ESPE Abstracts

Background: Genetic diversity of mutations in the CYP21A2 gene is the main cause of the monogenic Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) disorder. On chromosome 6p23.1, the CYP21A2 gene is partially overlapped by the TNXB gene and reside in tandem with their highly homologous corresponding pseudogenes (CYP21A1P and TNXA), which leads to recurrent homologous recombination.Methods and Results: The genetic s...

This report provides an overview of the Molecular Genetics-Function and Therapy (MGFT) department's present and past activities at the Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics (CING), serving as an affiliated Reference Center (RC) for the European Reference Network on Rare Endocrine Conditions (Endo-ERN). Over a period of more than 15 years, the MGFT department has collaborated extensively with endocrine specialists from local government hospitals and the private sector...

Background: In an effort to better understand the molecular basis of obesity, studies focus on genetic loci mapping to the leptin–melanocortin pathway, one of the key mechanisms for controlling food intake and body weight. Adenylate cyclase 3 (ADCY3) is a key genetic candidate as it seems to have an essential role at primary neuronal cilia in regulating body weight. We have previously reported the novel probably pathogenic ADCY3</em...

Background: Makorin RING finger protein 3 (MKRN3) is an important factor located on chromosome 15 in the imprinting Prader-Willi syndrome - associated region. Imprinted MKRN3 expressed in hypothalamic regions essential for puberty initiation and mutations have been found in patients with central precocious puberty (CPP). CPP caused by the early activation of pulsatile Gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) secretion is clinically defined by the early maturation...

Background: Central Precocious Puberty (CPP) is clinically defined by the development of secondary sexual characteristics before the age of 8 years in girls and 9 years in boys. To date, mutations in the coding region of KISS1, KISS1R, DLK1 and MKRN3 genes have been reported as causative for CPP. This study investigated the presence of causative mutations in both the promoter and the 5'-UTR regions of the MKRN3 ...

Purpose: Disorders of sex development (DSD) have been linked with gene defects that lead to gonadal dysgenesis. Herein, we aimed at identifying the genetic cause of gonadal dysgenesis in a patient with primary amenorrhoea and 46,XY karyotype from a consanguineous family.Methods and Results: Whole exome sequencing (WES) was performed and revealed in homozygosity the rare and only once reported p.Arg164Pro missense mutatio...

Background: The adenylate cyclase 3 (ADCY3) gene encodes a membrane-associated protein involved in the formation of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) from adenosine triphosphate (ATP). This gene seems to be is involved in the regulation of several metabolic processes and has been recently associated to pathophysiological metabolic conditions. Several ADCY3 variants have been linked with obesity in children.M...

Background: Resistance to thyroid hormone (RTH) is a dominantly inherited rare disorder (1:40000) mainly due to mutations in the THRB gene that lead to a decreased end-organ responsiveness to thyroid hormone. Clinical and molecular characteristics of four patients with RTH are described.Patients and methods: Four patients from three non-related families were studied; two boys (8.3 and 9.2 years old) and 2 adults (35 year old male and 27 year old...

Background: The onset of puberty is influenced by the interplay of stimulating and restraining factors, many of which have a genetic origin. Premature activation of the GnRH secretion in central precocious puberty (CPP) may arise either from gain-of-function mutations of the KISS1 and KISS1R genes or loss-of-function manner mutations of the MKRN3 gene leading to MKRN3 deficiency.Objective and hypotheses: Explore the genetic cau...

Background: Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH) is an autosomal recessive disorder with more than 90% of cases caused by defects in the steroid-21 hydroxylase (CYP21A2) gene. Such defects are the main cause of 21-hydroxylase enzyme deficiency that affects the biosynthesis of cortisol and aldosterone. The CYP21A2 gene is part of the RCCX module, which is located on chromosome 6p21.3, in the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class III reg...