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Hattori A, Fukami M. Nuclear Receptor Gene Variants Underlying Disorders/Differences of Sex Development through Abnormal Testicular Development. Biomolecules 2023; 13:691. [PMID: 37189438 PMCID: PMC10135730 DOI: 10.3390/biom13040691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Gonadal development is the first step in human reproduction. Aberrant gonadal development during the fetal period is a major cause of disorders/differences of sex development (DSD). To date, pathogenic variants of three nuclear receptor genes (NR5A1, NR0B1, and NR2F2) have been reported to cause DSD via atypical testicular development. In this review article, we describe the clinical significance of the NR5A1 variants as the cause of DSD and introduce novel findings from recent studies. NR5A1 variants are associated with 46,XY DSD and 46,XX testicular/ovotesticular DSD. Notably, both 46,XX DSD and 46,XY DSD caused by the NR5A1 variants show remarkable phenotypic variability, to which digenic/oligogenic inheritances potentially contribute. Additionally, we discuss the roles of NR0B1 and NR2F2 in the etiology of DSD. NR0B1 acts as an anti-testicular gene. Duplications containing NR0B1 result in 46,XY DSD, whereas deletions encompassing NR0B1 can underlie 46,XX testicular/ovotesticular DSD. NR2F2 has recently been reported as a causative gene for 46,XX testicular/ovotesticular DSD and possibly for 46,XY DSD, although the role of NR2F2 in gonadal development is unclear. The knowledge about these three nuclear receptors provides novel insights into the molecular networks involved in the gonadal development in human fetuses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atsushi Hattori
- Department of Molecular Endocrinology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, 2-10-1 Okura, Setagaya, Tokyo 157-8535, Japan;
- Division of Diversity Research, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, 2-10-1 Okura, Setagaya, Tokyo 157-8535, Japan
| | - Maki Fukami
- Department of Molecular Endocrinology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, 2-10-1 Okura, Setagaya, Tokyo 157-8535, Japan;
- Division of Diversity Research, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, 2-10-1 Okura, Setagaya, Tokyo 157-8535, Japan
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Ostrer H. Pathogenic Variants in MAP3K1 Cause 46,XY Gonadal Dysgenesis: A Review. Sex Dev 2022; 16:92-97. [PMID: 35290982 DOI: 10.1159/000522428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Pathogenic variants in the MAP3K1 gene are an important cause of 46,XY non-syndromic partial and complete gonadal dysgenesis, accounting for at least 4% of cases. Inheritance occurs in a sex-limited, autosomal dominant fashion with virtually complete penetrance in 46,XY individuals. 46,XX carriers appear to have normal fertility and no developmental abnormalities. Pathogenic variants occur almost exclusively within known domains of the MAP3K1 protein, facilitating annotation when identified. Where studied, these variants have been modeled to alter the local MAP3K1 folding and surface domains and have been shown to alter interactions with known binding partners. The net effect of these variants is to increase phosphorylation of downstream targets ERK1, ERK2, and p38, resulting in multiple gain-of-function effects interfering with testis determination and enabling ovarian determination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harry Ostrer
- Departments of Pathology and Pediatrics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
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Chen H, Chen Q, Zhu Y, Yuan K, Li H, Zhang B, Jia Z, Zhou H, Fan M, Qiu Y, Zhuang Q, Lei Z, Li M, Huang W, Liang L, Yan Q, Wang C. MAP3K1 Variant Causes Hyperactivation of Wnt4/β-Catenin/FOXL2 Signaling Contributing to 46,XY Disorders/Differences of Sex Development. Front Genet 2022; 13:736988. [PMID: 35309143 PMCID: PMC8927045 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.736988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: 46,XY disorders/differences of sex development (46,XY DSD) are congenital conditions that result from abnormal gonadal development (gonadal dysgenesis) or abnormalities in androgen synthesis or action. During early embryonic development, several genes are involved in regulating the initiation and maintenance of testicular or ovarian-specific pathways. Recent reports have shown that MAP3K1 genes mediate the development of the 46,XY DSD, which present as complete or partial gonadal dysgenesis. Previous functional studies have demonstrated that some MAP3K1 variants result in the gain of protein function. However, data on possible mechanisms of MAP3K1 genes in modulating protein functions remain scant. Methods: This study identified a Han Chinese family with the 46,XY DSD. To assess the history and clinical manifestations for the 46,XY DSD patients, the physical, operational, ultra-sonographical, pathological, and other examinations were performed for family members. Variant analysis was conducted using both trio whole-exome sequencing (trio WES) and Sanger sequencing. On the other hand, we generated transiently transfected testicular teratoma cells (NT2/D1) and ovary-derived granular cells (KGN), with mutant or wild-type MAP3K1 gene. We then performed functional assays such as determination of steady-state levels of gender related factors, protein interaction and luciferase assay system. Results: Two affected siblings were diagnosed with 46,XY DSD. Our analysis showed a missense c.556A > G/p.R186G variant in the MAP3K1 gene. Functional assays demonstrated that the MAP3K1R186G variant was associated with significantly decreased affinity to ubiquitin (Ub; 43–49%) and increased affinity to RhoA, which was 3.19 ± 0.18 fold, compared to MAP3K1. The MAP3K1R186G led to hyperphosphorylation of p38 and GSK3β, and promoted hyperactivation of the Wnt4/β-catenin signaling. In addition, there was increased recruitment of β-catenin into the nucleus, which enhanced the expression of pro-ovarian transcription factor FOXL2 gene, thus contributing to the 46,XY DSD. Conclusion: Our study identified a missense MAP3K1 variant associated with 46,XY DSD. We demonstrated that MAP3K1R186G variant enhances binding to the RhoA and improves its own stability, resulting in the activation of the Wnt4/β-catenin/FOXL2 pathway. Taken together, these findings provide novel insights into the molecular mechanisms of 46,XY DSD and promotes better clinical evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Chen
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Fuzhou Children’s Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Qingqing Chen
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yilin Zhu
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ke Yuan
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Huizhu Li
- Department of Pediatrics, Lishui City People’s Hospital, Lishui, China
| | - Bingtao Zhang
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zexiao Jia
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hui Zhou
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Mingjie Fan
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yue Qiu
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qianqian Zhuang
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhaoying Lei
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Mengyao Li
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wendong Huang
- Department of Diabetes Complications and Metabolism, The Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, United States
| | - Li Liang
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Chunlin Wang, , Qingfeng Yan, , Li Liang,
| | - Qingfeng Yan
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory for Cell and Gene Engineering of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Chunlin Wang, , Qingfeng Yan, , Li Liang,
| | - Chunlin Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Chunlin Wang, , Qingfeng Yan, , Li Liang,
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