MAMLD1 and Differences/Disorders of Sex Development: An Update

Abstract

MAMLD1 (alias CXorf6) was first documented in 2006 as a causative gene of 46,XY differences/disorders of sex development (DSD). MAMLD1/Mamld1 is expressed in the fetal testis and is predicted to enhance the expression of several Leydig cell-specific genes. To date, hemizygous MAMLD1 variants have been identified in multiple 46,XY individuals with hypomasculinized external genitalia. Pathogenic MAMLD1 variants are likely to cause genital abnormalities at birth and are possibly associated with age-dependent deterioration of testicular function. In addition, some MAMLD1 variants have been identified in 46,XX individuals with ovarian dysfunction. However, recent studies have raised the possibility that MAMLD1 variants cause 46,XY DSD and ovarian dysfunction as oligogenic disorders. Unsolved issues regarding MAMLD1 include the association between MAMLD1 variants and 46,XX testicular DSD, gene-gene interactions in the development of MAMLD1-mediated DSD, and intracellular functions of MAMLD1.