ESPE Abstracts

New developments in massive sequencing techniques allow now the generation of an unprecedented amount of genomic data, including the generation of complete ancient genomes. Among those, the Neandertal and Denisovan genomes, dated between 40 000 and 50 000 years ago, are shedding new light on evolutionary processes such as the genetic basis of archaic hominins and modern humans specific adaptations -including morphological, metabolical and behavioural traits- as well as the ext...

Introduction: McCune-Albright Syndrome (MAS) is a rare congenital disorder caused by post-zygotic activating mutations in GNAS gene. Due to the mosaic pattern of this disease, mutation abundance is frequently low in several tissues, including blood cells. The emergence of next-generation sequencing (NGS) methodologies has allowed the analysis of millions of DNA fragments simultaneously and independently, enabling detection of low mutation abundance. Aim: To es...

Background: Genetic causes of central precocious puberty (CPP) has been increasingly recognized, extending our knowledge of the triggering factors of human pubertal timing. Distinct etiologies remain to be elucidated in sporadic and familial cases. Methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MECP2) is a chromatin-associated protein that can activate or repress gene transcription, playing a role in neuronal maturation. It is encoded by MECP2 gene located at chromoso...

Background: A total of 456 skeletal dysplasias have been classified by molecular, biochemical and/or radiological criteria, into 40 groups. Despite this, the precise, final diagnosis is often difficult due to the high phenotypic and genotypic variability.Objective: To improve the molecular and clinical diagnosis of skeletal dysplasias using a custom-designed next-generation sequencing (NGS) panel.Method: A total of 56 skeletal dysp...

Background: Iodine concentrations in Chilean schoolchildren are the highest in South America. This may be related to excessive sodium intake, which is associated with hypertension. However, iodine decreases blood pressure (BP), which would be a cardiovascular protective factor.Objective and hypotheses: The objective of this study is to evaluate the effects of iodine on BP and cardiovascular risk factors, despite salt intake.Method:...

Background: Primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) is genetically mediated in up to 30% of cases. Many genes associated with POI have roles in early ovary developmental processes, including meiosis.Objectives: We investigated the genetic mechanism underlying early-onset POI in three young women presenting with absent puberty: two sisters from a consanguineous pedigree and a third unrelated proband.<st...

Introduction: Cortisol homeostasis dysregulation has been associated to essential hypertension in adults. Higher levels of cortisol have been described in preterm-born individuals, who have also a higher risk of hypertension at younger ages. Several enzymes modulate peripheric cortisol metabolism. The 11b-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11b-HSD) type 2 metabolizes cortisol into cortisone, preventing mineralocorticoid receptors’ activation by cortisol. The i...

Introduction: Vosoritide increases growth in children with achondroplasia aged 5–18 years (Savarirayan et al, Genet Med, 2021). We recently reported results from a phase 2, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study (111-206) in young children with achondroplasia aged 3 months–5 years Here we present results from an open-label extension study (111-208) spanning up to 4 years of treatment in the children aged 2-5 years at study star...

Deficiency of pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A2 (PAPP-A2), a protease that regulates IGF-1 availability, causes postnatal growth failure and changes in bone size and density in humans and mice. The present study aimed to determine the effects of daily administration (from PND5 to PND35) of recombinant murine (rm) PAPP-A2, in comparison to rmGH and rmIGF1, on mouse auxology and bone microarchitecture in homozygous Pappa2 knock-out (ko/ko) mice of both sexes. Hormone treatm...

Glial cells are the most abundant cell type in the CNS. Although they were originally thought to only play a supportive role for neurons, it is now clear that glial cells are involved in all aspects of brain function. Understanding how glia, and in particular astrocytes, tanycytes and microglia, participate in the neuroendocrine control of metabolic homeostasis has come to the forefront in recent years. This is largely due to the observation that high fat diet-induced hypothal...