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Description
Müllerian aplasia and hyperandrogenism is a condition that affects the reproductive system in females. This condition is caused by abnormal development of the Müllerian ducts, which are structures in the embryo that develop into the uterus, fallopian tubes, cervix, and the upper part of the vagina. Individuals with Müllerian aplasia and hyperandrogenism typically have an underdeveloped or absent uterus and may also have abnormalities of other reproductive organs. Women with this condition have normal female external genitalia, and they develop breasts and pubic hair normally at puberty; however, they do not begin menstruation by age 16 (primary amenorrhea) and will likely never have a menstrual period. Affected women are unable to have children (infertile).
Women with Müllerian aplasia and hyperandrogenism have higher-than-normal levels of male sex hormones called androgens in their blood (hyperandrogenism), which can cause acne and excessive facial hair (facial hirsutism). Kidney abnormalities may be present in some affected individuals.
Frequency
Müllerian aplasia and hyperandrogenism is a very rare disorder; it has been identified in only a few individuals worldwide.
Causes
Mutations in the WNT4 gene cause Müllerian aplasia and hyperandrogenism. This gene belongs to a family of WNT genes that play critical roles in development before birth. The WNT4 gene provides instructions for producing a protein that is important for the formation of the female reproductive system, the kidneys, and several hormone-producing glands. During the development of the female reproductive system, the WNT4 protein regulates the formation of the Müllerian ducts. This protein is also involved in development of the ovaries, from before birth through adulthood, and is important for development and maintenance of egg cells (oocytes) in the ovaries. In addition, the WNT4 protein regulates the production of androgens.
Mutations in the WNT4 gene change single protein building blocks (amino acids) in the WNT4 protein. Researchers suspect that the altered protein cannot be released from cells as it normally would be; the trapped protein is unable to perform its usual functions. Loss of regulation by WNT4 likely disrupts development of the female reproductive system and induces abnormal production of androgens, leading to the features of Müllerian aplasia and hyperandrogenism.
Inheritance
This condition is inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern, which means one copy of the altered gene in each cell is sufficient to cause the disorder. Girls with Müllerian aplasia and hyperandrogenism do not inherit the mutation from their mother, because women with this disorder cannot have children. It is unknown, though, if an affected person inherits the mutation from her father or if the condition is caused by new mutations in the gene. Müllerian aplasia and hyperandrogenism may occur in people with no history of the disorder in their family.
Other Names for This Condition
- Biason-Lauber syndrome
- Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser-Biason-Lauber syndrome
- Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser-like syndrome
- Mullerian aplasia and hyperandrogenism
- Müllerian duct failure
- WNT4 deficiency
- WNT4 Müllerian aplasia
- WNT4 Müllerian aplasia and ovarian dysfunction
Additional Information & Resources
Genetic Testing Information
Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center
Patient Support and Advocacy Resources
Catalog of Genes and Diseases from OMIM
Scientific Articles on PubMed
References
- Bernard P, Harley VR. Wnt4 action in gonadal development and sex determination. Int J Biochem Cell Biol. 2007;39(1):31-43. doi: 10.1016/j.biocel.2006.06.007. Epub 2006 Jul 5. Citation on PubMed
- Biason-Lauber A, De Filippo G, Konrad D, Scarano G, Nazzaro A, Schoenle EJ. WNT4 deficiency--a clinical phenotype distinct from the classic Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser syndrome: a case report. Hum Reprod. 2007 Jan;22(1):224-9. doi: 10.1093/humrep/del360. Epub 2006 Sep 7. Citation on PubMed
- Biason-Lauber A, Konrad D, Navratil F, Schoenle EJ. A WNT4 mutation associated with Mullerian-duct regression and virilization in a 46,XX woman. N Engl J Med. 2004 Aug 19;351(8):792-8. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa040533. Citation on PubMed
- Biason-Lauber A, Konrad D. WNT4 and sex development. Sex Dev. 2008;2(4-5):210-8. doi: 10.1159/000152037. Epub 2008 Nov 5. Citation on PubMed
- Biason-Lauber A. WNT4, RSPO1, and FOXL2 in sex development. Semin Reprod Med. 2012 Oct;30(5):387-95. doi: 10.1055/s-0032-1324722. Epub 2012 Oct 8. Citation on PubMed
- Philibert P, Biason-Lauber A, Gueorguieva I, Stuckens C, Pienkowski C, Lebon-Labich B, Paris F, Sultan C. Molecular analysis of WNT4 gene in four adolescent girls with mullerian duct abnormality and hyperandrogenism (atypical Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser syndrome). Fertil Steril. 2011 Jun 30;95(8):2683-6. doi: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2011.01.152. Epub 2011 Mar 5. Citation on PubMed
- Philibert P, Biason-Lauber A, Rouzier R, Pienkowski C, Paris F, Konrad D, Schoenle E, Sultan C. Identification and functional analysis of a new WNT4 gene mutation among 28 adolescent girls with primary amenorrhea and mullerian duct abnormalities: a French collaborative study. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2008 Mar;93(3):895-900. doi: 10.1210/jc.2007-2023. Epub 2008 Jan 8. Citation on PubMed
- Prunskaite-Hyyrylainen R, Shan J, Railo A, Heinonen KM, Miinalainen I, Yan W, Shen B, Perreault C, Vainio SJ. Wnt4, a pleiotropic signal for controlling cell polarity, basement membrane integrity, and antimullerian hormone expression during oocyte maturation in the female follicle. FASEB J. 2014 Apr;28(4):1568-81. doi: 10.1096/fj.13-233247. Epub 2013 Dec 26. Citation on PubMed
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