X-linked sex-determining region Y box 3 (SOX3) gene mutations are uncommon in men with idiopathic oligoazoospermic infertility.

The X-linked sex-determining region Y box 3 (SOX3) gene is expressed in the developing gonads and brain. Sox3-null mice developed according to genetic sex, but the hemizygous null males were hypogonadal, with extensive Sertoli cell vacuo-lization, loss of germ cells, and reduced sperm count. We hypothesized that SOX3 mutations might occur in a subset of infertility patients.

A novel loss of function mutation in exon 10 of the FSH receptor gene causing hypergonadotrophic hypogonadism: clinical and molecular characteristics.

Background: Inactivating mutations of the FSH receptor (FSHR) are a rare cause of hypergonadotrophic hypogonadism in women. Only one patient with primary amenorrhoea due to an FSHR gene mutation has been reported outside of Finland, where the prevalence of Ala189Val mutations is particularly high.

Methods And Results: Here, we describe the clinical, molecular genetic and functional characteristics associated with a novel inactivating mutation in exon 10 of the FSHR gene identified in a patient who presented with primary amenorrhoea at 17 years of age.

Clinical and molecular analysis of three families with autosomal dominant neurohypophyseal diabetes insipidus associated with a novel and recurrent mutations in the vasopressin-neurophysin II gene.

Objective: To test further the hypothesis that autosomal dominant neurohypophyseal diabetes insipidus (adFNDI) is caused by heterozygous mutations in the vasopressin-neurophysin II (AVP-NPII) gene that exert a dominant negative effect by producing a precursor that misfolds, accumulates and eventually destroys the neurosecretory neurons.

Methods: Antidiuretic function, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the posterior pituitary and AVP-NPII gene analysis were performed in 10 affected members of three unreported families with adFNDI.

Results: As in previously studied patients, adFNDI apparently manifested after birth, was due to a partial or severe deficiency of AVP, and was associated with absence or diminution of the hyperintense MRI signal normally emitted by the posterior pituitary, and with a heterozygous mutation in the AVP-NPII gene.

Absence of constitutively activating mutations in the GHRH receptor in GH-producing pituitary tumors.

The molecular events leading to the development of GH-producing pituitary tumors remain largely unknown. We hypothesized that activating mutations of the GHRH receptor might occur in a subset of GH-producing pituitary tumors. Genomic DNA samples from 54 GH-producing pituitary tumor tissues were screened for mutations of the GHRH receptor.

Adenovirus-mediated targeted expression of toxic genes to adrenocorticotropin-producing pituitary tumors using the proopiomelanocortin promoter.

Management of Cushing's disease remains challenging, despite advances in its diagnosis and treatment. Here, we describe a strategy for targeting the expression of toxic genes to ACTH-producing tumor cells using adenoviral vectors. The POMC promoter was used to express either a marker gene (beta-galactosidase) or a toxic gene [herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase (TK)].