An Intron 9 CYP19 Gene Variant (IVS9+5G > A), Present in an Aromatase-Deficient Girl, Affects Normal Splicing and Is Also Present in Normal Human Steroidogenic Tissues

作者：Saraco Nora; Nesi Franca Suzana; Sainz Romina; Marino Roxana; Marques Pereira Rosana; La Pastina Julia; Garrido Natalia Perez; Sandrini Romolo; Rivarola Marco Aurelio; de Lacerda Luiz; Belgorosky Alicia^*

来源：Hormone Research in Paediatrics, 2015, 84(4): 275-282.

DOI：10.1159/000437142

• Aromatase deficiency
• Mutation
• CYP19A1
• Steroidogenic tissues
• Splicing

Background/Aims: Splicing CYP19 gene variants causing aromatase deficiency in 46,XX disorder of sexual development (DSD) patients have been reported in a few cases. A misbalance between normal and aberrant splicing variants was proposed to explain spontaneous pubertal breast development but an incomplete sex maturation progress. The aim of this study was to functionally characterize a novel CYP19A1 intronic homozygote mutation (IVS9+5G>A) in a 46, XX DSD girl presenting spontaneous breast development and primary amenorrhea, and to evaluate similar splicing variant expression in normal steroidogenic tissues. Methods: Genomic DNA analysis, splicing prediction programs, splicing assays, and in vitro protein expression and enzyme activity analyses were carried out. CYP19A1 mRNA expression in human steroidogenic tissues was also studied. Results: A novel IVS9+5G>A homozygote mutation was found. In silico analysis predicts the disappearance of the splicing donor site in intron 9, confirmed by patient peripheral leukocyte cP450arom and in vitro studies. Protein analysis showed a shorter and inactive protein. The intron 9 transcript variant was also found in human steroidogenic tissues. Conclusions: The mutation IVS9+5G>A generates a splicing variant that includes intron 9 which is also present in normal human steroidogenic tissues, suggesting that a misbalance between normal and aberrant splicing variants might occur in target tissues, explaining the clinical phenotype in the affected patient.

• 出版日期2015