Abstract
Background: Over 100 mutations in the SRD5A2 gene have been identified in subjects with 46,XY disorder of sex development (DSD). Exploration of SRD5A2 mutations and elucidation of the molecular mechanisms behind their effects should reveal the functions of the domains of the 5α-reductase 2 enzyme and identify the cause of 46,XY DSD. Previously, we reported a novel compound heterozygous p.Q6X/p.H232R mutation of the SRD5A2 gene in a case with 46,XY DSD. Whether the compound heterozygous p.Q6X/p.H232R mutation in this gene causes 46,XY DSD requires further exploration. Results: To clarify the cause of 46,XY DSD in the affected family focused on here, SRD5A2 sequencing was performed. Heterozygous p.H232R mutation was identified in the proband’s father, so we concluded that this mutation originated from the paternal side of the family and did not cause 46,XY DSD. Meanwhile, heterozygous p.Q6X mutation was identified in the proband’s mother, maternal uncle, and maternal grandfather, indicating that this mutation originated from maternal side of the family and did not cause 46,XY DSD. To clarify the effect of the p.H232R mutation in SRD5A2 on dihydrotestosterone (DHT) production, p.H232R mutant SRD5A2 plasmids were transfected into HEK293 cells. LC-MS indicated that DHT production decreased compared with that in cells transfected with wild-type SRD5A2.Conclusions: Our findings confirmed that the compound heterozygous p.Q6X/p.H232R mutation in the SRD5A2 gene is the cause of 46,XY DSD. p.H232R mutation reduced DHT production while attenuating the catalytic efficiency of the 5α-reductase 2 enzyme.