Analysis of variants in GATA4 and FOG2/ZFPM2 demonstrates benign contribution to 46, XY disorders of sex development. Issue 3 (21st January 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: van den Bergen, Jocelyn A.; Robevska, Gorjana; Eggers, Stefanie; Riedl, Stefan; Grover, Sonia R.; Bergman, Philip B.; Kimber, Chris; Jiwane, Ashish; Khan, Sophy; Krausz, Csilla; Raza, Jamal; Atta, Irum; Davis, Susan R.; Ono, Makato; Harley, Vincent; Faradz, Sultana M. H.; Sinclair, Andrew H.; Ayers, Katie L.
• Is Part Of: Molecular genetics & genomic medicine. Volume 8:Issue 3(2020)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2020-01-21
• Subjects: disorders of sexual development -- FOG2 -- functional analysis -- GATA4 -- mutations -- ZFPM2; Medical genetics -- Periodicals; Genomics -- Periodicals; 616.042
• DOI: 10.1002/mgg3.1095
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2324-9269

Abstract

Abstract: Background: GATA‐binding protein 4 ( GATA4 ) and Friend of GATA 2 protein ( FOG2, also known as ZFPM2 ) form a heterodimer complex that has been shown to influence transcription of genes in a number of developmental systems. Recent evidence has also shown these genes play a role in gonadal sexual differentiation in humans. Previously we identified four variants in GATA4 and an unexpectedly large number of variants in ZFPM2 in a cohort of individuals with 46, XY Differences/Disorders of Sex Development (DSD) (Eggers et al, Genome Biology, 2016; 17: 243). Method: Here, we review variant curation and test the functional activity of GATA4 and ZFPM2 variants. We assess variant transcriptional activity on gonadal specific promoters ( Sox9 and AMH ) and variant protein–protein interactions. Results: Our findings support that the majority of GATA4 and ZFPM2 variants we identified are benign in their contribution to 46, XY DSD. Indeed, only one variant, in the conserved N‐terminal zinc finger of GATA4, was considered pathogenic, with functional analysis confirming differences in its ability to regulate Sox9 and AMH and in protein interaction with ZFPM2 . Conclusions: Our study helps define the genetic factors contributing to 46, XY DSD and suggests that the majority of variants we identified in GATA4 and ZFPM2/FOG2 are not causative. Abstract : We identified a number of 46, XY DSD individuals with variants in GATA4 and FOG2 . Variant curation and functional analysis revealed the majority of these variants are not likely to be causative.