Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 3, 2026

Defining Gene Functions in Tumorigenesis by Ex vivo Ablation of Floxed Alleles in Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumor Cells
Published on: August 25, 2021
PTPN11 gene mutation associated with abnormal gonadal determination.
Shailly Jain Ghai1, Sarah Keating, David Chitayat
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mount Sinai Hospital, The Prenatal Diagnosis and Medical Genetics Program, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
The PTPN11 T507K mutation, linked to malignancies, was found in a fetus with hydrops fetalis and ambiguous genitalia. This case highlights a rare presentation of PTPN11 mutations beyond typical Noonan syndrome.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Developmental Biology
- Pathology
Background:
- Germline mutations in the PTPN11 gene are associated with Noonan syndrome (NS) and LEOPARD syndrome.
- Both germline and somatic PTPN11 mutations are implicated in various malignancies.
- The specific T507K mutation has been primarily reported in cancers and fetal hydrops, not in live NS patients.
Observation:
- This study details autopsy findings in a fetus with the PTPN11 T507K mutation.
- The fetus presented prenatally with hydrops fetalis and cystic hygroma, with a 46, XX karyotype.
- Autopsy revealed testes and male external genitalia, but notably absent Wolffian ducts.
Findings:
- The PTPN11 T507K mutation was identified in the fetus.
- The fetus exhibited features of intersex, including male external genitalia and testes despite a 46, XX karyotype.
- Absence of Wolffian ducts was a significant finding in the autopsy.
Implications:
- This case expands the phenotypic spectrum associated with PTPN11 mutations.
- It suggests a potential role for PTPN11 mutations in disorders of sex development.
- Further research is needed to understand the mechanism linking PTPN11 T507K to these complex phenotypes.
Related Concept Videos
Nondisjunction
Nondisjunction
Nondisjunction
Cancer-Critical Genes II: Tumor Suppressor Genes
When the function of certain critical genes, especially those involved in cell cycle regulation and cell growth signaling cascades, gets disrupted, it upsets the cell cycle progression. Such cells with unchecked cell cycles start proliferating uncontrollably and eventually develop into tumors.
Such genes that act...
Pharmacogenetics of Phase II Enzymes: N-acetyltransferase, Thiopurine S-methyltransferase, UDP-glucuronosyltransferase
Pharmacogenetics of Drug Transporters: P-Glycoprotein and Solute Carrier Transporters

