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Kouri C, Sommer G, Martinez de Lapiscina I, Elzenaty RN, Tack LJW, Cools M, Ahmed SF, Flück CE. Clinical and genetic characteristics of a large international cohort of individuals with rare NR5A1/SF-1 variants of sex development. EBioMedicine 2024; 99:104941. [PMID: 38168586 PMCID: PMC10797150 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2023.104941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Steroidogenic factor 1 (SF-1/NR5A1) is essential for human sex development. Heterozygous NR5A1/SF-1 variants manifest with a broad range of phenotypes of differences of sex development (DSD), which remain unexplained. METHODS We conducted a retrospective analysis on the so far largest international cohort of individuals with NR5A1/SF-1 variants, identified through the I-DSD registry and a research network. FINDINGS Among 197 individuals with NR5A1/SF-1 variants, we confirmed diverse phenotypes. Over 70% of 46, XY individuals had a severe DSD phenotype, while 90% of 46, XX individuals had female-typical sex development. Close to 100 different novel and known NR5A1/SF-1 variants were identified, without specific hot spots. Additionally, likely disease-associated variants in other genes were reported in 32 individuals out of 128 tested (25%), particularly in those with severe or opposite sex DSD phenotypes. Interestingly, 48% of these variants were found in known DSD or SF-1 interacting genes, but no frequent gene-clusters were identified. Sex registration at birth varied, with <10% undergoing reassignment. Gonadectomy was performed in 30% and genital surgery in 58%. Associated organ anomalies were observed in 27% of individuals with a DSD, mainly concerning the spleen. Intrafamilial phenotypes also varied considerably. INTERPRETATION The observed phenotypic variability in individuals and families with NR5A1/SF-1 variants is large and remains unpredictable. It may often not be solely explained by the monogenic pathogenicity of the NR5A1/SF-1 variants but is likely influenced by additional genetic variants and as-yet-unknown factors. FUNDING Swiss National Science Foundation (320030-197725) and Boveri Foundation Zürich, Switzerland.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chrysanthi Kouri
- Pediatric Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolism, Department of Pediatrics, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern 3010, Switzerland; Department for BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern 3008, Switzerland; Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Bern, Bern 3012, Switzerland
| | - Grit Sommer
- Pediatric Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolism, Department of Pediatrics, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern 3010, Switzerland; Department for BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern 3008, Switzerland; Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Bern, Switzerland, University of Bern, Bern 3012, Switzerland
| | - Idoia Martinez de Lapiscina
- Pediatric Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolism, Department of Pediatrics, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern 3010, Switzerland; Department for BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern 3008, Switzerland; Research into the Genetics and Control of Diabetes and Other Endocrine Disorders, Biobizkaia Health Research Institute, Cruces University Hospital, Barakaldo 48903, Spain; CIBER de Diabetes y Enfermedades Metabólicas Asociadas (CIBERDEM), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid 28029, Spain; CIBER de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid 28029, Spain; Endo-ERN, Amsterdam 1081 HV, the Netherlands
| | - Rawda Naamneh Elzenaty
- Pediatric Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolism, Department of Pediatrics, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern 3010, Switzerland; Department for BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern 3008, Switzerland; Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Bern, Bern 3012, Switzerland
| | - Lloyd J W Tack
- Department of Paediatric Endocrinology, Department of Paediatrics and Internal Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent University, Ghent 9000, Belgium
| | - Martine Cools
- Department of Paediatric Endocrinology, Department of Paediatrics and Internal Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent University, Ghent 9000, Belgium
| | - S Faisal Ahmed
- Developmental Endocrinology Research Group, University of Glasgow, Royal Hospital for Sick Children, Glasgow G51 4TF, UK
| | - Christa E Flück
- Pediatric Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolism, Department of Pediatrics, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern 3010, Switzerland; Department for BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern 3008, Switzerland.
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2
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Wu FY, Yang RM, Zhang HY, Zhan M, Tu PH, Fang Y, Zhang CX, Song SY, Dong M, Cui RJ, Liu XY, Yang L, Yan CY, Sun F, Zhang RJ, Wang Z, Liang J, Song HD, Cheng F, Zhao SX. Pathogenic variations in MAML2 and MAMLD1 contribute to congenital hypothyroidism due to dyshormonogenesis by regulating the Notch signalling pathway. J Med Genet 2023; 60:874-884. [PMID: 36898841 DOI: 10.1136/jmg-2022-108866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In several countries, thyroid dyshormonogenesis is more common than thyroid dysgenesis in patients with congenital hypothyroidism (CH). However, known pathogenic genes are limited to those directly involved in hormone biosynthesis. The aetiology and pathogenesis of thyroid dyshormonogenesis remain unknown in many patients. METHODS To identify additional candidate pathogenetic genes, we performed next-generation sequencing in 538 patients with CH and then confirmed the functions of the identified genes in vitro using HEK293T and Nthy-ori 3.1 cells, and in vivo using zebrafish and mouse model organisms. RESULTS We identified one pathogenic MAML2 variant and two pathogenic MAMLD1 variants that downregulated canonical Notch signalling in three patients with CH. Zebrafish and mice treated with N-[N-(3,5-difluorophenacetyl)-l-alanyl]-S-phenylglycine t-butylester, a γ-secretase inhibitor exhibited clinical manifestations of hypothyroidism and thyroid dyshormonogenesis. Through organoid culture of primary mouse thyroid cells and transcriptome sequencing, we demonstrated that Notch signalling within thyroid cells directly affects thyroid hormone biosynthesis rather than follicular formation. Additionally, these three variants blocked the expression of genes associated with thyroid hormone biosynthesis, which was restored by HES1 expression. The MAML2 variant exerted a dominant-negative effect on both the canonical pathway and thyroid hormone biosynthesis. MAMLD1 also regulated hormone biosynthesis through the expression of HES3, the target gene of the non-canonical pathway. CONCLUSIONS This study identified three mastermind-like family gene variants in CH and revealed that both canonical and non-canonical Notch signalling affected thyroid hormone biosynthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng-Yao Wu
- The Core Laboratory in Medical Center of Clinical Research, Department of Molecular Diagnostics & Endocrinology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Rui-Meng Yang
- The Core Laboratory in Medical Center of Clinical Research, Department of Molecular Diagnostics & Endocrinology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hai-Yang Zhang
- The Core Laboratory in Medical Center of Clinical Research, Department of Molecular Diagnostics & Endocrinology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ming Zhan
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ping-Hui Tu
- The Core Laboratory in Medical Center of Clinical Research, Department of Molecular Diagnostics & Endocrinology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ya Fang
- The Core Laboratory in Medical Center of Clinical Research, Department of Molecular Diagnostics & Endocrinology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Cao-Xu Zhang
- The Core Laboratory in Medical Center of Clinical Research, Department of Molecular Diagnostics & Endocrinology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Shi-Yang Song
- The Core Laboratory in Medical Center of Clinical Research, Department of Molecular Diagnostics & Endocrinology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Mei Dong
- The Core Laboratory in Medical Center of Clinical Research, Department of Molecular Diagnostics & Endocrinology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ren-Jie Cui
- The Core Laboratory in Medical Center of Clinical Research, Department of Molecular Diagnostics & Endocrinology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiao-Yu Liu
- The Core Laboratory in Medical Center of Clinical Research, Department of Molecular Diagnostics & Endocrinology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Liu Yang
- The Core Laboratory in Medical Center of Clinical Research, Department of Molecular Diagnostics & Endocrinology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Chen-Yan Yan
- The Core Laboratory in Medical Center of Clinical Research, Department of Molecular Diagnostics & Endocrinology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Feng Sun
- The Core Laboratory in Medical Center of Clinical Research, Department of Molecular Diagnostics & Endocrinology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Rui-Jia Zhang
- The Core Laboratory in Medical Center of Clinical Research, Department of Molecular Diagnostics & Endocrinology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zheng Wang
- The Core Laboratory in Medical Center of Clinical Research, Department of Molecular Diagnostics & Endocrinology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jun Liang
- Department of Endocrinology, The Central Hospital of Xuzhou Affiliated to Xuzhou Medical College, Xuzhou, China
| | - Huai-Dong Song
- The Core Laboratory in Medical Center of Clinical Research, Department of Molecular Diagnostics & Endocrinology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Feng Cheng
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Fujian Provincial Maternity and Children's Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Shuang-Xia Zhao
- The Core Laboratory in Medical Center of Clinical Research, Department of Molecular Diagnostics & Endocrinology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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3
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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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4
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de Oliveira FR, Mazzola TN, de Mello MP, Francese-Santos AP, Lemos-Marini SHVD, Maciel-Guerra AT, Hiort O, Werner R, Guerra-Junior G, Fabbri-Scallet H. DHX37 and NR5A1 Variants Identified in Patients with 46,XY Partial Gonadal Dysgenesis. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:life13051093. [PMID: 37240737 DOI: 10.3390/life13051093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The group of disorders known as 46,XY gonadal dysgenesis (GD) is characterized by anomalies in testis determination, including complete and partial GD (PGD) and testicular regression syndrome (TRS). Several genes are known to be involved in sex development pathways, however approximately 50% of all cases remain elusive. Recent studies have identified variants in DHX37, a gene encoding a putative RNA helicase essential in ribosome biogenesis and previously associated with neurodevelopmental disorders, as a cause of PGD and TRS. To investigate the potential role of DHX37 in disorders of sexual development (DSD), 25 individuals with 46,XY DSD were analyzed and putative pathogenic variants were found in four of them. WES analyses were performed on these patients. In DHX37, the variant p.(Arg308Gln), recurrent associated with DSD, was identified in one patient; the p.(Leu467Val), predicted to be deleterious, was found together with an NR5A1 loss-of-function variant in patient 2; and, the p.(Val999Met) was identified in two unrelated patients, one of whom (patient 3) also carried a pathogenic NR5A1 variant. For both patients carrying DHX37 and NR5A1 pathogenic variants, a digenic inheritance is suggested. Our findings support the importance of DHX37 variants as a cause of disorders of sex development, implying a role in testis development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felipe Rodrigues de Oliveira
- Center for Molecular Biology and Genetic Engineering (CBMEG), State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas 13083-875, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Child and Adolescent Health, School of Medical Sciences, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas 13083-887, Brazil
| | - Taís Nitsch Mazzola
- Center for Investigation in Paediatric, School of Medical Sciences, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas 13083-887, Brazil
| | - Maricilda Palandi de Mello
- Center for Molecular Biology and Genetic Engineering (CBMEG), State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas 13083-875, Brazil
- Interdisciplinary Group for the Study of Sex Determination and Differentiation (GIEDDS), State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas 13083-887, Brazil
| | - Ana Paula Francese-Santos
- Department of Translational Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas 13083-887, Brazil
| | - Sofia Helena V de Lemos-Marini
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medical Sciences, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas 13083-887, Brazil
| | - Andrea Trevas Maciel-Guerra
- Interdisciplinary Group for the Study of Sex Determination and Differentiation (GIEDDS), State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas 13083-887, Brazil
- Department of Translational Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas 13083-887, Brazil
| | - Olaf Hiort
- Division of Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Paediatric and Adolescent Medicine, University of Lübeck, 23562 Lübeck, Germany
| | - Ralf Werner
- Division of Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Paediatric and Adolescent Medicine, University of Lübeck, 23562 Lübeck, Germany
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Lübeck, 23562 Lübeck, Germany
| | - Gil Guerra-Junior
- Interdisciplinary Group for the Study of Sex Determination and Differentiation (GIEDDS), State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas 13083-887, Brazil
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medical Sciences, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas 13083-887, Brazil
| | - Helena Fabbri-Scallet
- Center for Molecular Biology and Genetic Engineering (CBMEG), State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas 13083-875, Brazil
- Interdisciplinary Group for the Study of Sex Determination and Differentiation (GIEDDS), State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas 13083-887, Brazil
- Department of Translational Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas 13083-887, Brazil
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5
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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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6
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Yeste D, Aguilar-Riera C, Canestrino G, Fernández-Alvarez P, Clemente M, Camats-Tarruella N. A New MAMLD1 Variant in an Infant With Microphallus and Hypospadias With Hormonal Pattern Suggesting Partial Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism-Case Report. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:884107. [PMID: 35837313 PMCID: PMC9274080 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.884107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
MAMLD1 (X chromosome) is one of the recognized genes related to different sex development. It is expressed in testis and ovaries and seems to be involved in fetal sex development and in adult reproductive function, including testosterone biosynthesis. However, its exact role remains unclear. Over 40 genetic variants have been described, mainly in male individuals and mostly associated with hypospadias. Although MAMLD1 has been shown to regulate the expression of the steroidogenic pathway, patients with MAMLD1 variants mostly show normal gonadal function and normal testosterone levels. Here we describe a patient (46,XY) with hypospadias and microphallus, with low testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) levels, and with inappropriately low values of luteinizing hormone (LH) during minipuberty. This hormonal pattern was suggestive of partial hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. A stimulation test with hCG (4 months) showed no significant increase in both testosterone and dihydrotestosterone concentrations. At 5 months of age, he was treated with intramuscular testosterone, and the penis length increased to 3.5 cm. The treatment was stopped at 6 months of age. Our gonadal function massive-sequencing panel detected a previously unreported nonsense variant in the MAMLD1 gene (c.1738C>T:p.Gln580Ter), which was classified as pathogenic. This MAMLD1 variant, predicting a truncated protein, could explain his genital phenotype. His hormonal profile (low testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, and LH concentrations) together with no significant increase of testosterone and DHT plasma concentrations (hCG test) highlight the potential role of this gene in the biosynthesis of testosterone during the fetal stage and minipuberty of the infant. Besides this, the LH values may suggest an involvement of MAMLD1 in the LH axis or a possible oligogenesis. It is the first time that a decrease in DHT has been described in a patient with an abnormal MAMLD1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Yeste
- Section of Paediatric Endocrinology, Vall d’Hebron University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER of Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
| | - Cristina Aguilar-Riera
- Section of Paediatric Endocrinology, Vall d’Hebron University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Gennaro Canestrino
- Paediatric Endocrinology Service, Paediatric Service, Sant Joan de Déu Manresa Hospital, Manresa, Spain
| | - Paula Fernández-Alvarez
- Laboratory of Clinical and Molecular Genetics, Vall d’Hebron University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain
| | - María Clemente
- Section of Paediatric Endocrinology, Vall d’Hebron University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER of Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
| | - Núria Camats-Tarruella
- CIBER of Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
- Growth and Development Research Group, Vall d’Hebron Research Institute, Vall d’Hebron University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain
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7
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46,XY disorders of sex development: the use of NGS for prevalent variants. Hum Genet 2022; 141:1863-1873. [PMID: 35729303 DOI: 10.1007/s00439-022-02465-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
46,XY disorders of sex development (DSD) present with diverse phenotypes and complicated genetic causes. Precise genetic diagnosis contributes to accurate management, and targeted next-generation sequencing (NGS) and whole-exome sequencing are powerful tools for investigating DSD. However, the prevalent variants resulting in 46,XY DSD remain unclear, especially those associated with mild forms, such as isolated hypospadias, inguinal cryptorchidism, and micropenis. From 2019 to 2021, 74 patients with 46,XY DSD (48 typical and 26 mild) from the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University were enrolled in our cohort study for targeted NGS or whole-exome sequencing. Our targeted 46,XY DSD panel included 108 genes involved in disorders of gonadal development and differentiation, steroid hormone synthesis and activation, persistent Müllerian duct syndrome, idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, syndromic disorder, and others. Variants were classified as pathogenic, likely pathogenic, variant of uncertain significance, likely benign, or benign following the American College of Medical Genetics guidelines. As a result, 28 of 74 (37.8%) patients with pathogenic and/or likely pathogenic variants acquired genetic diagnoses. The Mild DSD patients acquired a diagnosis rate of 30.7%. We detected 44 variants in 28 DSD genes from 31 patients, including 33 novel and 11 reported variants. Heterozygous (65%) and missense (70.5%) variants were the most common. Variants associated with steroid hormone synthesis and activation were the main genetic causes of 46,XY DSD. In conclusion, 46,XY DSD manifests as a series of complicated polygenetic diseases. NGS reveals prevalent variants and improves the genetic diagnoses of 46,XY DSD, regardless of severity.
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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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9
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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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10
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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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11
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Miyado M, Fukami M, Ogata T. MAMLD1 and Differences/Disorders of Sex Development: An Update. Sex Dev 2021; 16:126-137. [PMID: 34695834 DOI: 10.1159/000519298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
MAMLD1 (alias CXorf6) was first documented in 2006 as a causative gene of 46,XY differences/disorders of sex development (DSD). MAMLD1/Mamld1 is expressed in the fetal testis and is predicted to enhance the expression of several Leydig cell-specific genes. To date, hemizygous MAMLD1 variants have been identified in multiple 46,XY individuals with hypomasculinized external genitalia. Pathogenic MAMLD1 variants are likely to cause genital abnormalities at birth and are possibly associated with age-dependent deterioration of testicular function. In addition, some MAMLD1 variants have been identified in 46,XX individuals with ovarian dysfunction. However, recent studies have raised the possibility that MAMLD1 variants cause 46,XY DSD and ovarian dysfunction as oligogenic disorders. Unsolved issues regarding MAMLD1 include the association between MAMLD1 variants and 46,XX testicular DSD, gene-gene interactions in the development of MAMLD1-mediated DSD, and intracellular functions of MAMLD1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mami Miyado
- Department of Molecular Endocrinology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Maki Fukami
- Department of Molecular Endocrinology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tsutomu Ogata
- Department of Molecular Endocrinology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Pediatrics, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan
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12
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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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13
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Délot EC, Vilain E. Towards improved genetic diagnosis of human differences of sex development. Nat Rev Genet 2021; 22:588-602. [PMID: 34083777 PMCID: PMC10598994 DOI: 10.1038/s41576-021-00365-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Despite being collectively among the most frequent congenital developmental conditions worldwide, differences of sex development (DSD) lack recognition and research funding. As a result, what constitutes optimal management remains uncertain. Identification of the individual conditions under the DSD umbrella is challenging and molecular genetic diagnosis is frequently not achieved, which has psychosocial and health-related repercussions for patients and their families. New genomic approaches have the potential to resolve this impasse through better detection of protein-coding variants and ascertainment of under-recognized aetiology, such as mosaic, structural, non-coding or epigenetic variants. Ultimately, it is hoped that better outcomes data, improved understanding of the molecular causes and greater public awareness will bring an end to the stigma often associated with DSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuèle C Délot
- Center for Genetic Medicine Research, Children's Research Institute, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
- Department of Genomics and Precision Medicine, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Eric Vilain
- Center for Genetic Medicine Research, Children's Research Institute, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA.
- Department of Genomics and Precision Medicine, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA.
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14
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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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15
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Li L, Su C, Fan L, Gao F, Liang X, Gong C. Clinical and molecular spectrum of 46,XY disorders of sex development that harbour MAMLD1 variations: case series and review of literature. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2020; 15:188. [PMID: 32690052 PMCID: PMC7370409 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-020-01459-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Mastermind-like domain-containing 1 (MAMLD1) has previously been identified as a causative gene for “46,XY Disorders of Sex Development (DSD)”. Recently, there has been some controversy regarding the causative role of MAMLD1 variations in DSDs. Here we describe a clinical series and review the reported cases to evaluate the role of MAMLD1 variants in children with 46,XY DSD. Cases of 46,XY DSD harbouring MAMLD1 variants from unrelated families were recruited from the Beijing Children’s Hospital in China (N = 10) or identified through a literature search (N = 26). The clinical manifestations and genetic variants of all the patients were evaluated. Results Hypospadias was the most prevalent phenotype among our 10 cases (8 out of 10 cases) and in all the previously reported ones. Central precocious puberty and isolated micropenis were observed for the first time. Among the 10 cases, nine variants were identified, including three nonsense (p.R356X, p.Q152X, and p.Q124X) and six missense (p.P334S, p.S662R, p.A421P,p.T992I, p.P542S, and p.R927L) variants. In silico analysis showed that the variants p.P334S, p.P542S, p.S662R, and p.R927Lmight lead to drastic changes in the interaction force of the amino acid chain and the flexibility of the spatial structure, and such changes may affect protein function. Conclusion Patients with 46,XY DSD harbouring MAMLD1variants manifest a broad spectrum of phenotypes and mostly present with hypospadias. The six novel variants reported here enrich the mutation database and contribute to our understanding of the pathogenesis of 46,XY DSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lele Li
- Department of Endocrinology, Genetics, Metabolism and Adolescent Medicine, Beijing Children's Hospital, the Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, 56# Nan Lishi Rd, West District, Beijing, 100045, P. R. China
| | - Chang Su
- Department of Endocrinology, Genetics, Metabolism and Adolescent Medicine, Beijing Children's Hospital, the Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, 56# Nan Lishi Rd, West District, Beijing, 100045, P. R. China
| | - Lijun Fan
- Department of Endocrinology, Genetics, Metabolism and Adolescent Medicine, Beijing Children's Hospital, the Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, 56# Nan Lishi Rd, West District, Beijing, 100045, P. R. China
| | - Fenqi Gao
- Department of Endocrinology, Genetics, Metabolism and Adolescent Medicine, Beijing Children's Hospital, the Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, 56# Nan Lishi Rd, West District, Beijing, 100045, P. R. China
| | - Xuejun Liang
- Department of Endocrinology, Genetics, Metabolism and Adolescent Medicine, Beijing Children's Hospital, the Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, 56# Nan Lishi Rd, West District, Beijing, 100045, P. R. China
| | - Chunxiu Gong
- Department of Endocrinology, Genetics, Metabolism and Adolescent Medicine, Beijing Children's Hospital, the Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, 56# Nan Lishi Rd, West District, Beijing, 100045, P. R. China.
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16
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Oligogenic Origin of Differences of Sex Development in Humans. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21051809. [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] [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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17
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Li L, Gao F, Fan L, Su C, Liang X, Gong C. Disorders of Sex Development in Individuals Harbouring MAMLD1 Variants: WES and Interactome Evidence of Oligogenic Inheritance. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2020; 11:582516. [PMID: 33424767 PMCID: PMC7786837 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2020.582516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [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: 07/12/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Mastermind-like domain-containing 1 (MAMLD1) has been shown to play an important role in the process of sexual development and is associated with 46,XY disorders of sex development (DSDs). However, the causative role of MAMLD1 variations in DSDs remains disputable. In this study, we have described a clinical series on children from unrelated families with 46,XY DSD harbouring MAMLD1 variants. Whole exome sequencing (WES) was performed for each patient. WES data were filtered using common tools and disease customisation algorithms, including comparison against lists of known and candidate MAMLD1-related and DSD-related genes. Lastly, we investigated the hypothesis that MAMLD1-related DSD may follow an oligogenic mode of inheritance. Forty-three potentially deleterious/candidate variants of 18 genes (RET, CDH23, MYO7A, NOTCH2, MAML1, MAML2, CYP1A1, WNT9B, GLI2, GLI3, MAML3, WNT9A, FRAS1, PIK3R3, FREM2, PTPN11, EVC, and FLNA) were identified, which may have contributed to the patient phenotypes. MYO7A was the most commonly identified gene. Specific gene combinations were also identified. In the interactome analysis, MAMLD1 exhibited direct connection with MAML1/2/3 and NOTCH1/2. Through NOTCH1/2, the following eight genes were shown to be associated with MAMLD1:WNT9A/9B, GLI2/3, RET, FLNA, PTPN11, and EYA1. Our findings provide further evidence that individuals with MAMLD1-related 46,XY DSD could carry two or more variants of known DSD-related genes, and the phenotypic outcome of affected individuals might be determined by multiple genes.
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Grinspon RP, Bergadá I, Rey RA. Male Hypogonadism and Disorders of Sex Development. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2020; 11:211. [PMID: 32351452 PMCID: PMC7174651 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2020.00211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2020] [Accepted: 03/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Disorders of Sex Development (DSD) are congenital anomalies in which there is a discordance between chromosomal, genetic, gonadal, and/or internal/external genital sex. In XY individuals, the process of fetal sex differentiation can be disrupted at the stage of gonadal differentiation, resulting in gonadal dysgenesis, a form of early fetal-onset primary hypogonadism characterized by insufficient androgen and anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) production, which leads to the development of ambiguous or female genitalia. The process of sex differentiation can also be disrupted at the stage of genital differentiation, due to isolated defects in androgen or AMH secretion, but not both. These are forms of fetal-onset hypogonadism with dissociated gonadal dysfunction. In this review, we present a perspective on impaired testicular endocrine function, i.e., fetal-onset male hypogonadism, resulting in incomplete virilization at birth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romina P. Grinspon
- Centro de Investigaciones Endocrinológicas “Dr. César Bergadá” (CEDIE), CONICET—FEI—División de Endocrinología, Hospital de Niños Ricardo Gutiérrez, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- *Correspondence: Romina P. Grinspon
| | - Ignacio Bergadá
- Centro de Investigaciones Endocrinológicas “Dr. César Bergadá” (CEDIE), CONICET—FEI—División de Endocrinología, Hospital de Niños Ricardo Gutiérrez, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Rodolfo A. Rey
- Centro de Investigaciones Endocrinológicas “Dr. César Bergadá” (CEDIE), CONICET—FEI—División de Endocrinología, Hospital de Niños Ricardo Gutiérrez, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Histología, Embriología y Genética, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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