Citation

  • Authors: Chen H. et al.
  • Year: 2022
  • Journal: Mol Genet Genomic Med
  • Applications: in vitro / DNA / jetOPTIMUS
  • Cell type: HEK-293T
    Description: Human embryonic kidney Fibroblast
    Known as: HEK293T, 293T

Method

HEK293T cells were co-transfected with AMHR2-SmBiT-N and AMH-LgBiT-C to assess the ability of the wild-type, p.Gly40Arg, and p.Ala408Pro of AMHR2 to interact with AMH. The cells were then transfected using jetOPTIMUS® in vitro DNA transfection reagent (Polyplus, Cat#117–07). The DNA ratio was 1:1 when each different variant was co-transfected. After 24h of transfection, the culture medium was replaced with fresh Opti-MEM (Cat# 51985091), and 100μl diluted substrate was added directly to 96-well plates. Transfection efficiency was determined using quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR). For transient transfection, HEK-293T cells were transfected using jetOPTIMUS® in vitro DNA transfection reagent. HEK-293T cells were co-transfected with the AMH expression vector, pGL3 BRE Luciferase wild-type, or variants of AMHR2 expression vectors. The DNA ratio of AMHR2, AMH, and flash reporter plasmids was 2:2:1 when each different variant was co-transfected.

Abstract

Background: Persistent Müllerian duct syndrome (PMDS) is an autosomal recessive congenital abnormality in which Müllerian derivatives, uterus, cervix, upper two-thirds of the vagina, and fallopian tubes persist in otherwise normally virilized males. Mutations in anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and AMH receptor type II (AMHR2) genes have been identified as causative. However, functional experimental analysis of AMHR2 or AMH variants that cause PMDS is still lacking. Materials and methods: A Chinese Han family affected by PMDS was identified. To assess the history and clinical manifestations of PMDS, physical, operational, ultrasonographical, pathological, and other examinations were performed on family members. The variant screening was conducted using trio whole-exome sequencing (trio WES) and Sanger sequencing. Complementation-based NanoLuciferase Binary Technology (NanoBiT) was used to examine the interaction between AMH and AMHR2 variants in vivo. The effect of the two variants on the transcriptional activity of the TGFβ/BMP pathway was evaluated using a luciferase assay. Results: Classic phenotypic manifestations of PMDS in a pair of identical twins were described and confirmed by genetic sequence analysis. Molecular studies revealed two novel variants c.118G > C [p.(Gly40Arg)], c.1222G > C [p.(Ala408Pro)] in the AMHR2 gene. The AMHR2 p.Gly40Arg variant reduces its ability to bind to AMH, while the p.Ala408Pro variant alters the kinase domain structure. Both variants significantly reduce TGFβ/BMP signaling. Conclusion: Two missense AMHR2 variants associated with PMDS were identified. These findings provide novel insights toward better clinical evaluation and further understanding of the molecular basis of PMDS.

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