X chromosome-linked Kallmann syndrome: clinical heterogeneity in three siblings carrying an intragenic deletion of the KAL-1 gene

J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2003 May;88(5):2003-8. doi: 10.1210/jc.2002-021981.

Abstract

Kallmann syndrome (KS) is characterized by the association of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and anosmia. The gene underlying the X chromosome-linked form of the disease, KAL-1, consists of 14 coding exons. It encodes a glycoprotein, anosmin-1, which is involved in the embryonic migration of GnRH-synthesizing neurons and the differentiation of the olfactory bulbs. We describe herein the clinical heterogeneity in three affected brothers who carry a large deletion (exons 3-13) in KAL-1. All three had a history of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism with delayed puberty. Although brain magnetic resonance imaging showed hypoplastic olfactory bulbs in the three siblings, variable degrees of anosmia/hyposmia were shown by olfactometry. In addition, these brothers had different phenotypic anomalies, i.e. unilateral renal aplasia (siblings B and C), high-arched palate (sibling A), brachymetacarpia (sibling A), mirror movements (siblings A and B), and abnormal eye movements (sibling C). Last but not least, sibling A suffered from a severe congenital hearing impairment, a feature that had been reported in KS but had not yet been ascribed unambiguously to the X-linked form of the disease. The variable phenotype, both qualitatively and quantitatively, in this family further emphasizes the role of putative modifier genes, and/or epigenetic factors, in the expressivity of the X-linked KS.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Body Height
  • Cell Adhesion Molecules / genetics*
  • Chromosomes, Human, X*
  • Exons
  • Extracellular Matrix Proteins*
  • Gene Deletion*
  • Genetic Linkage*
  • Humans
  • Hypogonadism
  • Kallmann Syndrome / diagnosis
  • Kallmann Syndrome / genetics*
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins / genetics
  • Olfaction Disorders
  • Olfactory Bulb / pathology
  • Phenotype
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Puberty, Delayed
  • Smell

Substances

  • ANOS1 protein, human
  • Cell Adhesion Molecules
  • Extracellular Matrix Proteins
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins