Towards improved genetic diagnosis of human differences of sex development

Nat Rev Genet. 2021 Sep;22(9):588-602. doi: 10.1038/s41576-021-00365-5. Epub 2021 Jun 3.

Abstract

Despite being collectively among the most frequent congenital developmental conditions worldwide, differences of sex development (DSD) lack recognition and research funding. As a result, what constitutes optimal management remains uncertain. Identification of the individual conditions under the DSD umbrella is challenging and molecular genetic diagnosis is frequently not achieved, which has psychosocial and health-related repercussions for patients and their families. New genomic approaches have the potential to resolve this impasse through better detection of protein-coding variants and ascertainment of under-recognized aetiology, such as mosaic, structural, non-coding or epigenetic variants. Ultimately, it is hoped that better outcomes data, improved understanding of the molecular causes and greater public awareness will bring an end to the stigma often associated with DSD.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Disorders of Sex Development / diagnosis*
  • Disorders of Sex Development / genetics
  • Genomics / methods*
  • Humans
  • Interdisciplinary Research / methods*
  • Mutation*
  • Pathology, Molecular / methods*
  • Patient Care Team / trends*
  • Sexual Development*