The molecular genetics of growth hormone deficiency

Although most cases of short stature associated with growth hormone (GH) deficiency are sporadic and idiopathic, some 5-30% have an affected first degree relative consistent with a genetic aetiology for the condition. Several different types of mutational lesion in the pituitary-expressed growth hormone (GH1) gene have been described in affected individuals. This review focuses primarily on the GH1 mutational spectrum and its unusual features, discusses potential mechanisms of mutagenesis and pathogenesis, and examines the correlation between mutant genotype and clinical phenotype. The characterization of pathological lesions in several other pituitary-expressed genes that are epistatic to GH1 (POU1F1, PROP1 and GHRHR) has identified additional causes of GH deficiency, the molecular genetics of which are also explored.