A loss-of-function variant in DNA mismatch repair gene MLH3 underlies severe oligozoospermia

J Hum Genet. 2021 Jul;66(7):725-730. doi: 10.1038/s10038-021-00907-z. Epub 2021 Jan 30.

Abstract

Male infertility pertains to male's inability to cause pregnancy in a fertile female. It accounts for 40-50% of infertility in human. In the study, presented here, a large consanguineous family of Pakistani origin segregating male infertility in autosomal recessive manner was investigated. Exome sequencing revealed a homozygous frameshift variant [NM_001040108: c.3632delA, p.(Asn1211Metfs*49)] in DNA mismatch repair gene MLH3 (MutL Homolog) that segregated with male infertility within the family. This is the first loss-of-function homozygous variant in the MLH3 gene causing severe oligozoospermia leading to male infertility. Previous studies have demonstrated association of infertility with gene knockout in the mice.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Consanguinity
  • DNA Mismatch Repair / genetics
  • Exome Sequencing
  • Frameshift Mutation / genetics
  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease*
  • Humans
  • Infertility, Male / epidemiology
  • Infertility, Male / genetics*
  • Infertility, Male / pathology
  • Loss of Function Mutation
  • Male
  • MutL Proteins / genetics*
  • Oligospermia / epidemiology
  • Oligospermia / genetics*
  • Oligospermia / pathology
  • Pakistan / epidemiology

Substances

  • MLH3 protein, human
  • MutL Proteins