Mutational Analysis of Androgen Receptor Gene in Two Families with Androgen Insensitivity

Androgen insensitivity syndrome (AIS) is a rare X-linked disorder due to mutations in the androgen receptor (AR) gene causing end-organ resistance to the androgenic hormone.

Genetic studies were carried out in two families by karyotype and targeted exome sequencing of the AR gene.

Two novel missense mutations were identified, p.L822P and p.P392S, in two families with complete androgen insensitivity (CAIS) and partial androgen insensitivity (PAIS), respectively. Both had 46, XY karyotype. The mother was a heterozygous carrier in PAIS and negative in CAIS. These two were novel mutations, reported for the first time, in the AR gene. In silico analysis predicted that both mutations were damaging. We reviewed the various reported Indian mutations in the AR gene.

AR gene mutations cause a wide spectrum of disorders from CAIS to male infertility or primary amenorrhea. Early diagnosis is essential for gender assignment and further management, family counseling, and prenatal diagnosis.