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WNT4 gene
URL of this page: https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/gene/wnt4/

WNT4 gene

Wnt family member 4

Normal Function

The WNT4 gene belongs to a family of WNT genes that play critical roles in development before birth. WNT genes provide instructions for making proteins that participate in chemical signaling pathways in the body. These pathways control the activity of certain genes and regulate the interactions between cells during embryonic development.

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, which are structures in the embryo that develop into the uterus, fallopian tubes, cervix, and the upper part of the vagina. 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 male sex hormones (androgens).

Health Conditions Related to Genetic Changes

Müllerian aplasia and hyperandrogenism

At least three mutations in the WNT4 gene have been found to cause Müllerian aplasia and hyperandrogenism, a condition that affects the reproductive system in females. Girls and women with this condition typically have an underdeveloped or absent uterus and do not menstruate. They may also have abnormally high levels of androgens, which can cause acne and excessive facial hair.

WNT4 gene mutations involved in Müllerian aplasia and hyperandrogenism 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.

More About This Health Condition

Congenital anomalies of kidney and urinary tract

MedlinePlus Genetics provides information about Congenital anomalies of kidney and urinary tract

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Dupuytren contracture

MedlinePlus Genetics provides information about Dupuytren contracture

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Other disorders

A mutation in the WNT4 gene has been found to cause a severe condition called SERKAL (SEx Reversal and abnormal development of Kidneys, Adrenals, and Lungs) syndrome. In this condition, male sex development may occur despite the chromosome pattern typical of females. SERKAL syndrome has been reported in only one family and likely is not compatible with life. The mutation that causes SERKAL syndrome replaces the protein building block (amino acid) alanine with the amino acid valine at position 114 in the WNT4 protein (written as Ala114Val or A114V). This mutation is present in both copies of the WNT4 gene in each cell and likely eliminates the function of the WNT4 protein. The absence of WNT4 protein results in the wide variety of developmental abnormalities seen in SERKAL syndrome.

A duplication of genetic material in a specific region of chromosome 1 can result in an extra copy of the WNT4 gene. Having an additional copy of this gene leads to the production of extra WNT4 protein. People with this duplication may develop some female features despite having the chromosome pattern typical of males. These individuals can have an underdeveloped uterus and nonfunctional testes.

Other Names for This Gene

  • wingless-type MMTV integration site family member 4
  • wingless-type MMTV integration site family, member 4
  • WNT-4
  • WNT-4 protein
  • WNT4_HUMAN

Additional Information & Resources

Tests Listed in the Genetic Testing Registry

Scientific Articles on PubMed

Catalog of Genes and Diseases from OMIM

Gene and Variant Databases

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
  • Clement-Ziza M, Khen N, Gonzales J, Cretolle-Vastel C, Picard JY, Tullio-Pelet A, Besmond C, Munnich A, Lyonnet S, Nihoul-Fekete C. Exclusion of WNT4 as a major gene in Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser anomaly. Am J Med Genet A. 2005 Aug 15;137(1):98-9. doi: 10.1002/ajmg.a.30833. No abstract available. Citation on PubMed
  • Jaaskelainen M, Prunskaite-Hyyrylainen R, Naillat F, Parviainen H, Anttonen M, Heikinheimo M, Liakka A, Ola R, Vainio S, Vaskivuo TE, Tapanainen JS. WNT4 is expressed in human fetal and adult ovaries and its signaling contributes to ovarian cell survival. Mol Cell Endocrinol. 2010 Apr 12;317(1-2):106-11. doi: 10.1016/j.mce.2009.11.013. Epub 2009 Dec 3. Citation on PubMed
  • Jordan BK, Mohammed M, Ching ST, Delot E, Chen XN, Dewing P, Swain A, Rao PN, Elejalde BR, Vilain E. Up-regulation of WNT-4 signaling and dosage-sensitive sex reversal in humans. Am J Hum Genet. 2001 May;68(5):1102-9. doi: 10.1086/320125. Epub 2001 Mar 29. Citation on PubMed or Free article on PubMed Central
  • Mandel H, Shemer R, Borochowitz ZU, Okopnik M, Knopf C, Indelman M, Drugan A, Tiosano D, Gershoni-Baruch R, Choder M, Sprecher E. SERKAL syndrome: an autosomal-recessive disorder caused by a loss-of-function mutation in WNT4. Am J Hum Genet. 2008 Jan;82(1):39-47. doi: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2007.08.005. Citation on PubMed or Free article on PubMed Central
  • 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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