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An orphan nuclear hormone receptor that lacks a DNA binding domain and heterodimerizes with other receptors.

SHP is an orphan member of the nuclear hormone receptor superfamily that contains the dimerization and ligand-binding domain found in other family members but lacks the conserved DNA binding domain. In the yeast two-hybrid system, SHP interacted with several conventional and orphan members of the receptor superfamily, including retinoid receptors, the thyroid hormone receptor, and the orphan receptor MB67. SHP also interacted directly with these receptors in vitro. In mammalian cells, SHP specifically inhibited transactivation by the superfamily members with which it interacted. These results suggest that SHP functions as a negative regulator of receptor-dependent signaling pathways.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Genomic sequence of the DAX1 gene: an orphan nuclear receptor responsible for X-linked adrenal hypoplasia congenita and hypogonadotropic hypogonadism.

The gene responsible for X-linked adrenal hypoplasia congenita, DAX1, encodes a member of the nuclear hormone receptor superfamily. We sequenced 8851 bp that contained the DAX1 genomic region. The DAX gene was composed of two exons and one 3.4-kilobase intron. Putative TATA and GC boxes and a putative steroidogenic factor 1 response element were present in the 5'-flanking region. Two potentially polymorphic short tandem repeats were identified. The first exon encoded two putative novel zinc finger motifs within a putative DNA binding domain and part of the ligand binding domain, and the second exon encoded the remainder of the ligand binding domain. Although the putative DNA binding domain of DAX1 does not contain substantial sequence similarity to other nuclear hormone receptor superfamily members, the putative ligand binding domain had remarkable similarity to other family members. Single-strand conformational polymorphism analysis permitted identification of three new mutations in DAX1. In conclusion, single-strand conformational polymorphism analysis facilitates identification of mutations in the DAX1 gene, and the short tandem repeats may permit linkage analysis in families in which mutations are not yet identified. We speculate that DAX1 may be the most primitive member of the nuclear hormone receptor superfamily identified in mammals.

Adrenal Insufficiency↗

An unusual member of the nuclear hormone receptor superfamily responsible for X-linked adrenal hypoplasia congenita.

X-linked adrenal hypoplasia congenita is a developmental disorder of the human adrenal gland that results in profound hormonal deficiencies and is lethal if untreated. We have isolated the gene responsible for the disease, DAX-1, which is deleted or mutated in X-linked adrenal hypoplasia patients. DAX-1 encodes a new member of the nuclear hormone receptor superfamily displaying a novel DNA-binding domain. The DAX-1 product acts as a dominant negative regulator of transcription mediated by the retinoic acid receptor.

Adrenal Insufficiency↗

The gene responsible for adrenal hypoplasia congenita, DAX-1, encodes a nuclear hormone receptor that defines a new class within the superfamily.

X-linked adrenal hypoplasia congenita (AHC) is an inherited disorder of the development of the adrenal cortex. The gene responsible for this genetic disorder has been identified using positional cloning methods and has been named DAX-1 based on its localization within the dosage-sensitive sex reversal (DSS) locus and the AHC locus on the X chromosome. The DAX-1 gene consists of two exons separated by a 3.4 kb intron. Analysis of DNA from patients with deletions in the AHC critical region in the X chromosome provided strong indication for the involvement of the DAX-1 gene in X-linked AHC. A number of intragenic mutations within the DAX-1 gene have also been identified in patients with isolated AHC. The DAX-1 gene product belongs to the nuclear hormone receptor superfamily based on the presence of an entire ligand binding domain present in the carboxy-terminal region of the receptor. However, DAX-1 has a domain structure which is very unusual with respect to other nuclear hormone receptor superfamily members. The amino-terminal portion of DAX-1 contains a novel domain consisting of 3.5 repeats of a 65-67 amino acid motif that contains two putative zinc finger structures in place of the more usual amino-terminal domain, DNA binding domain, and hinge region of the typical nuclear hormone receptors. It has been proposed that the amino-terminal portion of the DAX-1 protein is the DNA binding domain. The expression pattern of DAX-1 suggests that it may play a role in the regulation of steroidogenesis. Not only is DAX-1 expressed in the adrenal glands, but it is also expressed in the ovaries and testes. Most recently, we demonstrated that DAX-1 is also expressed in the hypothalamus and pituitary gland. The expression of DAX-1 in the neuroendocrine system suggests that interruption of the expression in these tissues may be the cause of the hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (HH) that is frequently associated with AHC. Interestingly, hybridization of a human DAX-1 cDNA probe with genomic DNA from various species indicated that a DAX-1 homologue may exist in yeast. Thus, DAX-1 or a DAX-1-like transcription factor may be the most primitive member of the nuclear hormone receptor superfamily. Although the molecular mechanism of action of DAX-1 is not yet characterized, its importance for the development and physiology of the adrenal gland and gonads is indicated by its involvement in AHC and HH. Analysis of the functions of DAX-1 along with its regulation of expression will not only provide information concerning the actions of this new member of the nuclear hormone receptor superfamily, but will also yield insight into the pathogenesis of AHC and HH and may allow for the development of gene therapy protocols for the treatment of these diseases.

Adrenal Insufficiency↗

Mutations in the DAX-1 gene give rise to both X-linked adrenal hypoplasia congenita and hypogonadotropic hypogonadism.

Adrenal hypoplasia congenita (AHC) is an X-linked disorder characterized by primary adrenal insufficiency. Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (HHG) is frequently associated with this disorder but is thought not to be caused by the low adrenal androgen levels due to adrenal hypoplasia. It is uncertain whether there are two distinct yet physically linked genes responsible for AHC and HHG or a single gene responsible for both diseases. AHC can occur as a part of a contiguous deletion syndrome together with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) and/or glycerol kinase deficiency (GKD). From the analysis of deletions, the following gene order has been deduced: Xpter-AHC-GKD-DMD-cen. An AHC critical region of 200-500 kilobases has been defined by physical mapping and partially overlaps with a 160-kilobase dosage-sensitive sex (DSS) reversal critical region. The DAX-1 (DSS-AHC critical region on the X, gene 1) gene was isolated and found to encode a new member of the nuclear hormone receptor family. Here we report that DAX-1 is deleted in 14 patients and point mutations were found in the coding region in DNA from 12 unrelated individuals. All AHC patients over 14 years old and with only point mutations in DAX-1 were also diagnosed with HHG, confirming that the DAX-1 gene is responsible for both X-linked AHC and HHG. But in four sporadic cases and a single familial case, no point mutations were found, suggesting genetic heterogeneity or differential expression of DAX-1.

Adrenal Insufficiency↗

Identification of a putative steroidogenic factor-1 response element in the DAX-1 promoter.

The nuclear hormone receptor, DAX-1, is responsible for X-linked adrenal hypoplasia congenita and hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism. We recently cloned the 5' flanking region of the human DAX-1 gene and in this report we describe the identification of a putative steroidogenic factor 1 (SF-1) response element approximately 110 bases upstream of the TATA box. Both DAX-1 and SF-1 are expressed in similar tissues including the adrenal cortex, gonads, hypothalamus, and the pituitary gland. Like DAX-1, SF-1 expression has been shown to be essential for the development of the adrenal cortex. We demonstrate that SF-1 is able to efficiently bind to the putative SF-1 response element found in the DAX-1 promoter in vitro. This suggests that SF-1 may directly regulate the expression of DAX-1 and that these two transcription factors may be components of a cascade required for development of steroidogenic tissues.

Base Sequence↗

Mouse Dax1 expression is consistent with a role in sex determination as well as in adrenal and hypothalamus function.

Duplications of a chromosome Xp21 locus DSS (Dosage Sensitive Sex reversal) are associated with male to female sex reversal. An unusual member of the nuclear hormone receptor superfamily, DAX1, maps to the DSS critical region and is responsible for X-linked adrenal hypoplasia congenita. Here we describe the isolation of the mouse Dax1 gene and its pattern of expression during development. Expression was detected in the first stages of gonadal and adrenal differentiation and in the developing hypothalamus. Moreover, Dax1 expression is down-regulated coincident with overt differentiation in the testis, but persists in the developing ovary. Comparison of the predicted protein products of the human and mouse genes show that specific domains are evolving rapidly. Our results suggest a basis for adrenal insufficiency and hypogonadotropic hypogonadism in males affected by adrenal hypoplasia congenita and are consistent with a role for DAX1 in gonadal sex determination.

Adrenal Glands↗

Characterization of the mouse DAX-1 gene reveals evolutionary conservation of a unique amino-terminal motif and widespread expression in mouse tissue.

The human genetic disorder adrenal hypoplasia congenita with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism results from mutations in the recently isolated DAX-1 gene, a member of the nuclear hormone receptor superfamily. To study the role of DAX-1 in adrenal development and activation of the hypothalamic pituitary-gonadal axis, animal model systems will be essential. Here, we report the isolation and characterization of the mouse DAX-1 gene and its tissue-specific pattern of expression. The mouse DAX-1 gene codes for a 472-amino acid protein, with 75% overall nucleotide sequence homology to its human homolog. The 3.5 amino-terminal repeats of a unique motif with probable DNA-binding activity have been conserved between mouse and human, although highest conservation in the DAX-1 peptide exists in the carboxy-terminal ligand-binding domain. The DAX-1 gene remains X-linked in the mouse, consistent with its potential role in sex determination. We have developed a sensitive reverse transcription-PCR assay that detects DAX-1 messenger RNA in the central nervous system, pituitary, lung, heart, spleen, kidney, and thymus in addition to the adrenal and testis DAX-1 expression noted for the human DAX-1 gene. Future studies using mouse models of altered DAX-1 expression will be critical in defining the role of this factor in tissue- and development-specific gene regulation.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Diagnosis of X-linked adrenal hypoplasia congenita by mutation analysis of the DAX1 gene.

OBJECTIVE: To develop a rapid diagnostic approach to individuals with the X-linked cytomegalic form of adrenal hypoplasia congenita (AHC) and hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (HH) due to mutations in DAX1, a new member of the nuclear hormone receptor gene superfamily. DESIGN: Molecular genetic diagnostic investigations of individuals with AHC and their relatives included polymerase chain reaction amplification of DAX1 for identification of intragenic mutations and fluorescence in situ hybridization with a cosmid containing the DAX1 gene for evaluation of larger deletions. PARTICIPANTS: Families that had males affected with AHC were evaluated for mutations involving the DAX1 gene. RESULTS: DAX1 mutations were identified in four families that had males affected with AHC. Two apparently independent pedigrees had an identical frame-shift mutation due to a single base pair deletion, and a third had a larger deletion involving the entire DAX1 locus. The fourth family was evaluated by fluorescence in situ hybridization for prenatal diagnosis, and both the DAX1 locus and the contiguous glycerol kinase region were deleted. CONCLUSIONS: Molecular genetic and molecular cytogenetic techniques represent rapid and complementary approaches to the diagnosis of mutations in the DAX1 gene responsible for AHC and the associated HH. Specific diagnosis of the cause of adrenal insufficiency in these boys permits anticipatory management of the HH and prenatal counseling for parents of the affected child and other members of their families.

Adrenal Insufficiency↗

A family of rapidly evolving genes from the sex reversal critical region in Xp21.

Patients with an intact SRY gene and duplications of portions of Xp21 develop as phenotypic females. We have recently mapped this sex reversal locus, DSS, to a 160-kb region of Xp21 that includes the adrenal hypoplasia congenita locus. To clone the gene(s) underlying DSS and AHC, we isolated expressed sequences from the region. Here we describe the characterization of two related genes. DAM10 and DAM6, expressed in adult testis and lung tumors. The predicted DAM10 and DAM6 proteins are 66% identical and are both highly similar to the MAGE family of tumor-associated antigens and to mouse necdin. Genes belonging to the MAGE superfamily, DAMs, MAGEs, and necdin, are likely to have originated from a common ancestor and to be subject to an unusually rapid evolution. The tumor-restricted expression of DAM proteins and their structural similarity to MAGE genes suggest that DAM peptides may be targets for active immunotherapy in lung cancer patients.

Adult↗

Differential patterns of expression of DAX-1 and steroidogenic factor-1 (SF-1) in the fetal rat testis.

Gonadal differentiation is dependent upon a cascade of molecular and morphological events. Steroidogenic factor 1 (SF-1) and DAX-1 have been implicated in this process. A SF-1 binding site has been reported to be present on the DAX-1 gene. We therefore used immunocytochemistry to determine whether these two transcription factors are co-expressed in the fetal testis. DAX-1 was immunolocalised to the cytoplasm of interstitial cells from fetal testis of rat and human from day 15.5 and 16 weeks of gestation respectively. SF-1 was detected in nuclei of fetal Sertoli and interstitial cells. In the fetal rat expression of SF-1 in interstitial cells was not uniform; cells with abundant SF-1 all contained 3-beta HSD and were classified as Leydig cells. DAX-1 expression was not exclusive to cells which contained SF-1 and SF-1/DAX-1 co-expressing cells were not exclusively fetal Leydig cells. We conclude that in the fetal testis expression of the DAX-1 protein is not dependent upon the presence of SF-1 although SF-1 is present at an earlier stage of gestation in the gonad. DAX-1 may therefore play a separate or complementary role to that of SF-1 in the modulation of testicular gene expression and differentiation.

3-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases↗

New mutations of DAX-1 genes in two Japanese patients with X-linked congenital adrenal hypoplasia and hypogonadotropic hypogonadism.

Congenital adrenal hypoplasia, an X-linked disorder, is characterized by primary adrenal insufficiency and frequent association with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. The X-chromosome gene DAX-1 has been most recently identified and shown to be responsible for this disorder. We analyzed the DAX-1 genes of two unrelated Japanese patients with congenital adrenal hypoplasia and hypogonadotropic hypogonadism by using PCR amplification of genomic DNA and its complete exonic sequencing. In a family containing several affected individuals, the proband male patient had a stop codon (TGA) in place of tryptophan (TGG) at amino acid position 171. As expected, his mother was a heterozygous carrier for the mutation, whereas his father and unaffected brother did not carry this mutation. In another male patient with noncontributory family history, sequencing revealed a 1-bp (T) deletion at amino acid position 280, leading to a frame shift and, subsequently a premature stop codon at amino acid position 371. The presence of this mutation in the patients' genome was further confirmed by digestion of genomic PCR product with MspI created by this mutation. Family studies using MspI digestion of genomic PCR products revealed that neither parent of this individual carried the mutation. These results clearly indicate that congenital adrenal hypoplasia and hypogonadotropic hypogonadism result from not only inherited but also de novo mutation in the DAX-1 gene.

Adolescent↗

A case report of Xp21 contiguous gene deletion syndrome with adrenal crisis and sensorineural hearing loss: clinical highlights and management pitfalls.

OBJECTIVES: To report a rare association of Xp21 contiguous gene deletion syndrome (CGDS) featuring sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL), and to discuss the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. CASE PRESENTATION: A male infant presented with a salt-wasting adrenal crisis consistent with X-linked adrenal hypoplasia congenita. His follow-up clinical course during childhood revealed global developmental delay and SNHL, the latter of which has been under-reported in the literature for this condition. At five years of age, the development of progressive proximal muscle weakness and markedly elevated creatine phosphokinase levels led to a diagnosis of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). The patient also exhibited pseudohypertriglyceridemia and elevated urinary glycerol, consistent with glycerol kinase deficiency. While initial exome sequencing failed to detect the genetic abnormality, subsequent chromosomal microarray analysis identified an Xp21 CGDS involving NR0B1, IL1RAPL1, DMD, and GK. Treatment of adrenal insufficiency with fludrocortisone and hydrocortisone was complicated by the higher steroid doses required for the management of DMD, resulting in exogenous Cushing syndrome and associated complications. CONCLUSIONS: This case highlights the necessity of evaluating for Xp21 CGDS in patients presenting with adrenal crisis and emphasizes the importance of multidisciplinary management to optimize outcomes in this complex pediatric endocrine disorder.

Humans↗

Xp21 contiguous gene deletion syndrome presenting as congenital adrenal hypoplasia: molecular diagnosis and clinical re-evaluation of a pedigree.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the molecular etiology in a male child clinically suspected of congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) with negative conventional genetic testing, and to elucidate the genetic characteristics of his pedigree. METHODS: Clinical data from the proband and his family members were collected. Molecular diagnostics proceeded sequentially: initial targeted CAH testing (CYP21A2 and POR sequencing/MLPA, plus targeted NR0B1 CNV analysis) was followed by whole-exome sequencing coupled with genome-wide CNV analysis. RESULTS: The proband presented with neonatal cyanosis and hyperpigmentation. Laboratory tests showed markedly elevated ACTH (354.68 pmol/L) and low aldosterone (57.24 pg/mL). Molecular genetic testing identified a hemizygous deletion of approximately 4.44 Mb at Xp21.3-p21.1 (chrX:g.27080000_31520000), encompassing the NR0B1, GK, IL1RAPL1, and DMD genes. CNV-seq confirmed that the mother carried a heterozygous deletion of 4.38 Mb in the same region, while the father and four maternal aunts showed normal genotypes. CONCLUSION: This study ultimately diagnosed the proband with Xp21 contiguous gene deletion syndrome. The adrenal insufficiency resulted from X-linked congenital adrenal hypoplasia (AHC) due to NR0B1 haploinsufficiency, rather than CAH. These findings highlight the considerable clinical overlap between AHC and CAH, indicating that CNV analysis of the Xp21 region should be included in the diagnostic workup for male infants with suspected CAH but negative routine genetic testing. This provides a basis for the precise diagnosis and genetic counseling of such patients.

Humans↗

Expression of DAX-1, the gene responsible for X-linked adrenal hypoplasia congenita and hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal/gonadal axis.

DAX-1, an orphan member of the nuclear hormone receptor superfamily, is responsible for X-linked adrenal hypoplasia congenita (AHC) and the frequently associated hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (HH). The entire DAX-1 genomic region has been sequenced and a putative steroidogenic factor-1 response element has been identified in the promoter region of the gene. The purpose of these investigations was to determine if DAX-1 was expressed in the central nervous system, particularly the hypothalamus and pituitary, in order to better understand the relationship of mutations in this gene to HH associated with AHC. We used Northern blot analysis and reverse transcription PCR to demonstrate that DAX-1 was expressed in the hypothalamus and the pituitary, and to confirm its expression in adrenal cortex and gonads. The expression of DAX-1 in these tissues indicates the involvement of DAX-1 in the development of the reproductive system at multiple levels within the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal/gonadal axis. We also observed the expression of DAX-1 in a human adrenocortical carcinoma cell line, NCI-H295, that has features characteristic of the fetal adrenal cortex. Therefore, NCI-H295 cells will be a useful cellular model for investigating the involvement of DAX-1 in the regulation of steroidogenesis.

Adrenal Cortex↗