Multihormone Resistance Research Articles

12395 Continuous Glucose Monitoring In Pseudohypoparathyroidism Type 1a

Abstract Disclosure: J. Tamaroff: None. A.E. Lee: None. A.H. Shoemaker: None. Background: Pseudohypoparathyroidism type 1A (PHP1A), due to heterozygous mutations in GNAS, is a rare disorder that leads to multi-hormone resistance, cognitive impairment, and early-onset obesity. Individuals with PHP1A have dysglycemia on oral glucose tolerance tests and increased rates of type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Individuals with rare diseases, like PHP1A, may travel significant distances for specialized clinical or research care. Wearable technology may alleviate barriers and provide useful information for clinical care or for use as potential biomarkers. The objective of this study is to evaluate glycemia in individuals with PHP1A and feasibility of utilizing continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) in this population. Methods: Observational study of individuals with PHP1A (3R01DK118407-03S1). CGMs (Dexcom Pro, Dexcom Inc, San Diego, CA) were placed on participants’ abdomens, typically by a family member, over secure-video call with study staff. CGMs collected data every 5 minutes for up to 10 days. Results: Seven participants (all female) with PHP1A without a diagnosis of diabetes had available data. Median age was 17 years (IQR: 14, 19; range: 8-23). Body mass index (BMI) categories (by percent of the 95th percentile for those under 18 years and BMI for adults) spanned from overweight to class 3 obesity. In terms of feasibility, 1 individual had to replace a CGM sensor due to an upcoming MRI and 1 individual had a “sensor failure” of unclear etiology. Both were able to place new CGMs. Individuals participated across 5 states in the United States. Median length of wear was 9.8 days (IQR 8.6, 9.9). Participants had a median average glucose of 104mg/dL (IQR 102, 111) and COV of 16% (15, 21). Percent of glucose > 140mg/dL was 5.0% (IQR: 1.8, 10.9; range:1.2-19.4%). One individual had 3.2% of glucose values ≥ 200mg/dL despite a normal hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) level (5.5%). This level of hyperglycemia is qualitatively higher than published CGM data in healthy individuals. One study found individuals (6-24 years of age) had median percent of glucose values over 140mg/dL ranging from 1.2 to 2.4% with IQR values ranging from 0.3 to 4.4%, based on age categories.1Conclusions: In females with PHP1A, with overweight or obesity, CGM placement at home is a feasible way to collect real-world data. Participants with rare diseases often must travel for clinical and research care and CGMs may provide insight into glycemia without requiring an in-person visit. This “real-world” data mirrors research data reporting glycemia with normal HbA1c levels. The rate of hyperglycemia is higher than expected in some individuals with PHP1A though more data is needed. Ongoing studies will evaluate matched control participants and assess drivers of glycemia including inactivity and decreased sleep duration, as measured by actigraphy.

Genotype phenotype correlations in pseudohypoparathyroidism type 1a patients: a systemic review.

Pseudohypoparathyroidism type 1a (PHP1a) is a rare endocrine disease caused by partial defects of the α subunit of the stimulatory GTP binding protein (Gsα) resulting from maternal GNAS gene variation. The clinical manifestations are related to PTH resistance (hypocalcemia, hyperphosphatemia, and elevated serum intact PTH) in the presence or absence of multihormone resistance, and Albright's hereditary osteodystrophy (AHO). To summarize the molecular genetics results and clinical characteristics as well as to explore the correlations between them. Articles pertaining to PHP1a until May 31, 2021 were reviewed and 527 patients with genetic diagnosis were included in the data analysis. The clinical characteristics and molecular genetics results of these patients were analyzed and compared to explore the correlations between them. A total of 258 GNAS rare variants (RVs) were identified in 527 patients. The RVs were most commonly found in exons 1 and 7 (17.6% each), with frameshift (36.8%) and missense (31.3%) being the main types of RVs. The median age of onset was 5.0 years old. The most common clinical manifestations were elevation of PTH (86.7%) and AHO (87.5%). TSH resistance was the most common hormone resistance (75.5%) other than PTH resistance. Patients with missense and in-frame RVs had lower incidence rates of round face (P = 0.001) and subcutaneous ossifications (P < 0.001) than those with loss-of-function (nonsense, frameshift, splicing site variants and large deletions) variants. This study revealed the correlation between loss-of-function RVs with round face and subcutaneous ossifications in PHP 1a patients. Further exploration on genotype phenotype correlations through more standardized and prospective studies with long-term follow-up is necessary.

FRI597 Impact Of Theophylline On BMI In Pseudohypoparathyroidism Type 1a - Results Of An Open Label Extension Trial

Abstract Disclosure: A.H. Shoemaker: None. J. Tamaroff: None. H. Jueppner: None. Background: Pseudohypoparathyroidism type 1a (PHP1A) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by early onset obesity, short stature and multi hormone resistance. The underlying causes are maternally inherited, heterozygous inactivating mutations in GNAS, which encodes the α-subunit of stimulatory G protein (Gsα). Due to tissue specific silencing of paternal Gsα expression, maternal GNAS mutations lead to impaired Gsα-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) function and multihormone resistance. The GPCR signaling cascade begins with increased cAMP which is rapidly degraded by phosphodiesterase (PDE). We hypothesized that paternal Gsα expression is reduced, but not absent, and therefore the nonselective PDE inhibitor theophylline may potentiate the cAMP/PKA-dependent cellular events down-stream of GPCRs. We hypothesized that theophylline would reduce BMI in PHP1A patients while being safe and well tolerated. Methods: Children and adults with PHP1A who completed the randomized, placebo controlled, double-blind clinical trials (RCT) NCT03029429 and NCT04551170 were eligible for enrollment in an open-label extension (OLE) study of theophylline treatment (NCT04240821). As the RCT is ongoing and treatment assignment is blinded, we compared baseline enrollment data (prior to any exposure to theophylline or placebo) with the last study visit in the OLE study. The RCTs are 1 year long and then patients in the OLE study are followed for up to 2 additional years. The primary outcome is change in BMI, expressed as % of the 95th %ile (BMI95) to account for differences in gender and age. Results: To date, 23 patients have enrolled in, and 16 patients have completed the RCTs. Two patients completed RCTs before the OLE was available. One patient was ineligible due to study drug noncompliance. One patient was Canadian and unable to participate due to COVID-19 travel restrictions. The remaining 12 completers enrolled in the OLE. One withdrew prior to OLE visit 2 due to difficulty with travel and is not included in the analysis. Patients were 17.2 ± 12.9 years old (range 9-55 years) and 10 of 11 were female. All participants were white, one patient was Hispanic. Patients were followed for an average of 30 months. Baseline BMI95 was 133.5 ± 19.9% and at the last OLE visit, BMI95 had decreased to 124.7 ± 18.6% (p= 0.06 by paired t-test). A decrease in BMI95 was seen in 73% of patients and 36% had a decrease in BMI95 &amp;gt;20%. Review of the 3 patients without improvement in BMI95 showed one had an increasing BMI95 during the RCT, followed by decreasing BMI95 during the OLE, and another patient had persistently sub-therapeutic theophylline levels. The most common adverse event attributed to the drug was transient nausea/vomiting. There were no OLE withdrawals due to adverse events. Conclusion: Most patients with PHP1A in a long term, OLE study of theophylline demonstrated an improvement in BMI95. Theophylline was safe and well tolerated. Presentation: Friday, June 16, 2023

Prevalence of Chiari malformation type 1 is increased in pseudohypoparathyroidism type 1A and associated with aberrant bone development.

Albright hereditary osteodystrophy (AHO) is caused by heterozygous inactivating mutations in GNAS. Patients with maternally-inherited mutations develop pseudohypoparathyroidism type 1A (PHP1A) with multi-hormone resistance and aberrant craniofacial and skeletal development among other abnormalities. Chiari malformation type 1 (CM1), a condition in which brain tissue extends into the spinal canal when the skull is too small, has been reported in isolated cases of PHP1A. It has been hypothesized to be associated with growth hormone (GH) deficiency. Given the adverse clinical sequelae that can occur if CM1 goes unrecognized, we investigated the previously undetermined prevalence of CM1, as well as any potential correlations with GH status, given the known increased prevalence of GH deficiency in PHP1A. We also investigated these metrics for low lying cerebellar tonsils (LLCT), defined as tonsillar descent less than 5 mm below the foramen magnum. In addition, we investigated possible correlations of CM1/LLCT with advanced hand/wrist bone ages and craniofacial abnormalities known to occur in PHP1A to determine whether premature chondrocyte differentiation and/or aberrant craniofacial development could be potential etiologies of CM1/LLCT through both human studies and investigations of our AHO mouse model. We examined patients with PHP1A in our clinic and noticed CM1 more frequently than expected. Therefore, we set out to determine the true prevalence of CM1 and LLCT in a cohort of 54 mutation-confirmed PHP1A participants who had clinically-indicated brain imaging. We examined potential correlations with GH status, clinical features, biological sex, genotype, and hand/wrist bone age determinations. In addition, we investigated the craniofacial development in our mouse model of AHO (Gnas E1+/-m) by histologic analyses, dynamic histomorphometry, and micro-computerized tomographic imaging (MCT) in order to determine potential etiologies of CM1/LLCT in PHP1A. In our cohort of PHP1A, the prevalence of CM1 is 10.8%, which is at least 10-fold higher than in the general population. If LLCT is included, the prevalence increases to 21.7%. We found no correlation with GH status, biological sex, genotype, or hand/wrist bone age. Through investigations of our Gnas E1+/-m mice, the correlate to PHP1A, we identified a smaller cranial vault and increased cranial dome angle with evidence of hyperostosis due to increased osteogenesis. We also demonstrated that there was premature closure of the spheno-occipital synchondrosis (SOS), a cartilaginous structure essential to the development of the cranial base. These findings lead to craniofacial abnormalities and could contribute to CM1 and LLCT development in PHP1A. The prevalence of CM1 is at least 10-fold higher in PHP1A compared to the general population and 20-fold higher when including LLCT. This is independent of the GH deficiency that is found in approximately two-thirds of patients with PHP1A. In light of potential serious consequences of CM1, clinicians should have a low threshold for brain imaging. Investigations of our AHO mouse model revealed aberrant cranial formation including a smaller cranium, increased cranial dome angle, hyperostosis, and premature SOS closure rates, providing a potential etiology for the increased prevalence of CM1 and LLCT in PHP1A.

The Common Single Cause of Chronic Multi-Hormonal Resistance in Oxidative Stress.

In diseases with concomitant oxidative stress, chronic multi-hormonal resistances could be detected. The most conspicuous component of these resistances is insulin resistance, but also leptin, erythropoietin, acetylcholine, triiodothyronine and glucagon-like peptide-1 resistances also occur. On the other hand, in oxidative stress, abnormal tyrosines, for instance, meta- and ortho-tyrosine are also produced and incorporated into the proteins through the translational process. In case these modified proteins are components of the intracellular signalling pathways, a hormonal resistance may develop. The above-mentioned hormones, owning overlapping signalling pathways at the insulin receptor substrate, develop an abnormal tyrosine phosphorylation dependent chronic multi-hormonal resistance. A few weeks free of oxidative stress or the use of antioxidant therapy are required to provide a return from this resistance, which return may be further supported by the supplementation of physiological para-tyrosine and by the add-on therapy of a pharmacological dose of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist, which is able to bypass the critical insulin receptor substrate signalling.

β3-Adrenergic receptor downregulation leads to adipocyte catecholamine resistance in obesity.

The dysregulation of energy homeostasis in obesity involves multihormone resistance. Although leptin and insulin resistance have been well characterized, catecholamine resistance remains largely unexplored. Murine β3-adrenergic receptor expression in adipocytes is orders of magnitude higher compared with that of other isoforms. While resistant to classical desensitization pathways, its mRNA (Adrb3) and protein expression are dramatically downregulated after ligand exposure (homologous desensitization). β3-Adrenergic receptor downregulation also occurs after high-fat diet feeding, concurrent with catecholamine resistance and elevated inflammation. This downregulation is recapitulated in vitro by TNF-α treatment (heterologous desensitization). Both homologous and heterologous desensitization of Adrb3 were triggered by induction of the pseudokinase TRIB1 downstream of the EPAC/RAP2A/PI-PLC pathway. TRIB1 in turn degraded the primary transcriptional activator of Adrb3, CEBPα. EPAC/RAP inhibition enhanced catecholamine-stimulated lipolysis and energy expenditure in obese mice. Moreover, adipose tissue expression of genes in this pathway correlated with body weight extremes in a cohort of genetically diverse mice and with BMI in 2 independent cohorts of humans. These data implicate a signaling axis that may explain reduced hormone-stimulated lipolysis in obesity and resistance to therapeutic interventions with β3-adrenergic receptor agonists.

Glucose Homeostasis and Energy Balance in Children With Pseudohypoparathyroidism.

Pseudohypoparathyroidism (PHP) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by early-onset obesity and multihormone resistance. To treat abnormal weight gain and prevent complications such as diabetes, we must understand energy balance and glucose homeostasis in PHP types 1A and 1B. The aim of this study was to evaluate food intake, energy expenditure, and glucose homeostasis in children with PHP. Assessments included resting energy expenditure (REE), physical activity, food intake, sucrose preference, questionnaires, endocrine status, and auxological status. All patients underwent an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Vanderbilt University Medical Center. We assessed 16 children with PHP1A, three with PHP1B, and 15 healthy controls. Food intake during an ad lib buffet meal and glucose at five time points during OGTT. PHP1A and control groups were well matched. Participants with PHP1A had significantly lower REE without concomitant change in food intake or physical activity. At baseline, participants with PHP1A had significantly lower fasting glucose and insulin resistance. During OGTT, participants with PHP1A had significantly delayed peak glucose and a slower rate of glucose decline despite similar oral glucose insulin sensitivity. Participants with PHP1A had 0.46% lower HbA1c levels than controls from a clinic database after adjustment for OGTT 2-hour glucose. The PHP1B group was similar to the PHP1A group. In contrast to other monogenic obesity syndromes, our results support reduced energy expenditure, not severe hyperphagia, as the primary cause of abnormal weight gain in PHP. Patients with PHP are at high risk for dysglycemia without reduced insulin sensitivity.

Ossifications in Albright Hereditary Osteodystrophy: Role of Genotype, Inheritance, Sex, Age, Hormonal Status, and BMI.

Albright hereditary osteodystrophy (AHO) is caused by heterozygous inactivating mutations in GNAS. Depending on the parental origin of the mutated allele, patients develop either pseudohypoparathyroidism type 1A (PHP1A), with multihormone resistance and severe obesity, or pseudopseudohypoparathyroidism (PPHP), without hormonal abnormalities or marked obesity. Subcutaneous ossifications (SCOs) are a source of substantial morbidity in both PHP1A and PPHP. This study investigated the previously undetermined prevalence of SCO formation in PHP1A vs PPHP as well as possible correlations with genotype, sex, age, hormonal resistance, and body mass index (BMI). This study evaluated patients with AHO for SCOs by physical examination performed by one consistent physician over 16 years. Albright Clinic, Kennedy Krieger Institute; Institute for Clinical and Translational Research, Johns Hopkins Hospital; Albright Center, Connecticut Children's Medical Center. We evaluated 67 patients with AHO (49 with PHP1A, 18 with PPHP) with documented mutations in GNAS. Relationships of SCOs to genotype, sex, age, hormonal resistance, and BMI. Forty-seven of 67 participants (70.1%) had SCOs. Patients with PHP1A and PPHP had similar prevalences and degrees of ossification formation. Patients with frameshift and nonsense mutations had much more extensive SCOs than those with missense mutations. Males were affected more than females. There was no correlation with hormonal status or BMI. There is a similar prevalence of SCOs in PHP1A and PPHP, and the extent of SCO formation correlates with the severity of the mutation. Males are affected more extensively than females, and the SCOs tend to worsen with age.

Follow-up Findings in a Turkish Girl with Pseudohypoparathyroidism Type Ia Caused by a Novel Heterozygous Mutation in the GNAS Gene

Pseudohypoparathyroidism type Ia (PHP-Ia) is characterized by multihormone resistance and an Albright hereditary osteodystrophy (AHO) phenotype. It is caused by heterozygous mutations in GNAS gene. Clinical and biochemical findings of a female PHP-Ia patient were evaluated from age of diagnosis (6.5 years) to 14.5 years of age. The patient had short stature, brachydactyly, and subcutaneous heterotopic ossifications. Serum calcium and phosphorus levels were normal, but parathyroid hormone levels were high. Based on the typical clinical findings of AHO phenotype and biochemical findings, she was diagnosed as having PHP-Ia. A novel heterozygous mutation (c.128T>C) was found in the GNAS gene. Follow-up examinations revealed resistance to thyroid-stimulating hormone and a bioinactive growth hormone. Clinicians should take into consideration PHP-Ia in patients referred with short stature, and patients with an AHO phenotype must be further evaluated for hormone resistance, GNAS gene mutation, Gsα activity. To our knowledge, this is the first case report describing bioinactive growth hormone in PHP-Ia.

Nonclassic features of pseudohypoparathyroidism type 1A.

To provide readers with a review of contemporary literature describing the evolving understanding of the pseudohypoparathyroidism type 1A (PHP1A) phenotype. The classic features of PHP1A include multihormone resistance and the Albright Hereditary Osteodystrophy phenotype (round facies, short stature, subcutaneous ossifications, brachydactyly, and early-onset obesity. Obesity may be because of a decrease in resting energy expenditure because most patients do not report significant hyperphagia. Patients with PHP1A have an increased risk of type 2 diabetes. In addition to brachydactyly and short stature, orthopedic complications can include spinal stenosis and carpal tunnel syndrome. Hearing loss, both sensorineural and conductive, has been reported in PHP1A. In addition, ear-nose-throat findings include decreased olfaction and frequent otitis media requiring tympanostomy tubes. Sleep apnea was shown to be 4.4-fold more common in children with PHP1A compared with other obese children; furthermore, asthma-like symptoms have been reported. These new findings are likely multifactorial and further research is needed to better understand these nonclassic features of PHP1A. Along with the Albright Hereditary Osteodystrophy phenotype and hormone resistance, patients with PHP1A may have additional skeletal, metabolic, ear-nose-throat, and pulmonary complications. Understanding these nonclassic features will help improve clinical care of patients with PHP1A.

PSEUDOHYPOPARATHYROIDISM Ia TYPE WITH EARLY DEBUT IN SISTERS OF ONE FAMILY

Pseudohypoparathyroidism is a rare genetic disorder characterised by end-organ resistance to parathyroid hormone due to a defect of the guanine nucleotide-binding protein alpha that simulates activity of the polypeptide 1 (GNAS) gene. Patients with type Ia pseudohypoparathyroidism have different features of Albright's hereditary osteodystrophy and characteristic phenotype (obesity, round face, short stature, short neck, brachidactyly, etc.), multi-hormone resistance. We describe two sisters (half sibs), who presented with different symptoms of pseudohypoparathyroidism and clinically manifested different degree of Albright's hereditary osteodystrophy. Genetic study detected a mutation p.D190MfsX14 (c.568 571 delGACT), in theGNAS 1 gene (OMIM*139320).

The Prevalence of GNAS Deficiency-Related Diseases in a Large Cohort of Patients Characterized by the EuroPHP Network.

The term pseudohypoparathyroidism (PHP) was coined to describe the clinical condition resulting from end-organ resistance to parathormone (rPTH), caused by genetic and/or epigenetic alterations within or upstream of GNAS. Although knowledge about PHP is growing, there are few data on the prevalence of underlying molecular defects. The purpose of our study was to ascertain the relative prevalence of PHP-associated molecular defects. With a specially designed questionnaire, we collected data from all patients (n = 407) clinically and molecularly characterized to date by expert referral centers in France, Italy, and Spain. Isolated rPTH (126/407, 31%) was caused only by epigenetic defects, 70% of patients showing loss of imprinting affecting all four GNAS differentially methylated regions and 30% loss of methylation restricted to the GNAS A/B:TSS-DMR. Multihormone resistance with no Albright's hereditary osteodystrophy (AHO) signs (61/407, 15%) was essentially due to epigenetic defects, although 10% of patients had point mutations. In patients with rPTH and AHO (40/407, 10%), the rate of point mutations was higher (28%) and methylation defects lower (about 70%). In patients with multihormone resistance and AHO (155/407, 38%), all types of molecular defects appeared with different frequencies. Finally, isolated AHO (18/407, 4%) and progressive osseous heteroplasia (7/407, 2%) were exclusively caused by point mutations. With European data, we have established the prevalence of various genetic and epigenetic lesions in PHP-affected patients. Using these findings, we will develop objective criteria to guide cost-effective strategies for genetic testing and explore the implications for management and prognosis.

Pseudo-hypothyroidism

Pseudo-hypothyroidism (PHP) is a rare genetic disorder that manifests itself in the form of disturbances of phosphorus and calcium metabolism due to parathyroid hormone (PTH) resistance. The clinical variant of PHP depends not only on PTH resistance: there is a phenotype attributable to multi-hormonal resistance. PTH resistance is associated with the disturbance of activity of the alpha-subunit in G-protein due to a defect in the GNAS gene and epigenetic variations. The mechanism underlying the development of this rare (orphan) condition is highly complicated and remains to be elucidated. The present review reflects the modern views of etiology, pathogenesis, and clinical variability of pseudohypothyroidism.

Case Report of GNAS Epigenetic Defect Revealed by a Congenital Hypothyroidism

Pseudohypoparathyroidism (PHP) is a group of disorders characterized by end-organ resistance to the parathyroid hormone (PTH). PHP type 1A includes multihormone resistance syndrome, Albright's hereditary osteodystrophy, and obesity and is caused by mutations in GNAS exon 1 through 13. PHP type 1B (PHP1B), caused by epigenetic changes in the GNAS locus, was initially described as an isolated resistance to PTH. Epigenetic changes in GNAS have also been reported in patients who display mild Albright's hereditary osteodystrophy or mild thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) resistance without mutation of GNAS. Here we report a case of PHP caused by epigenetic changes in GNAS in a patient with congenital hypothyroidism. The patient was referred for a positive newborn screening for hypothyroidism (TSH 50 mIU/L). She exhibited severe clinical features of congenital hypothyroidism. The thyroid was in place, and etiologic explorations were negative. TSH was normalized under L-thyroxin, and the symptoms disappeared, except for a macroglossia. In childhood, PHP was suspected in addition to elevated PTH, obesity, brachydactyly, and a rounded face. Sequencing, methylation analysis, and large deletion research were performed in GNAS. No genetic mutations were found. Methylation analysis revealed a broad epigenetic defect without deletion in GNAS consistent with sporadic PHP1B. The multilocus methylation analysis were negative. This finding expands the known onsets of PHP1B and emphasizes the need for a new PHP classification system. This case report has important consequences for the etiologic diagnosis of congenital hypothyroidism because it adds a new cause of the disease.

A novel mutation in pseudohypoparathyroidism type 1a in a Chinese woman and her son with hypocalcaemia

Pseudohypoparathyroidism is a rare genetic disorder characterised by end-organ resistance to parathyroid hormone due to a defect of the guanine nucleotide-binding protein alpha that simulates activity of the polypeptide 1 (GNAS) gene. Patients with type 1a pseudohypoparathyroidism display different features of Albright's hereditary osteodystrophy as well as multi-hormone resistance. We describe a Chinese woman and her son, who presented with different symptoms of pseudohypoparathyroidism and clinically manifested different degree of Albright's hereditary osteodystrophy. Genetic study detected a mutation [NM_000516.4(GNAS):c682C>T (p.Arg228Cys)] in the GNAS gene.

Identification of a novel mutation in a patient with pseudohypoparathyroidism type Ia.

Pseudohypoparathyroidism type Ia (PHP Ia) is a disorder characterized by multiform hormonal resistance including parathyroid hormone (PTH) resistance and Albright hereditary osteodystrophy (AHO). It is caused by heterozygous inactivating mutations within the Gs alpha-encoding GNAS exons. A 9-year-old boy presented with clinical and laboratory abnormalities including hypocalcemia, hyperphosphatemia, PTH resistance, multihormone resistance and AHO (round face, short stature, obesity, brachydactyly and osteoma cutis) which were typical of PHP Ia. He had a history of repeated convulsive episodes that started from the age of 2 months. A cranial computed tomography scan showed bilateral calcifications in the basal ganglia and his intelligence quotient testing indicated mild mental retardation. Family history revealed that the patient's maternal relatives, including his grandmother and 2 of his mother's siblings, had features suggestive of AHO. Sequencing of the GNAS gene of the patient identified a heterozygous nonsense mutation within exon 11 (c.637 C>T). The C>T transversion results in an amino acid substitution from Gln to stop codon at codon 213 (p.Gln213*). To our knowledge, this is a novel mutation in GNAS.

Pseudohypoparathyroidism Type Ia and Pseudo-Pseudohypoparathyroidism: The Growing Spectrum ofGNASInactivating Mutations

Pseudohypoparathyroidism (PHP) is a rare heterogeneous genetic disorder characterized by end-organ resistance to parathyroid hormone due to partial deficiency of the α subunit of the stimulatory G protein (Gsα), encoded by the GNAS gene. Heterozygous inactivating GNAS mutations lead to either PHP type Ia (PHP-Ia), when maternally inherited, or pseudo-pseudohypoparathroidism (PPHP), if paternally derived. Both diseases feature typical physical traits identified as Albright's hereditary osteodystrophy in the presence or absence of multihormone resistance, respectively. GNAS mutations are detected in 60-70% of affected subjects, most patients/families harbor private mutations and no genotype-phenotype correlation has been found to date. We investigated Gsα-coding GNAS exons in a large panel of PHP-Ia-PPHP patients collected over the past decade in the two Italian referring centers for PHP. Of 49 patients carrying GNAS mutations, we identified 15 novel mutations in 19 patients. No apparent correlation was found between clinical/biochemical data and results of molecular analysis. Furthermore, we summarized the current knowledge of GNAS molecular pathology and updated the GNAS-locus-specific database. These results further expand the spectrum of GNAS mutations associated with PHP/PPHP and underline the importance of identifying such genetic alterations to supplement clinical evaluation and genetic counseling.

Identification of a Novel Mutation in a Pseudohypoparathyroidism Family

Pseudohypoparathyroidism type Ia (PHP Ia) is defined as a series of disorders characterized by multihormone resistance in end-organs and Albright hereditary osteodystrophy (AHO) phenotype. PHP Ia is caused by heterozygous inactivating mutations in GNAS, which encodes the stimulatory G-protein alpha subunit (Gsa). A patient with typical clinical manifestations of pseudohypoparathyroidism (PHP) (round face, short stature, centripetal obesity, brachydactyly, and multi-hormone resistance: parathyroid hormone (PTH), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), and gonadotropins) presented at our center. The sequence of the GNAS gene from the patient and her families revealed a novel missense mutation (Y318H) in the proband and her mother. An in vitro Gsa functional study showed that Gsa function was significantly impaired. These results stress the importance of GNAS gene investigation.

Diferente expresividad de la mutacion Asn264LysfsX35 del gen GNAS en una familia afecta de pseudohipoparatiroidismo

Pseudohypoparathyroidism (PHP) is a heterogeneous group of endocrine diseases characterised by hypocalcaemia, hyperphosphataemia and resistance to PTH. There are different forms of PHP. PHP-Ia is the most frequent form and shows multi-hormonal resistance, GNAS (Gs α) mutations and signs of Albright́s hereditary osteodystrophy (AHO). PseudoPHP (PPHP) have isolated AHO without hormonal resistance and it is also caused by GNAS mutations. We present a family that share the same inactivating GNAS mutation (Asn264LysfsX35); the mother being affected with PPHP and the two daughters with PHP-Ia. We discuss the different clinical phenotypes and the dominant mode of inheritance with genetic imprinting where the phenotype of the offspring depends on the sex of the parent affected.

New mechanisms involved in paternal 20q disomy associated with pseudohypoparathyroidism

Type I pseudohypoparathyroidism (PHP-I) can be subclassified into Ia and Ib, depending on the presence or absence of Albright's hereditary osteodystrophy's phenotype, diminished α-subunit of the stimulatory G protein (G(s)α) activity and multihormonal resistance. Whereas PHP-Ia is mainly associated with heterozygous inactivating mutations in G(s)α-coding exons of GNAS, PHP-Ib is caused by imprinting defects of GNAS. To date, just one patient with PHP and complete paternal uniparental disomy (UPD) has been described. We sought to identify the underlining molecular defect in twenty patients with parathyroid hormone resistance, hypocalcemia and hyperphosphatemia, and abnormal methylation pattern at GNAS locus. Microsatellite typing and comparative genome hybridization were performed for proband and parents. We describe four patients with partial paternal UPD of chromosome 20 involving pat20qUPD in one case, from 20q13.13-qter in two cases, and pat20p heterodisomy plus interstitial 20q isodisomy in one patient. These observations demonstrate that mitotic recombination of chromosome 20 can also give rise to UPD and PHP, a situation similar to other imprinting disorders, such as Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome or neonatal diabetes.