完全型雄激素不敏感综合征雄激素受体基因突变的鉴定与分析

目的 对l例完全型雄激素不敏感综合征(complete androgen insensitivity syndrome,CAIS)患者的雄激素受体(androgen receptor,AR)基因进行分析,寻找潜在的突变位点,并进一步分析其发病原因.方法 提取患者外周血全基因组DNA,扩增位于X染色体AR基因8个外显子及邻近外显子与内含子剪切位点DNA序列,对扩增产物直接进行DNA序列测定,与GenBank中的基因序列进行比对.结果 该患者AR基因在第6外显子核苷酸序列3507位点缺失一个碱基C而引起移码突变,致使在第808位密码子出现终止密码子(TGA)使得翻译提前终止形成截短的雄激素受体蛋白.该突变可能诱导雄激素受体结合能力发生功能上的变异,导致CAIS的发生.结论 AR基因第6外显子核苷酸序列3507位点缺失碱基C引起的移码突变是一种导致CAIS新的基因突变方式,该研究丰富了AR基因突变谱,为了解CAIS的发病机制提供了新的依据.     

一种导致完全性雄激素不敏感综合征的AR基因移码突变的鉴定

目的 对1个男性假两性畸形完全性雄激素不敏感综合征的家系雄激素受体(androgen receptor,AR)基因进行突变检测,并分析其致病原因.方法 用PCR扩增及DNA测序等技术分析男性假两性畸形先证者候选基因AR的外显子及外显子内含子接头序列,根据检测到的突变位点情况,检测患者及其家系其他成员的相应DNA区段的碱基序列.结果 先证者及其家庭成员共3例患者均为AR基因1910delA的移码突变.其母亲为AR基因突变杂合子,是此疾病的携带者.该突变导致AR基因的N637I(AAU→AUC)、L638*(CTG→TGA)改变,导致AR蛋白283个氨基酸的截短.正常人群未发现该移码突变,该突变尚未见文献报道.结论 基因水平确定了该家系为AR基因突变引起的完全性雄激素不敏感综合征男性假两性畸形家系,同时发现了1种AR基因病理性新突变.     

完全型雄激素不敏感综合征雄激素受体基因突变分析

目的 对完全型雄激素不敏感综合征一家系雄激素受体(androgen receptor,AR)基因进行突变检测;并对发现突变的基因进行分析.方法 应用PCR扩增、DNA序列测定等技术分析所有AR基因外显子及其邻近DNA序列片段;应用核苷酸内切酶诊断方法观察其是否存在于正常人群;应用跨物种比对方法探讨突变所在位置的保守性.结果 3例患者AR基因第4外显子均发生E681D(GAG→GAT)错义突变,患者母亲为此突变杂合子携带者;患者父亲未见异常;正常人群未发现AR基因E681D突变;681位谷氨酸在不同物种间高度保守.结论 AR基因E681D(GAG→GAT)突变可能是导致完全型雄激素不敏感综合征新的突变方式.     

雄激素受体基因新突变引起的完全型雄激素不敏感综合征

目的 对1例完全型雄激素不敏感综合征(complete androgen insensitivity syndrom,CAIS)的雄激素受体(androgen receptor,AR)基因进行分析,寻找致病突变.方法 提取外周血全基因组DNA,扩增位于X染色体上的AR基因所有8个外显子及邻近外显子与内含子之间的剪切位点DNA序列,对扩增片段直接进行DNA序列测定,与基因库中的序列进行比对.结果 该病例AR基因第1外显子的441位密码子发生无义突变(GAA→TAA),由编码谷氨酸(Glu)变为终止密码,导致雄激素受体蛋白翻译至441位时终止,产生没有功能的氨基酸多肽残段.结论 Glu441stop(GAA→TAA)是一种导致CAIS的AR基因新的突变方式,之前在世界范围内均未见报道,丰富了AR基因突变谱,增加对CAIS发病机制的了解.

Abstract：

Objective To identify the mutation of human androgen receptor gene(AR) in a patient with complete androgen insensitivity syndrome (CAIS). Methods DNA sequences of 8 exons and their exon/intron boundaries of the AR gene in the patient were amplified by PCR and directly sequenced. Results DNA sequencing revealed a nonsense mutation in exon 1, resulting in a change of codon 441 GAA (glutamic acid) to a stop codon (TAA). Conclusion A novel mutation Glu441stop (GAA to TAA) of the androgen receptor gene leading to complete androgen insensitivity syndrome was identified in this study in a Chinese patient. It may help us further understanding the pathogenesis of CAIS.     

Novel androgen receptor gene mutations in Australian patients with complete androgen insensitivity syndrome

We have identified androgen receptor (AR) gene mutations in eight Australian subjects with complete androgen insensitivity syndrome (AIS). Four individuals, from three families, have novel mutations that introduce premature termination codons. Two siblings have the nonsense mutation Glu681X, and another subject has the nonsense mutation p.Ser884X. The other subject has a CA insertion at codon 829 (c.2847_2848insCA), causing a frameshift mutation that introduces four nonsense amino acids prior to a Stop codon. All the termination codons occur in the ligand binding domain, and cause reduced androgen binding in patient genital skin fibroblasts. Four further patients have missense mutations. One subject has two different mutations, p.Ala645Asp in the hinge region of the receptor, and p.Arg752Gln in the ligand binding domain. Both these mutations have previously been reported in patients with AIS, but the combination of these two mutations in one subject is unique. Another subject has a novel c.2533G>C transversion at the first nucleotide in exon 5, introducing the amino acid change p.Gly724Ala at a highly conserved residue in the ligand binding domain. Androgen binding is normal in fibroblasts from this subject, although other point mutations at this amino acid totally abolish binding. Two other subjects have mutations previously described as causing AIS, namely p.Arg779Trp and p.Val889Met substitutions in the ligand binding domain of the receptor. The p.Arg779Trp mutation is associated with the detection of a truncated AR protein in this patient's fibroblasts, suggesting the mutation renders the receptor susceptible to proteolysis.     

Amber mutation creates a diagnostic MaeI site in the androgen receptor gene of a family with complete androgen insensitivity

We have discovered in the X-linked androgen receptor gene a single nucleotide substitution that is the putative cause of complete androgen insensitivity (resistance) in a family with affected individuals in 2 generations. Earlier studies on the family indicated cosegregation of mutant phenotype and the RFLPs at the loci DXS1 and DXYS1. The mutation is an adenine-to-thymine transversion in exon 8 that changes the sense of codon 882 from lysine to an amber (UAG) translation termination signal. The substitution creates a recognition sequence for the restriction endonuclease MaeI: this permits ready recognition of hemizygotes and heterozygotes after amplification of genomic exon 8 by the polymerase chain reaction. The mutation predicts the synthesis of a truncated receptor that lacks 36 amino acids at the carboxy terminus of its 252-amino acids androgen-binding domain. The cultured genital skin fibroblasts of the one affected patient examined have normal levels of androgen receptor mRNA, but negligible androgen-receptor binding activity. These results accord with a variety of data from spontaneous and artificial mutations indicating that all portions of the steroid binding domain contribute to normal steroid binding by a steroid receptor.     

Testicular development in the complete androgen insensitivity syndrome

The complete androgen insensitivity syndrome (CAIS), caused by mutations in the androgen receptor (AR) gene, is associated with abnormal testicular development and an increased risk of germ cell malignancy. Previous histological studies in CAIS have selected patients purely on the basis of clinical diagnosis and were mostly based on small numbers, many of whom were post-pubertal. Here, we present 44 cases of CAIS, each with molecular pathological confirmation of an AR mutation. The median age at gonadectomy was 5.5 years (5.5; IQR 1-13). We have been able, therefore, to investigate testicular development in infancy, childhood and puberty, and estimate the incidence of premalignant change in this series. In addition, we have investigated whether the presence of epididymides and/or vasa deferentia in CAIS, previously shown to be associated with residual activity of mutant ARs, is related to a particular testicular phenotype. Epididymides/vasa deferentia were present in 36% of cases and these patients showed varying degrees of seminiferous tubule maturation at puberty above those without epididymides/vasa deferentia (p = 0.003). There were no other histological differences between these patient groups. In both groups, features of testicular degeneration and dysgenesis were present and germ cell development was delayed, with prolonged expression of the gonocyte markers, placental-like alkaline phosphatase and activator protein-2gamma. Germ cell numbers rapidly declined after the first year of life (R(2) = 0.42). Only two cases of carcinoma in situ were identified in our study and both patients were postpubertal (17 and 53 years). From these results and the literature, we conclude that the risk of premalignant change in germ cells is low before and during puberty. Patients can be advised, therefore, that gonadectomy can be delayed to allow for a natural puberty, with low risk of malignant transformation. Our study only included one patient over 18 years, so we cannot comment on the risk of malignant transformation in later life.     

Novel molecular defects in the androgen receptor gene of Mexican patients with androgen insensitivity

The androgen insensitivity syndrome (AIS) is an X-linked form of male pseudohermaphroditism caused by mutations in the androgen receptor (AR) gene. In the present study, we analyzed the AR gene in 8 patients, 4 sporadic and 2 familial cases with the syndrome, using exon-specific polymerase chain reaction, single-stranded conformational polymorphism and sequencing analysis and identified six new single base mutations, including one nonsense mutation at the hinge region of the receptor. These molecular lesions occurred in the steroid-binding domain (SBD) and all but one affected the first nucleotide of their respective codons. A nonsense mutation in exon 4, which converts a glutamine into a premature termination signal (Q657stop), a missense mutation changing arginine instead of glycine (G743R) and a conservative substitution of leucine with valine at amino acid 830 (L830V) were detected in patients with CAIS. Three other missense mutations located in exons 4 (L701I), 5 (A765S), and 6 (Q802R) were present in individuals bearing a partial form of AIS. These data allow us to reaffirm the view that nonsense mutations in the AR results almost invariably in a CAIS phenotype and underly the importance of the SBD for the AR functional activity.     

雄激素受体基因新突变引起的完全型雄激素不敏感综合征

目的 对1例完全型雄激素不敏感综合征(complete androgen insensitivity syndrom,CAIS)的雄激素受体(androgen receptor,AR)基因进行分析,寻找致病突变.方法 提取外周血全基因组DNA,扩增位于X染色体上的AR基因所有8个外显子及邻近外显子与内含子之间的剪切位点DNA序列,对扩增片段直接进行DNA序列测定,与基因库中的序列进行比对.结果 该病例AR基因第1外显子的441位密码子发生无义突变(GAA→TAA),由编码谷氨酸(Glu)变为终止密码,导致雄激素受体蛋白翻译至441位时终止,产生没有功能的氨基酸多肽残段.结论 Glu441stop(GAA→TAA)是一种导致CAIS的AR基因新的突变方式,之前在世界范围内均未见报道,丰富了AR基因突变谱,增加对CAIS发病机制的了解.     

雄激素受体基因新突变引起的完全型雄激素不敏感综合征

目的 对1例完全型雄激素不敏感综合征(complete androgen insensitivity syndrom,CAIS)的雄激素受体(androgen receptor,AR)基因进行分析,寻找致病突变.方法 提取外周血全基因组DNA,扩增位于X染色体上的AR基因所有8个外显子及邻近外显子与内含子之间的剪切位点DNA序列,对扩增片段直接进行DNA序列测定,与基因库中的序列进行比对.结果 该病例AR基因第1外显子的441位密码子发生无义突变(GAA→TAA),由编码谷氨酸(Glu)变为终止密码,导致雄激素受体蛋白翻译至441位时终止,产生没有功能的氨基酸多肽残段.结论 Glu441stop(GAA→TAA)是一种导致CAIS的AR基因新的突变方式,之前在世界范围内均未见报道,丰富了AR基因突变谱,增加对CAIS发病机制的了解.     

The challenges of androgen insensitivity syndrome

Androgen insensitivity syndrome (AIS) is an X-linked recessive genetic syndrome that occurs as result of an androgen receptor mutation; it affects the normal masculinization process in chromosomal male patients. More than 900 androgen receptor mutations that can lead to AIS have been identified. The complete androgen insensitivity is characterized by a total lack of response to androgens, usually in patients with 46XY karyotype but with feminine phenotype. Primary amenorrhoea and inguinal swellings in female patients are the main signs that could raise suspicion for this syndrome. Patients with partial androgen insensitivity have ambiguous genitalia at birth and gynecomastia during puberty, whereas those with mild androgen insensitivity present a normal male phenotype but altered spermatogenesis during adulthood and pubertal gynecomastia. The diagnosis of AIS often proves to be a challenge; its management is complex and requires a multidisciplinary approach to meet decision-making challenges in sex assignment, fertility and timing of gonadectomy, psychological outcomes and genetic counselling.     

DNA linkage analysis and studies of the androgen receptor gene in a large kindred with complete androgen insensitivity

DNA linkage analysis of the X chromosome and studies with cDNA probes specific for the androgen receptor gene were performed on the largest known kindred with the syndrome of complete androgen insensitivity. The affected subjects (XY) have absent binding of dihydrotestosterone to the androgen receptor (the receptor negative form of androgen insensitivity). In this kindred there was maternal transmission of the gene, with all affected males expressing complete genital feminization. Linkage analysis studies were conducted with two DNA probes, DXS1 and PGK1, localized to the Xq11-Xq13 region of the long arm of the X chromosome near the centromere. The results demonstrate linkage to the markers in the order of DXS1-(AR; PGK1), thus localizing the AR gene to an area between Xq11 and Xq13. Three cDNA probes that span various parts of the androgen receptor gene, including the DNA and steroid binding domain, were used to evaluate the androgen receptor gene in normal individuals, carrier mothers, and affected subjects. Identical restriction fragment patterns were found in all three groups studied. Thus the androgen receptor gene was present in affected subjects without detectable DNA polymorphism at the androgen binding domain. Therefore, despite complete absence of binding to the androgen receptor, the defect in the androgen receptor gene in this kindred is not the result of a gene deletion. The results point to a mutation or a small insertion/deletion as the probable cause of the syndrome.     

A novel point mutation (R840S) in the androgen receptor in a Brazilian family with partial androgen insensitivity syndrome

Mutations of the androgen receptor gene causing androgen insensitivity syndrome in 46, XY individuals, result in phenotypes ranging from complete female to ambiguous genitalia to males with minor degrees of undervirilization. We studied two Brazilian brothers with partial androgen insensitivity syndrome. They were born with perineal hypospadias, bifid scrotum, small penis and cryptorchidism, and developed gynecomastia at puberty. Genomic DNA was extracted and denaturinggradient gel electrophoresis of exon 7 of the androgen receptor gene followed by sequence analysis revealed a new mutation, a C A transversion, altering codon 840 from arginine (CGT) to serine (AGT). R840 is located in the androgen binding domain, in a “hot spot” region, important for the formation and function of the hormone receptor‐complex and within the region that is involved in androgen receptor dimerization. Replacement of arginine (basic) by serine (neutral and polar) is a nonconservative substitution. Three mutations in this residue (R840C, R840G nonconservative and R840H, conservative) were previously reported in patients with partial androgen insensitivity syndrome and when expressed “in vitro” lead to a subnormal transactivation of a reporter gene. We conclude that the novel R840 mutation in the androgen receptor is the cause of partial androgen insensitivity syndrome in this Brazilian family. Hum Mutat 14:353, 1999. © 1999 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Molecular analysis of familial androgen insensitivity syndrome due to replacement of glutamic acid 802 by lysine

We studied a Japanese family presenting at least two cases of complete androgen insensitivity syndrome (CAIS) and negative androgen receptor binding. The index subject showed a 46, XY karyotype and a complete female phenotype. For the purpose of further diagnosis and genetic counseling, molecular analysis of the androgen receptor (AR) gene was performed. Direct sequencing of the AR gene identified a mutation at nucleotide 2935 (A → G). This replacement was a novel missense mutation, resulting in the substitution of glutamic acid 802 by lysine which deleted a recognition site for EcoRI in exon 6 of the AR gene. We identified another affected individual, using chromosome and molecular analysis of the AR gene at exon 6. Furthermore, although heterozygote carriers could not be identified on clinical grounds, molecular identification of healthy individuals and heterozygote carriers in the family members provided definitive information for genetic counseling. We believe that the molecular analysis of familial CAIS is very informative for both the affected individuals and other family members. Received: July 31, 2000 / Accepted: August 31, 2000     

雄激素及其受体与多囊卵巢综合征

多囊卵巢综合征(PCOS)是育龄期妇女常见的一种内分泌代谢性疾病,发病率为5%~10%,其发病机制尚未完全阐明。高雄激素血症是PCOS的突出特点,尤其是卵巢局部的高雄激素环境是导致PCOS的关键原因,因此对高雄激素形成这一特征性改变的研究成为阐明PCOS病因的重点所在。雄激素主要通过激活雄激素受体(AR)来发挥作用,故AR的作用不容忽视,我们着重就雄激素和AR在PCOS发病中的作用作一综述。     

A novel point mutation of the androgen receptor (F804L) in an Egyptian newborn with complete androgen insensitivity associated with congenital glaucoma and hypertrophic pyloric stenosis

Androgen-insensitivity syndrome (AIS) is a major cause of male pseudohermaphroditism (MPH). Although AIS is usually reported as a monogenic disease resulting from androgen receptor (AR) mutations, on rare occasions it has been observed as part of a multiple congenital anomaly syndrome. We report here a patient who was the first newborn girl of an unrelated couple. Shortly after birth, the diagnoses of congenital glaucoma and pyloric stenosis were made. A detailed history of the father's family revealed that nine members presented glaucoma before 40 years of age. Clinical and ultrasound evaluation showed two inguinal testes, with female external genitalia and no Mullerian derivatives. The patient had a 46,XY karyotype, good testicular response to gonadotrophin stimulation and a remarkably high T : dihydrotestosterone ratio. Sequencing of the five exons of the 5alpha-reductase type 2 gene (SRD5A2) was normal. Conversely, a de novo point mutation was found in exon 6 of the AR gene, resulting in an F804L substitution, which has never been described previously. To our knowledge, the association of complete AIS, congenital glaucoma and pyloric stenosis has also never been reported previously.