Skewed X inactivation is associated with phenotype in a female with adrenal hypoplasia congenita
2008

Skewed X Inactivation and Adrenal Hypoplasia Congenita in a Female

Sample size: 1 publication Evidence: low

Author Information

Author(s): Shaikh M G, Boyes L, Kingston H, Collins R, Besley G T N, Padmakumar B, Ismayl O, Hughes I, Hall C M, Hellerud C, Achermann J C, Clayton P E

Primary Institution: Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital

Hypothesis

Is skewed X inactivation associated with adrenal hypoplasia congenita in females?

Conclusion

The study confirms that skewed X inactivation is associated with adrenal hypoplasia congenita in a female patient.

Supporting Evidence

  • The patient had a de novo deletion at Xp21.2 affecting the DAX1 gene.
  • Skewed X inactivation was confirmed using the androgen receptor as a marker.
  • The patient presented with salt losing adrenal insufficiency and developmental delay.
  • Variability in X inactivation between tissues may explain the severity of symptoms.

Takeaway

This study shows that a girl with adrenal problems had a special genetic change that affected her X chromosomes, which is usually seen in boys.

Methodology

The study involved genetic testing, hormone assays, and analysis of X inactivation patterns in different tissues.

Limitations

The study is based on a single case, which may limit the generalizability of the findings.

Participant Demographics

A female child of unrelated white European parents.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1136/jmg.2007.055129

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