonymous variation, probably generated by gene duplication, led to a stop signal in porcine testicular carbonyl reductase (PTCR), resulting in a C-terminal (E281-A288) deletion. Molecular docking and energy minimization calculations indicated that the binding affinity of wild-type PTCR to 5α-DHT, a C21-steroid, was superior to that of C-terminal-deleted PTCR or human carbonyl reductase, which was very consistent with experimental data, reported previously. Furthermore, P284 was identified as an important residue mediating the specific interaction between PTCR and 5α-DHT, and phylogenetic analysis showed that P284 is an evolutionarily conserved residue among animal carbonyl reductases, which suggests that the C-terminal tails of these reductases may have evolved under evolutionary pressure to increase the substrate specificity for C21-steroids and facilitate metabolic adaptation. Altogether, our RNA-Seq revealed that selective nsSNVs were associated with meat quality traits that could be useful for successful marker-assisted selection in pigs and also represents a useful resource to enhance understanding of protein folding, substrate specificity, and the evolution of enzymes such as carbonyl reductase.
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Pujar S, Meyers-Wallen VN. Sequence variations in equine candidate genes For XX and XY inherited disorders of sexual development. Reprod Domest Anim 2012; 47:827-34. [PMID: 22239239 DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0531.2011.01976.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Inherited disorders of sexual development (DSD) cause sterility and infertility in horses. Mutations causing such disorders have been identified in other mammals, but there is little information on the molecular causes in horses. While the equine genome sequence has made it possible to identify candidate genes, additional tools are needed to routinely screen them for causative mutations. In this study, we designed a screening panel of polymerase chain reaction primer pairs for 15 equine genes. These are the candidate genes for testicular or ovotesticular XX DSD and XY DSD, the latter of which includes gonadal dysgenesis, androgen insensitivity syndrome (AIS), persistent Mullerian duct syndrome and isolated cryptorchidism. Six horses with testicular or ovotesticular XX DSD and controls were screened. In addition, candidate genes for androgen insensitivity syndrome, persistent Mullerian duct syndrome and isolated cryptorchidism were screened in normal horses. While no sequence variants were uniquely associated with XX DSD, the 38 sequence variants identified can serve as intragenic markers in genome-wide association studies or linkage studies to hasten mutation identification in equine XX DSD and XY DSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Pujar
- Baker Institute for Animal Health, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
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31
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Abstract
The molecular steps in normal sexual development were largely discovered by studying patients and animal models with disorders of sexual development (DSD). Although several types of DSD have been reported in the cat and dog, which are often strikingly similar to human DSD, these have been infrequently utilized to contribute to our knowledge of mammalian sexual development. Canine and feline cases of DSD with sufficient evidence to be considered as potential models are summarized in this report. The consensus DSD terminology, and reference to previous terminology, is used to foster adoption of a common nomenclature that will facilitate communication and collaboration between veterinarians, physicians, and researchers. To efficiently utilize these unique resources as molecular tools continue to improve, it will be helpful to deposit samples from valuable cases into repositories where they are available to contribute to our understanding of sexual development, and thus improve human and animal health.
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Affiliation(s)
- V N Meyers-Wallen
- Baker Institute for Animal Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA.
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Breshears MA, Peters JL. Ambiguous genitalia in a fertile, unilaterally cryptorchid male miniature schnauzer dog. Vet Pathol 2011; 48:1038-40. [PMID: 21248100 DOI: 10.1177/0300985810396104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
A 7-year-old male miniature schnauzer dog with unilateral cryptorchidism was presented for elective orchiectomy. Surgery to remove the cryptorchid testis revealed a fully formed uterus with horns attached to both testis and the body and cervix terminating at the prostate gland. The gross and microscopic diagnosis for the genital tract was persistent Müllerian duct syndrome with unilateral cryptorchidism. Additional associated lesions included cystic endometrial hyperplasia and a solitary, intratubular seminoma within the undescended testis. Persistent Müllerian duct syndrome is rare among domestic animals but is more common in miniature schnauzer dogs because of inheritance as an autosomal recessive trait.
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Affiliation(s)
- M A Breshears
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA.
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Poth T, Breuer W, Walter B, Hecht W, Hermanns W. Disorders of sex development in the dog—Adoption of a new nomenclature and reclassification of reported cases. Anim Reprod Sci 2010; 121:197-207. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2010.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2009] [Revised: 04/01/2010] [Accepted: 04/09/2010] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Pujar S, Meyers-Wallen VN. A molecular diagnostic test for persistent Müllerian duct syndrome in miniature schnauzer dogs. Sex Dev 2009; 3:326-8. [PMID: 20051676 DOI: 10.1159/000273264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2009] [Accepted: 10/05/2009] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In persistent Müllerian duct syndrome (PMDS), Müllerian ducts fail to regress in males during sexual differentiation. In the canine miniature schnauzer model, PMDS is caused by a C to T transition in exon 3 of the Müllerian inhibiting substance type II receptor (MISRII), which introduces a DdeI restriction site. Here we report a molecular diagnostic test for PMDS in the miniature schnauzer to identify affected dogs and carriers. As our test results suggest that the mutation is identical by descent in affected dogs of this breed, the test could be used to eliminate this mutation from the miniature schnauzer breed worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Pujar
- Baker Institute for Animal Health, Cornell University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Ithaca, N.Y., USA
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Meyers-Wallen VN. Review and Update: Genomic and Molecular Advances in Sex Determination and Differentiation in Small Animals. Reprod Domest Anim 2009; 44 Suppl 2:40-6. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0531.2009.01433.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Nowacka-Woszuk J, Switonski M. Variability of CAG tandem repeats in exon 1 of the androgen receptor gene is not related with dog intersexuality. Anim Reprod Sci 2009; 117:308-13. [PMID: 19482445 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2009.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2008] [Revised: 04/28/2009] [Accepted: 05/04/2009] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Numerous mutations of the human androgen receptor (AR) gene cause an intersexual phenotype, called the androgen insensitivity syndrome. The intersexual phenotype is also quite often diagnosed in dogs. The aim of this study was to conduct a comparative analysis of the entire coding sequence (eight exons) of the AR gene in healthy and four intersex dogs, as well as in three other canids (the red fox, arctic fox and Chinese raccoon dog). The coding sequence of the studied species appeared to be conserved (similarity above 97%) and polymorphism was found in exon 1 only. Altogether, 2 SNPs were identified in healthy dogs, 14 in red foxes, 16 in arctic foxes and 6 were found in Chinese raccoon dogs, respectively. Moreover, a variable number of tandem repeats (CAG and CAA), encoding an array of glutamines, was also observed in this exon. The CAA codon numbers were invariable within species, but the CAG repeats were polymorphic. The highest number of the CAG and CAA repeats was found in dogs (from 40 to 42) and the observed variability was similar in intersex and healthy dogs. In the other canids the variability fell within the following ranges: 29-37 (red fox), 37-39 (arctic fox) and 29-32 (Chinese raccoon dog). In addition, a polymorphic microsatellite marker in intron 2 was found in the dog, red fox and Chinese raccoon dog. It was concluded that the polymorphism level of the AR gene in the dog was lower than in the other canids and none of the detected polymorphisms, including variability of the CAG tandem repeats, could be related with the intersexual phenotype of the studied dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Nowacka-Woszuk
- Department of Genetics and Animal Breeding, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Poland
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