Loss-of-function mutation in GATA4 causes anomalies of human testicular development

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2011 Jan 25;108(4):1597-602. doi: 10.1073/pnas.1010257108. Epub 2011 Jan 10.

Abstract

Approximately 1 of every 250 newborns has some abnormality of genital and/or gonadal development. However, a specific molecular cause is identified in only 20% of these cases of disorder of sex development (DSD). We identified a family of French origin presenting with 46,XY DSD and congenital heart disease. Sequencing of the ORF of GATA4 identified a heterozygous missense mutation (p.Gly221Arg) in the conserved N-terminal zinc finger of GATA4. This mutation was not observed in 450 ancestry-matched control individuals. The mutation compromised the ability of the protein to bind to and transactivate the anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) promoter. The mutation does not interfere with the direct protein-protein interaction, but it disrupts synergistic activation of the AMH promoter by GATA4 and NR5A1. The p.Gly221Arg mutant protein also failed to bind to a known protein partner FOG2 that is essential for gonad formation. Our data demonstrate the key role of GATA4 in human testicular development.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Cell Nucleus / metabolism
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • DNA Mutational Analysis
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / metabolism
  • Disorders of Sex Development / complications
  • Disorders of Sex Development / genetics*
  • Disorders of Sex Development / metabolism
  • Family Health
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • GATA4 Transcription Factor / genetics*
  • GATA4 Transcription Factor / metabolism
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins / genetics
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins / metabolism
  • HEK293 Cells
  • Heart Defects, Congenital / complications
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Male
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Mutation*
  • Pedigree
  • Protein Binding
  • Sequence Homology, Amino Acid
  • Steroidogenic Factor 1 / metabolism
  • Testis / abnormalities
  • Testis / metabolism*
  • Transcription Factors / metabolism

Substances

  • DNA-Binding Proteins
  • GATA4 Transcription Factor
  • Steroidogenic Factor 1
  • Transcription Factors
  • ZFPM2 protein, human
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins