A novel missense mutation in the high mobility group domain of SRY drastically reduces its DNA-binding capacity and causes paternally transmitted 46,XY complete gonadal dysgenesis

Fertil Steril. 2011 Oct;96(4):851-5. doi: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2011.07.1137. Epub 2011 Aug 24.

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the familial segregation, role, and function of a novel SRY missense mutation c.347T>C in two half-sisters affected by 46,XY complete gonadal dysgenesis (CDG) compatible with a successful pregnancy outcome.

Design: Phenotypic, mutational, and functional study.

Setting: Academic research unit.

Patient(s): Two half-sisters, their common father, and 100 healthy control individuals.

Intervention(s): Chromosome, molecular cytogenetic analysis, and Sanger sequencing of the SRY gene in blood lymphocytes of the proband, her affected half-sister, and in inflammatory tissue of the father postmortem. Cloning and expression of high mobility group box carboxy-terminal domains of Sry and electrophoretic mobility shift assay were performed.

Main outcome measure(s): Not applicable.

Result(s): A novel SRY missense mutation c.347T>C (p.Leu116Ser) was identified in two half-sisters and segregates with the CGD phenotype. It is present in the common healthy father in a mosaic state. Functional analyses demonstrate the pathogenic effect of the mutation by a strong reduction of DNA affinity for the mutant p.Leu116Ser SRY protein.

Conclusion(s): The missense mutation c.347T>C in the high mobility group domain of SRY causes 46,XY CGD. Paternal gonadal mosaicism is likely to explain the familial occurrence of 46,XY CGD suggesting a de novo mutational event during the early stages of embryonic development. This novel mutation is compatible with a successful pregnancy outcome.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • DNA / genetics*
  • DNA / metabolism
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / genetics
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / metabolism
  • Female
  • Genes, sry / genetics*
  • Gonadal Dysgenesis, 46,XY / genetics*
  • Gonadal Dysgenesis, 46,XY / metabolism
  • HMG-Box Domains / genetics
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Mosaicism
  • Mutation, Missense / genetics*
  • Pregnancy
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • DNA-Binding Proteins
  • DNA