Long-term clinical course in three patients with MAMLD1 mutations
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Updated: Mar 18, 2026

In Vivo Modeling of the Morbid Human Genome using Danio rerio
Published on: August 24, 2013
Yasuko Fujisawa1, Maki Fukami, Tomonobu Hasegawa
1Department of Pediatrics, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu 431-3192, Japan.
Abstract:
Although MAMLD1 on chromosome Xq28 is known as a causative gene for 46,XY disorders of sex development, clinical information is virtually limited in patients of infancy to early childhood. Here, we report long-term genital and hormonal findings in three previously described Japanese patients with MAMLD1 mutations, i.e., patients 1 and 2 with p.E197X and patient 3 with p.R726X. As previously reported, patients 1-3 exhibited penoscrotal hypospadias with chordee, microphallus, bifid/hypoplastic scrotum, and/or bilateral cryptorchidism/retractile testes, in the presence of sufficiently high serum basal or hCG-stimulated testosterone values in the mini-pubertal period to early childhood. Subsequently, patient 1 had low serum hCG-stimulated testosterone value (126 ng/dL) at 13 11/12 years of age, and manifested microphallus (4.5 cm), relatively small testes (left 8 mL and right 10 mL), Tanner stage 3 genitalia and pubic hair development at 18 3/12 years of age. Similarly, patients 2 and 3 showed mild hypergonadotropic hypogonadism at 7 0/12 and 9 9/12 years of age, respectively, with serum GnRH-stimulated LH values of 5.5 and 7.2 mIU/mL and FSH values of 10.3 and 19.8 mIU/mL and hCG-stimulated testosterone values of 70 and 80 ng/dL, respectively. Testis ultrasound studies delineated microlithiasis in patients 1 and 3. These results imply for the first time deterioration of testicular function with age in patients with pathologic MAMLD1 mutations.
Insights
Mutations in the MAMLD1 gene cause 46,XY disorders of sex development. This study reveals progressive testicular dysfunction with age in affected individuals, impacting hormonal and genital development over time.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Endocrinology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- The MAMLD1 gene on chromosome Xq28 is implicated in 46,XY disorders of sex development (DSD).
- Limited clinical data exists for MAMLD1 mutations in infants and young children.
Observation:
- Three Japanese patients with MAMLD1 mutations (p.E197X and p.R726X) were followed long-term.
- Initial findings included penoscrotal hypospadias, microphallus, and cryptorchidism with adequate testosterone levels during early childhood.
Findings:
- Patient 1 showed declining testosterone and small testes by adolescence.
- Patients 2 and 3 exhibited mild hypergonadotropic hypogonadism and low testosterone levels in pre-adolescence.
- Testicular microlithiasis was observed in two patients.
Implications:
- This study provides the first evidence of age-related testicular function deterioration in patients with MAMLD1 mutations.
- These findings highlight the importance of long-term monitoring for hormonal and genital development in pediatric DSD cases.
- Understanding MAMLD1's role is crucial for managing DSD and potential associated endocrine issues.

