Searchable abstracts of presentations at key conferences in endocrinology

ea0065mte3 | Updates on DSD genetics | SFEBES2019

Update on DSD genetics

Achermann John

Since the discovery of SRY as the main testis-determining gene more than 25 years ago, at least 30 other single gene conditions have been identified that can result in differences/disorders in sex development (DSD). Some of these are associated with ‘classic’ steroidogenic blocks or related conditions such as CAH, whereas others are associated with alterations in gonad determination and development. Reaching a specific genetic diagnosis can have implications...

ea0044pl10 | Clinical Endocrinology Trust Lecture | SFEBES2016

Endocrine development is for life: looking beyond paediatrics

Achermann John

It is well established that certain endocrine disorders can progress over time, such as autoimmune endocrinopathies or the multiple pituitary hormone insufficiency following cranial irradiation. Although most developmental endocrine disorders are widely considered to be paediatric conditions, milder “non-classic” variants may first present to adult endocrinologists or long-term monitoring may be needed of established conditions as additional endocrine features may on...

ea0027s17 | Symposium 1–Update on Adrenal Disorders | BSPED2011

Recent advances in our understanding of adrenal development and disease

Achermann John

In humans, the adrenal gland develops from the intermediate mesoderm at around 4 weeks gestation and undergoes a series of distinct morphological and functional changes throughout pre- and post-natal life. Two key transcriptional regulators of adrenal development are the nuclear receptors DAX-1 (NR0B1) and steroidogenic factor-1 (SF-1, NR5A1, Ad4BP). Mutations or deletions of DAX-1 result in X-linked adrenal hypoplasia congenita (AHC). Boys with this condition ty...

ea0025cm4.4 | Management of disorders of sex development (DSD) across the lifespan | SFEBES2011

New approaches to molecular diagnosis

Achermann John

It is now around 20 years since the identification of SRY as a primary testis-determining gene and the molecular characterisation of many of the key enzymes and receptors involved in androgen synthesis and action. Although significant progress has been made since then in identifying other components involved in sex development, we are still unable to find an underlying genetic cause in many individuals with these conditions. Efforts to identify specific genetic causes o...

ea0016s9.2 | New aspects of adrenal disease | ECE2008

The expanding spectrum of DAX1 and SF1 mutations

Achermann John

DAX1 (NR0B1) and steroidogenic factor-1 (SF1, NR5A1) are two nuclear receptors that play a central role in adrenal development and disease. DAX1 was discovered as the cause of X-linked adrenal hypoplasia congenita in 1994 and, to date, more than 250 individuals and families with this condition have been reported. Boys tend to present with salt-losing adrenal failure in the neonatal period or with signs and symptoms of glucocorticoid insufficiency throughout childhood. Hypogona...

ea0012s22 | Sexual differentiation | SFE2006

Molecular and phenotypic features of disorders of sex development (DSD) in humans

Achermann JC

It is now 15 years since the discovery of Sry as the primary “testis-determining gene” and Koopman et al.’s classic experiment showing that transgenic expression of Sry in XX mice results in testis development and a male phenotype. Although studies in mice are continuing to provide exciting information about the biology of sex development, significant progress is also being made in our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of gonad devel...

ea0010s30 | Big issues in pituitary research | SFE2005

Steroidogenic factor-1 (SF-1) and DAX-1

Achermann J

The past decade has seen significant advances in our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of pituitary development and function. However, relatively few gonadotrope specific factors have been identified to date. Through characterization of patients with endocrine disorders as well as transgenic mice, it has emerged that the nuclear receptor transcription factors SF-1 and DAX-1 play an important role in the regulation of gonadotrope activity. SF-1 (NR5A1) activates multipl...

ea0004s14 | Transcriptional control of endocrine development and function | SFE2002

INHERITED DISORDERS OF ADRENAL DEVELOPMENT

Achermann J

Transcription factors play an important role in the development and function of the hypothalamic-pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis at multiple levels. Mutations in several of these factors have now been described in patients with primary and secondary forms of congenital adrenal hypoplasia. Secondary adrenal hypoplasia results from defective ACTH release and action. This condition can occur as part of a combined pituitary hormone deficiency due to mutations in the homeobox transcri...

ea0024s1 | CME session | BSPED2010

Adrenal development, function and failure

Achermann John C

The human adrenal gland develops from around 4 weeks gestation and undergoes distinct changes throughout pre- and post-natal life. Defects in these processes can cause adrenal hypoplasia and result in adrenal insufficiency. Adrenal hypoplasia can be: i) secondary to abnormal pituitary function, ACTH synthesis or splicing; ii) the result of ACTH resistance (familial glucocorticoid deficiency; triple A syndrome); or iii) due to a primary defect in adrenal development itself (pri...

ea0045oc6.9 | Oral Communications 6- Endocrine | BSPED2016

A single centre experience of Differences/Disorders in Sex Development (DSD) over 20 years

Man Elim , MDT GOSH DSD , Achermann John

Introduction: Differences/Disorders in Sex Development (DSD) represent a diverse range of conditions that present at various stages of life. A multidisciplinary team (MDT) approach is required to reach a specific diagnosis and management plan, but few large single centre studies of the range and prevalence of diagnoses have been undertaken.Method: Medical records of all children with DSD discussed at a single MDT between 1-Jan-1996 and 31-Dec-2015 (n...