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Database: OMIM
Entry: 107910
LinkDB: 107910
MIM Entry: 107910
Title:
  +107910 CYTOCHROME P450, FAMILY 19, SUBFAMILY A, POLYPEPTIDE 1; CYP19A1
  ;;CYTOCHROME P450, SUBFAMILY XIX; CYP19;;
  AROMATASE; ARO
  AROMATASE DEFICIENCY, INCLUDED;;
  PSEUDOHERMAPHRODITISM, FEMALE, DUE TO PLACENTAL AROMATASE DEFICIENCY,
  INCLUDED;;
  CYP19A1/CGNL1 FUSION GENE, INCLUDED;;
  CYP19A1/TMOD3 FUSION GENE, INCLUDED;;
  CYP19A1/TRPM7 FUSION GENE, INCLUDED
Text:
  
  CLONING
  
  Aromatase (EC 1.14.14.1), also called estrogen synthetase, is a
  cytochrome P450 enzyme (CYP19) that catalyzes the formation of aromatic
  C18 estrogens from C19 androgens. Using the amino acid sequence from the
  N terminal of the molecule as described by Chen et al. (1986), Sparkes
  et al. (1987) synthesized oligonucleotide probes and used them to screen
  a human placental lambda gt11 cDNA expression library. Evans et al.
  (1986) cloned and sequenced cDNA corresponding to this gene. Harada
  (1988) isolated a complete cDNA clone encoding a human aromatase from a
  human placenta cDNA library. A study of the deduced 503-amino acid
  sequence and a comparison with other forms of cytochrome P450 indicated
  that this enzyme is a unique member of the cytochrome P450 superfamily.
  In reviewing the regulation of expression of P450 genes, Whitlock (1986)
  discussed P450-aromatase, which is induced by follicle-stimulating
  hormone (FSH; see 136530) via formation of cyclic AMP. Presumably the
  increased activity reflects increased transcription of the
  P450-aromatase gene. Aromatase is present in many tissues including
  skin, muscle, fat, and nerve, where it may contribute to sex-specific
  differences in cellular metabolism. Corbin et al. (1988) cloned a
  full-length cDNA for CYP19. The insert contained an open reading frame
  encoding a protein of 503 amino acids. The sequence contains regions of
  striking similarity to those of other members of the cytochrome P450
  gene superfamily. The expressed protein is similar in size to human
  placental aromatase as detected by immunoblot analysis, and catalyzed
  the aromatization of all 3 major physiologic substrates:
  androstenedione, testosterone, and 16-alpha-hydroxyandrostenedione.
  
  Using RT-PCR and semiquantitative RT-PCR, Sebastian et al. (2002) found
  that CPY19 variants containing exon I.7, an alternative untranslated
  first exon, were highly expressed in some subcutaneous adipose tissue
  samples, but not in normal breast adipose tissue or any other normal
  tissue examined. Exon I.7-containing CPY19 was highly expressed in
  breast cancer tissue and in breast adipose tissue adjacent to cancer.
  
  GENE STRUCTURE
  
  Toda et al. (1990) found that the CYP19 gene spans at least 70 kb of
  genomic DNA and contains 10 exons. The translational initiation site and
  the termination site are located in exon 2 and exon 10, respectively.
  
  By analysis of overlapping BAC clones identified by homology searching
  of public databases, Sebastian and Bulun (2001) determined the
  organization of the CYP19 gene. Their analysis shows that the entire
  gene spans more than 123 kb of DNA. Only the 30-kb 3-prime region
  encodes aromatase, whereas a large 93-kb 5-prime flanking region serves
  as the regulatory unit of the gene. The most proximal promoters, the
  ovarian-specific promoter II and 2 other proximal promoters, I.3
  (expressed in adipose tissue and breast cancer) and I.6 (expressed in
  bone), are located within 1 kb of the translation start site.
  
  Sebastian et al. (2002) stated that the CYP19 gene contains 9
  alternative untranslated first exons, each with an individual promoter.
  They identified a tenth alternative first exon, exon I.7. Exon I.7
  contains no TATA or CAAT boxes, but it has 2 consensus GATA (see GATA1;
  305371) motifs and other cis-acting motifs.
  
  MAPPING
  
  Sparkes et al. (1987) used the cDNA they identified in cloning the CYP19
  gene in the study of human/mouse somatic cell hybrids for assignment of
  the gene to human chromosome 15. By in situ hybridization, Chen et al.
  (1988) mapped the ARO gene to 15q21.1.
  
  Using data from the Human Genome Project and screening a BAC plasmid
  library, Shozu et al. (2003) mapped the CGNL1 gene (607856), the
  tropomodulin-3 gene (TMOD3; 605112), and the aromatase gene, in that
  order from telomere to centromere, to 15q21.1-q21.3. They found that the
  aromatase gene is normally transcribed in the direction opposite to that
  of TMOD3 and CGNL1.
  
  GENE FUNCTION
  
  Zhou et al. (1991) studied structure-function relationships in human
  aromatase using site-directed mutagenesis and a stable expression system
  that involved a plasmid containing human placenta aromatase cDNA in
  Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. A phe406-to-arg mutant was completely
  inactive. Only small changes in enzyme kinetics occurred with mutants
  tyr361 to phe and tyr361 to leu, leading to the conclusion that tyr361
  is not directly involved in substrate binding. The mutant pro308 to phe
  had altered catalytic properties, suggesting that pro308 is situated in
  the active site of the enzyme.
  
  Biosynthesis of estrogens from C19 steroids is catalyzed by aromatase
  and its tissue-specific expression is determined at least in part by
  alternative use of tissue-specific promoters, which give rise to
  transcripts with unique 5-prime noncoding termini. The distal promoter
  (I.1) is responsible for expression uniquely in the placenta, while the
  proximal promoter (II), which regulates expression via a cAMP-dependent
  signaling pathway, is responsible for expression in the gonads.
  Transcripts in breast adipose tissue contain 5-prime termini
  corresponding to expression derived from use of promoters I.4
  predominantly as well as II and I.3. Promoter I.4 contains a
  glucocorticoid response element and an interferon-gamma activation site
  element, and is responsible for expression in the presence of
  glucocorticoids and members of the class I cytokine family. Agarwal et
  al. (1997) determined the distribution of these various transcripts in
  adipose tissue from abdomen, buttocks, and thighs of women to
  characterize the factors regulating aromatase expression in these sites.
  They used competitive RT-PCR to amplify unique 5-prime ends of each of
  the transcripts of the CYP19 gene expressed and the coding region to
  evaluate total transcript levels in adipose tissue . They found that
  exon I.4-specific transcripts were predominant in adipose tissue
  obtained from women regardless of the tissue site or the age of the
  individual. They also found that transcript levels increased in direct
  proportion to advancing age and were the highest in buttocks, followed
  by thighs, and lowest in abdomen adipose tissue. Thus it appears that in
  normal human adipose tissue, aromatase expression is mainly under local
  control by a number of cytokines via paracrine and autocrine mechanisms
  in the presence of systemic glucocorticoids.
  
  The distinct gender-specific patterns of fat distribution in men and
  women (android and gynoid) suggest a role for sex steroids. It has been
  suggested that estrogens can promote preadipocyte cell proliferation
  and/or differentiation. The enzyme CYP19 is responsible for the
  conversion of androgen precursor steroids to estrogens and may,
  therefore, have a role in regulating adipose tissue mass and its
  distribution. McTernan et al. (2002) investigated the glucocorticoid
  regulation of aromatase expression in adipose tissue, specifically to
  define any site- and gender-specific differences. Abdominal subcutaneous
  and omental adipose tissue was obtained from male and female patients
  undergoing elective surgery. Cortisol-induced aromatase activity in
  omental adipocytes from postmenopausal females was higher than that in
  premenopausal females (P less than 0.001). Insulin had no independent
  effect on aromatase expression, but coincubation of preadipocytes with
  cortisol and insulin eliminated both gender- and site-specific
  differences. The authors concluded that in women, but not men, cortisol
  increases aromatase activity at subcutaneous sites, and this may
  facilitate predilection for subcutaneous adiposity in females. They
  suggested that the observed site-, gender-, and menopausal-specific
  differences in the glucocorticoid regulation of this enzyme may
  contribute to the gender- and menopausal-specific patterns of fat
  distribution.
  
  By standards of other CYP genes, CYP19 is extraordinarily large (more
  than 50 kb). The large size of the gene is probably related to the
  transcription of CYP19 in different cell types under the regulation of
  different promoters. Simpson et al. (1997) summarized their findings of
  several distinct CYP19 promoters with alternative splicing which leads
  to the production of the same enzyme in all cells. Numerous untranslated
  first exons occur in aromatase transcripts in a tissue-specific fashion
  due to differential splicing as a consequence of the use of
  tissue-specific promoters. Thus, expression in the ovary uses a proximal
  promoter that is regulated primarily by cAMP. On the other hand,
  expression in the placenta uses a distal promoter located at least 40 kb
  upstream of the start of transcription that is regulated by retinoids.
  Other promoters are used in brain and adipose tissue. In the latter
  case, class I cytokines such as IL6 (147620) and IL11 (147681), as well
  as TNF-alpha (TNFA; 191160), are important regulatory factors. A common
  3-prime splice junction located upstream of the start of translation is
  used in all of the splicing events involved in the use of these various
  promoters. Thus, the coding region of the transcripts, and hence the
  protein, are identical regardless of the tissue site of expression; what
  differs in a tissue-specific fashion is the 5-prime end of the
  transcripts. This pattern of expression has great significance both from
  a phylogenetic and ontogenetic standpoint, as well as for the physiology
  and pathophysiology of estrogen formation.
  
  Wang et al. (2001) presented the results of in vivo and in vitro
  analyses indicating that aromatase is a physiologic target of DAX1
  (NR0B1; 300473) in Leydig cells, and that increased aromatase expression
  may account, in part, for the infertility and Leydig cell hyperplasia in
  Dax1-deficient mice.
  
  In human endometriotic stromal cells, markedly high levels of CYP19 mRNA
  and promoter II activity are present and can be vigorously stimulated by
  prostaglandin-E2 via a cAMP-dependent pathway to give rise to
  physiologically significant estrogen biosynthesis. Yang et al. (2002)
  evaluated the possible roles of C/EBP isoforms in the regulation of
  P450-aromatase expression in endometriotic versus eutopic endometrial
  stromal cells. They disrupted several potential sequences and found that
  mutations of a -211/-197-bp cAMP-response element (CRE) and a
  -317/-304-bp C/EBP binding site abolished both baseline and cAMP-induced
  promoter II activity. The authors concluded that both -317/-304 and
  -211/-197-bp elements in promoter II are critical for the robust
  cAMP-dependent induction in endometriosis. C/EBP-alpha upregulates,
  whereas C/EBP-beta and C/EBP-delta inhibit, P450-aromatase promoter
  activity via binding primarily to the -211/-197-bp CRE under in vitro
  conditions. In vivo downregulation of C/EBP-beta in endometriotic
  stromal cells and its upregulation in endometrial stromal cells may in
  part account for the induction of CYP19 expression in endometriosis and
  its inhibition in endometrium.
  
  Shozu et al. (2002) noted that the CYP19 gene is expressed in several
  extragonadal sites and regulated in a tissue-specific fashion, which is
  achieved by alternative use of the 7 different promoters, and
  corresponding exons 1, of the CYP19 gene. To elucidate the mechanism by
  which aromatase P450 is overexpressed in leiomyomas, they sought to
  determine the promoter used for aromatase P450 expression in leiomyomas.
  5-prime-RACE analysis revealed that of 6 leiomyoma nodules tested, 4
  contained I.4-specific transcript of aromatase P450 alone, 1 contained
  PII-specific transcript alone, and the remaining nodule contained both
  I.4- and PII-specific transcripts simultaneously. The transcriptional
  ability of the promoter I.4 sequence was confirmed by transient
  transfection assay using primary cells released from leiomyomas and
  established cells from normal myometrium (KW cells). Luciferase vectors
  containing promoter I.4 sequence (-340/+14 or longer) showed a
  significant increase in luciferase activity in response to
  dexamethasone. Deletion or mutation of a putative
  glucocorticoid-responsive element in the promoter I.4 sequence
  eliminated promoter activity. The authors concluded that promoter I.4 is
  the major promoter responsible for overexpression of aromatase P450 in
  leiomyomas and that a glucocorticoid-responsive element within it plays
  a substantial role in the expression of aromatase P450.
  
  Testicular expression of CYP19, the enzyme that converts androgens into
  estrogens, has been shown in both somatic and germ cell types in several
  species, whereas in humans, testicular expression is confined to the
  somatic cells. Aquila et al. (2002) investigated whether CYP19 is
  present in human ejaculated spermatozoa. Using RT-PCR and specific
  primers, they amplified the highly conserved helical, aromatic, and
  heme-binding sequences of the conventional human CYP19 from RNA isolated
  from human spermatozoa. Employing a rabbit polyclonal antiserum directed
  against human placental CYP19, immunoblotting analysis demonstrated
  aromatase protein expression, which was localized primarily to the tail
  and midpiece of spermatozoa. Aquila et al. (2002) concluded that human
  spermatozoa are a potential site of estrogen biosynthesis.
  
  Sebastian et al. (2002) determined that the 2 consensus GATA sites
  within the promoter region of alternative exon I.7 were critical for
  basal CYP19 promoter activity in human microvascular endothelial cells.
  GATA2 (137295), but not GATA1, bound the GATA sites and activated
  expression of a reporter gene in a concentration-dependent manner.
  
  Parakh et al. (2006) found that expression of beta-catenin (CTNNB1;
  116806) lacking the N-terminal 90-amino acids that lead to its
  degradation significantly enhanced FSH-mediated induction of CYP19A1 and
  CYP11A1 (118485) mRNA. CYP19A1 transactivation by SF1 (601516) required
  a functional interaction with beta-catenin and an intact
  beta-catenin-binding site. The beta-catenin-binding site was also
  critical for the synergistic actions of FSH and SF1 on CYP19A1. The
  actions of beta-catenin on CYP19A1 were dependent on hormone-induced
  cAMP cascades. Parakh et al. (2006) concluded that beta-catenin is
  essential for FSH/cAMP-regulated gene expression in ovary and that
  beta-catenin has a role in estrogen biosynthesis.
  
  Ishikawa et al. (2008) demonstrated that cAMP-induced binding of
  CEBP-beta (189965) to multiple motifs in the CYP19 promoter I.3/II
  region is a critical mechanism regulating aromatase expression in
  leiomyoma smooth muscle cells in primary culture. The authors concluded
  that definition of this mechanism further may assist in designing
  inhibitors of aromatase specific for leiomyoma tissue.
  
  BIOCHEMICAL FEATURES
  
  Diaz-Cruz et al. (2005) studied the effects of nonsteroidal
  antiinflammatory drugs and COX1 (176805)- and COX2 (600262)-selective
  inhibitors on aromatase activity and expression in human breast cancer
  cells. The data from these experiments revealed dose-dependent decreases
  in aromatase activity after treatment with all agents. Real-time PCR
  analysis of aromatase gene expression showed a significant decrease in
  mRNA levels when compared with control for all agents. These results
  were consistent with enzyme activity data, suggesting that the effect of
  COX inhibitors on aromatase begins at the transcriptional level.
  Exon-specific real-time PCR studies suggested that promoters I.3, I.4,
  and II are involved in this process.
  
  - Crystal Structure
  
  Ghosh et al. (2009) presented the crystal structure of human placental
  aromatase, the only natural mammalian full-length P450, and the first
  P450 in hormone biosynthetic pathways to be crystallized. Unlike the
  active sites of many microsomal P450s that metabolize drugs and
  xenobiotics, aromatase has an androgen-specific cleft that binds the
  androstenedione molecule snugly. Hydrophobic and polar residues
  exquisitely complement the steroid backbone. The locations of
  catalytically important residues shed light on the reaction mechanism.
  The relative juxtaposition of the hydrophobic amino-terminal region and
  the opening to the catalytic cleft shows why membrane anchoring is
  necessary for the lipophilic substrates to gain access to the active
  site. Ghosh et al. (2009) suggested that the molecular basis for the
  enzyme's androgenic specificity and unique catalytic mechanisms can be
  used for developing next-generation aromatase inhibitors.
  
  CLINICAL FEATURES
  
  - Aromatase Deficiency
  
  Aromatase, or estrogen synthetase, is located in the ovary and placenta
  and participates in the regulation of reproductive functions. The enzyme
  is also widely distributed in extragonadal tissues such as muscle,
  liver, hair follicles, adipose tissue, and brain. This finding suggests
  that estrogen produced by this enzyme has physiologic functions not only
  as a sex steroid hormone but also in growth or differentiation.
  Aromatization of fetal adrenal androgens and their desulfation are
  essential for production of estrogen in vivo by the human placenta. A
  placental defect in desulfation, aromatization, or both results in low
  urinary excretion of estrogens during pregnancy. Placental steroid
  sulfatase deficiency is a well-documented disorder (308100). Mango et
  al. (1978) reported the case of a primigravida who showed low urinary
  estrogen excretion and demonstrated lack of placental aromatase activity
  by in vitro assays. The first report of well-substantiated placental
  aromatase deficiency appears to be that by Shozu et al. (1991). The
  deficiency caused maternal virilization during pregnancy and
  pseudohermaphroditism of the female fetus. Maternal serum levels of
  estrogens were low and those of androgens were high in the third
  trimester. The mother delivered vaginally a live, full-term, 46,XX
  infant who showed male-appearing external genitalia with a greatly
  enlarged phallus, complete fusion of posterior scrotolabial folds,
  rugation of the scrotolabial folds, and a single meatus at the base of
  the phallus. The maternal manifestations of virilization disappeared
  gradually after delivery and the baby grew uneventfully. Levels of
  immunologically reactive 17-beta-estradiol in the infant's serum were
  normal at 2 to 6 months of age. It was unclear whether the aromatization
  defect existed only in the placenta or in her entire body. If the defect
  in aromatization is systemic, other enzymes besides aromatase may act on
  aromatization.
  
  Bulun (1996) reviewed aromatase deficiency including clinical features
  in men and women, genotype/phenotype correlations, laboratory findings,
  and a description of a possible animal model in spotted hyenas. As of
  1996, 1 Japanese female infant (Shozu et al., 1991), 1 American
  adolescent female (Conte et al., 1994), and 2 American adult sibs, 1
  female and 1 male (Morishima et al., 1995), had been reported to have
  P450arom gene defects. The phenotypes of these cases included maternal
  virilization during the second half of pregnancy; clitoromegaly and
  posterior labioscrotal fusion in newborn affected females; and absent
  growth spurt, breast development, primary amenorrhea, virilization and
  multicystic ovaries in adult affected females. While only 1 affected
  male had been reported, normal genitalia were noted at birth, normal
  pubertal development occurred, and adult stature was extremely tall
  (greater than 3 SD) with osteoporosis, macroorchidism, and infertility
  (Morishima et al. (1995); Bulun (1996)). The laboratory findings
  included (1) extremely low maternal serum estradiol and estriol but very
  high maternal serum testosterone in pregnant women; (2) high FSH and
  undetectable estriol during infancy in affected females; (3) sonographic
  findings of multicystic ovaries, high FSH and LH levels in affected
  females during puberty; and (4) undetectable estradiol but very high FSH
  and LH levels, unfused epiphyses and osteoporosis, and abnormal semen
  analysis in the adult affected male (Bulun, 1996).
  
  MOLECULAR GENETICS
  
  Harada et al. (1992) demonstrated that aromatase is expressed only in
  parts of the placenta and that the placental aromatase deficiency in the
  case reported by Shozu et al. (1991) was caused by the expression of an
  abnormal aromatase protein molecule resulting from a genetic defect in
  the fetus. Specifically, the CYP19 gene was found to have an insert of
  87 bp, encoding 29 amino acids in-frame with no termination codon. The
  insert was located at the splice point between exon 6 and intron 6 of
  the normal gene, and the extra DNA fragment was the first part of intron
  6 except that its initial GT was altered to GC. By transient expression
  in COS-7 cells, the aromatase cDNA of the patient was found to contain a
  protein with a trace of activity. Harada et al. (1992) suggested that
  the defect in the placental aromatase gene, a feature of the infant's
  genotype, might be inherited since the parents were consanguineous in
  the 'fifth degree.' They showed that the offspring was homozygous for a
  defect that was present in heterozygous state in both parents
  (107910.0003). Ito et al. (1993) described the molecular defects in the
  CYP19 gene in what they claimed was the first example of fully
  documented aromatase deficiency in an adult.
  
  The brother and sister reported by Morishima et al. (1995) were shown to
  have a mutation in the aromatase gene (107910.0004). The parents of
  these sibs were of Italian descent and were consanguineous. Although
  very tall with a eunuchoid appearance, the affected male was
  heterosexual and sexually active. Macroorchidism, with an estimated
  total testicular volume of 34 ml, was present. Bone age was 14.5 years;
  only the proximal femoral epiphyses were fused. The ratio of upper
  segment to lower segment was 0.84. Serum androgen concentrations were
  all markedly elevated, but serum estrone and estradiol concentrations
  were undetectable. Serum concentrations of FSH and LH were elevated.
  Bone mass was reduced at all sites. After treatment with Premarin,
  linear growth, which had been continuous, ceased and all epiphyses of
  the hand and wrist were completely fused within 6 months. Serum LH and
  FSH concentrations decreased to only slightly elevated levels. Estimated
  testicular volume decreased from 34 to 28 ml. Bone mass increased
  dramatically at all sites. There were no side effects of the estrogen
  therapy. There was no change in libido or sexual orientation.
  
  Siegelmann-Danieli and Buetow (1999) genotyped 348 Caucasian women with
  breast cancer (114480) and 145 Caucasian women controls for a published
  tetranucleotide repeat polymorphism in intron 4 of the CYP19 gene. Six
  common and 2 rare alleles were identified. The 171-bp allele was
  overrepresented in cases; of 14 individuals homozygous for this allele,
  13 were cases. The control homozygous for this allele was a 46-year-old
  woman. The 171-bp allele was found to be associated with a silent
  polymorphism (G-to-A at val80). The relationship between the high risk
  allele and cancer development remained to be elucidated.
  
  Haiman et al. (2003) employed a haplotype-based approach to search for
  breast cancer-associated CYP19 variants in the Multiethnic Cohort Study
  (MEC). The authors observed significant haplotype effects, and also
  found a common long-range haplotype which was associated with increased
  risk of breast cancer. The authors hypothesized that women with the
  long-range CYP19 haplotype 2b-3c may be carriers of a predisposing
  breast cancer susceptibility allele.
  
  To determine whether CYP19 gene or Y chromosome loci are associated with
  variation in height, Ellis et al. (2001) performed an association study
  using common biallelic polymorphisms in CYP19 and the Y chromosome in
  413 adult males and 335 females drawn at random from a large population
  sample. An association between CYP19 and height was found, but this was
  more evident in men than in women. An association was also found with
  the Y chromosome. Additionally, when men were grouped according to
  haplotypes of the CYP19 and Y chromosome polymorphisms, a difference of
  4.2 cm was detected. The authors concluded that in men, genetic
  variation in CYP19 and on the Y chromosome are involved in determining
  normal adult height, and that these loci may interact in an additive
  fashion.
  
  To assess the role of bioavailable estradiol and the CYP19 TTTA(n)
  repeat polymorphism in bone loss in elderly men, van Pottelbergh et al.
  (2003) performed a longitudinal study in a cohort of 214 healthy
  community-dwelling men aged 70 to 86. Bioavailable estrogen was
  consistently associated with prospectively assessed bone mineral density
  (BMD) changes at all measured sites. Moreover, the CYP19 TTTA(n) repeat
  polymorphism was an additional independent determinant of BMD changes at
  the distal forearm. Furthermore, the CYP19 genotype was associated with
  self-reported clinical fracture risk as well as fracture history in
  first-degree relatives. The authors concluded that the results of this
  study provided an indication that the aromatase enzyme may exert a
  direct modulatory action on bone metabolism at the tissue level in
  elderly men.
  
  Gennari et al. (2004) studied the role of the TTTA repeat polymorphism
  in intron 4 of the CYP19 gene as a genetic determinant of BMD in a
  sample of elderly males who were recruited by direct mailing and
  followed longitudinally. Men with a high repeat genotype (more than nine
  repeats) showed higher lumbar BMD values, lower bone turnover markers,
  higher estradiol levels, and a lower rate of BMD change than men with a
  low repeat genotype (fewer than nine repeats). The association with BMD
  was not significant in the subgroup of patients with high body mass
  index (greater than 25), suggesting that the effect of CYP19 genotypes
  on bone may be masked by the increase in fat mass. Gennari et al. (2004)
  concluded that differences in estrogen levels due to polymorphism at the
  aromatase CYP19 gene may predispose men to increased age-related bone
  loss and fracture risk.
  
  Binder et al. (2005) studied a family in which 7 affected males over 3
  generations had inherited prepubertal gynecomastia in an autosomal
  dominant manner. The maternal grandfather and 3 maternal uncles were
  affected; all had been mastectomized. The mother of the proband had
  normal age at menarche and no macromastia. Estrone levels of the proband
  and the other affected boys were elevated, 17-beta-estradiol levels were
  high normal, and testosterone levels were low. Hormonal analyses of the
  affected adults, who had all fathered children, revealed pathologically
  low serum testosterone levels but normal to high normal levels of
  estradiol and estrone. A repeat polymorphism of the p450 aromatase gene
  cosegregated with the disease phenotype in the family, making a mutation
  of the p450 aromatase gene likely. SSCP analysis of alternative
  untranslated exons and all coding exons of the p450 aromatase gene did
  not indicate any mutation. In addition, FISH analysis using 4 probes
  covering the promoter region did not reveal the presence of any major
  inversion at this locus. The authors concluded that comparison of their
  data with previous reports indicated that the hormonal, biochemical, and
  genetic basis of the aromatase excess syndrome is heterogeneous.
  
  In 3 patients with gynecomastia due to increased aromatase activity
  (139300), Shozu et al. (2003) identified 2 distinct heterozygous
  inversions in 15q21.2-q21.3 that resulted in a cryptic promoter in the
  aromatase gene, including part of the TMOD3 or CGNL1 promoter,
  respectively, and caused estrogen excess; see 107910.0010 and
  107910.0011.
  
  Lin et al. (2007) reported 4 patients (46,XX) from 3 kindreds with
  variable degrees of androgenization and pubertal failure who were
  homozygous or compound heterozygous for mutations in the CYP19A1 gene.
  Functional studies revealed low residual aromatase activity in the
  patients in whom breast development occurred, despite significant
  androgenization in utero.
  
  In a case-control study of 252 postmenopausal women aged 64.5 +/- 9.2
  years (mean +/- SD), Somner et al. (2004) studied the association
  between 2 common polymorphisms in the CYP17 (609300) and CYP19 genes,
  -34T-C (Zmuda et al., 2001) and a silent G-to-A transition at val80 in
  exon 3 (Siegelmann-Danieli and Buetow, 1999), respectively, and bone
  mineral density (BMD) and serum androgen/estradiol. There was no
  significant difference in serum estradiol concentrations between
  osteoporosis cases and controls. The CYP19 genotype was significantly
  associated with serum estradiol (P = 0.002). Women with the AA genotype
  had higher serum estradiol concentrations compared with those with the
  GG genotype (P = 0.03). In older women, those with CYP19 GA and GG
  genotypes had an increased prevalence of osteoporosis (P = 0.04) and
  fractures (P = 0.003). Somner et al. (2004) found no significant
  association between CYP17 genotype and serum androgens and estradiol
  concentrations. However, a significant association was seen between BMD
  values at the femoral neck with CYP17 genotype in cases (P = 0.04) and
  in the whole study population (P = 0.012). Subjects with the CC genotype
  had significantly lower BMD (mean +/- SD: TT, 0.7 +/- 0.16; CC, 0.6 +/-
  0.08 g/cm2; P = 0.006). Somner et al. (2004) concluded that both CYP17
  and CYP19 are candidate genes for osteoporosis in postmenopausal women.
  
  In a case-control study of 135 women with vertebral fractures due to
  postmenopausal osteoporosis and 312 controls, Riancho et al. (2007)
  studied 4 SNPs of the CYP19A1 gene (dbSNP rs1062033, dbSNP rs767199,
  dbSNP rs4775936, and dbSNP rs700518) and identified a common haplotype,
  present in about half the population, that was associated with an
  increased risk of fracture (OR, 1.8, p = 0.006). Total aromatase
  expression was 4 times lower in fat samples from homozygotes for the
  unfavorable alleles than in the opposite homozygotes (p = 0.007).
  
  Among 5,356 patients with invasive breast cancer and 7,129 controls
  composed primarily of white women of European descent, Haiman et al.
  (2007) found that common haplotypes spanning the coding and proximal
  5-prime region of the CYP19A1 gene were significantly associated with a
  10 to 20% increase in endogenous estrogen levels in postmenopausal
  women. The effect per copy of the A-A haplotype of SNPs dbSNP rs749292
  and dbSNP rs727479 was the most significant (p = 4.4 x 10(-15)),
  although this accounted for less than 2% of the variation in estrogen
  levels. No significant associations with these SNPs or other common
  haplotypes were observed for breast cancer risk. Haiman et al. (2007)
  concluded that although genetic variation in CYP19A1 produced measurable
  differences in estrogen levels among postmenopausal women, the magnitude
  of the change was insufficient to contribute detectably to breast
  cancer.
  
  ANIMAL MODEL
  
  Leshin et al. (1981) showed that a similar lesion exists in the henny
  feathering trait of Sebright Bantam chickens. Further, they concluded
  that this trait results from a regulatory mutation affecting aromatase
  activity ( Leshin et al., 1981). George et al. (1990) showed that the
  henny feathering trait in the Golden Campine chicken is identical to
  that in the Sebright Bantam; indeed, it may be the same gene, the trait
  in the Campine having been derived from the Sebright. In the chicken the
  trait behaves as an incomplete dominant; heterozygotes express half the
  levels of extraglandular aromatase as do homozygotes on average.
  
  Fisher et al. (1998) generated mice lacking functional aromatase enzyme
  by targeted disruption of the cyp19 gene. Male and female knockout mice
  were born with the expected mendelian frequency from F1 parents and grew
  to adulthood. At 9 weeks of age, female knockout mice displayed
  underdeveloped external genitalia and uteri. Ovaries contained numerous
  follicles with abundant granulosa cells and evidence of antrum formation
  that appeared arrested before ovulation. No corpora lutea were present.
  Additionally, the stroma were hyperplastic with structures that appeared
  to be atretic follicles. Development of the mammary glands approximated
  that of prepubertal females. Male mice of the same age showed
  essentially normal internal anatomy, but the male accessory sex glands
  were enlarged because of increased content of secreted material. The
  testes appeared normal. Male knockout mice were capable of breeding and
  produced litters of approximately average size. Whereas serum estradiol
  levels were at the limit of detection, testosterone levels were
  elevated, as were the levels of follicle-stimulating hormone and
  luteinizing hormone (see 152780). The phenotype of these animals
  differed markedly from that of the previously reported estrogen receptor
  knockout mice in which the estrogen receptor-alpha (ESR1; 133430) was
  deleted by targeted disruption.
  
  Robertson et al. (1999) investigated spermatogenesis in mice that lack
  aromatase because of the targeted disruption of the cyp19 gene. Male
  mice deficient in aromatase were initially fertile but developed
  progressive infertility, until their ability to sire pups was severely
  impaired. The mice deficient in aromatase developed disruptions to
  spermatogenesis between 4.5 months and 1 year, despite no decreases in
  gonadotropins or androgens. Spermatogenesis primarily was arrested at
  early spermiogenic stages, as characterized by an increase in apoptosis
  and the appearance of multinucleated cells, and there was a significant
  reduction in round and elongated spermatids, but no changes in Sertoli
  cells or early germ cells. In addition, Leydig cell
  hyperplasia/hypertrophy was evident, presumably as a consequence of
  increased circulating luteinizing hormone. The findings indicated that
  local expression of aromatase is essential for spermatogenesis and
  provided evidence for a direct action of estrogen on male germ cell
  development and thus fertility.
  
  Aromatase knockout (ArKO) mice, lacking a functional Cyp19 gene, cannot
  synthesize endogenous estrogens. Jones et al. (2000) examined the
  adipose deposits of male and female ArKO mice, observing that these
  animal progressively accumulated significantly more intraabdominal
  adipose tissue than their wildtype littermates, reflected in increased
  adipocyte volume at gonadal and infrarenal sites. This increased
  adiposity was not due to hyperphagia or reduced resting energy
  expenditure, but was associated with reduced spontaneous physical
  activity levels, reduced glucose oxidation, and a decrease in lean body
  mass. A striking accumulation of lipid droplets was observed in the
  livers of ArKO animals. The findings demonstrated an important role for
  estrogen in the maintenance of lipid homeostasis in both males and
  females. Along the same lines, Heine et al. (2000) studied male and
  female Esr1 knockout mice and found that signaling by this receptor is
  critical in female and male white adipose tissue. Obesity in the males
  involved a mechanism of reduced energy expenditure rather than increased
  energy intake.
  
  Yue et al. (2005) generated APP23 mice (see 104760), a mouse model of
  Alzheimer disease (AD; 104300), that were also estrogen-deficient due to
  heterozygous disruption of the aromatase gene. Compared to control APP23
  mice with normal aromatase activity, the estrogen-deficient mice showed
  decreased brain estrogen, earlier onset of amyloid plaques, and
  increased brain beta-amyloid deposition. Microglia cultures from these
  mice showed impaired beta-amyloid clearance. In contrast, ovariectomized
  APP23 mice had normal brain estrogen levels and showed plaque pathology
  similar to control APP23 mice. In addition, Yue et al. (2005) found that
  post-mortem brain tissue from 10 female AD patients showed 60% and 85%
  decreased levels of total and free estrogen, respectively, as well as
  decreased levels of aromatase mRNA compared to 10 female controls.
  However, serum estrogen levels were not different between the 2 groups.
  Yue et al. (2005) concluded that reduced brain estrogen production may
  be a risk factor for developing AD neuropathology.
  
Allelic Variants:
  .0001
  AROMATASE DEFICIENCY
  CYP19A1, ARG435CYS
  
  Ito et al. (1993) described compound heterozygosity for 2 mutations in
  the CYP19 gene (see 107910.0002) in a case of aromatase deficiency
  suspected on the basis of clinical and biochemical evidence. The patient
  was an 18-year-old 46,XX female with sexual infantilism, primary
  amenorrhea, ambiguous external genitalia at birth, and polycystic
  ovaries. They indicated that this was the first definitive case of an
  adult with aromatase deficiency to be reported. Coding exons 2 to 10 of
  the CYP19 gene were amplified by PCR from genomic DNA and sequenced
  directly. In exon 10, a C-to-T transition at bp 1303 resulted in a
  change of arginine-435 to cysteine. The results of RFLP analysis and
  direct sequencing of the amplified exon 10 DNA from the patient's mother
  indicated maternal inheritance of the R435C mutation. Transient
  expression experiments showed that the R435C mutant protein had
  approximately 1.1% of the activity of the wildtype, whereas C437Y was
  totally inactive.
  
  .0002
  AROMATASE DEFICIENCY
  CYP19A1, CYS437TYR
  
  The patient reported by Ito et al. (1993), a compound heterozygote (see
  107910.0001), additionally had a G-to-A transition in exon 10 at bp 1310
  resulting in a change of cysteine-437 to tyrosine.
  
  .0003
  AROMATASE DEFICIENCY, PLACENTAL
  CYP19A1, IVS6, T-C, +2
  
  Shozu et al. (1991) observed progressive virilization of a primigravida
  during pregnancy, as well as female pseudohermaphroditism of her baby,
  and showed that these conditions were caused by deficiency of placental
  aromatase activity. Harada et al. (1992) showed that the aromatase gene
  from the placenta was transcribed as an abnormally large mRNA with an
  87-bp insertion and was translated as an abnormally large protein
  molecule with 29 extra amino acids, resulting in an almost inactive
  enzyme. Harada et al. (1992) showed that the splice donor sequence (GT)
  of intron 6 in controls was mutated to GC in the patient, whereas the
  parents showed both GT and GC, indicating their heterozygous state.
  
  .0004
  AROMATASE DEFICIENCY, PLACENTAL
  CYP19A1, ARG375CYS 
  
  Morishima et al. (1995) described a C-to-T transition at nucleotide 1123
  in exon IX of the CYP19 gene in a 28-year-old XX proband and her
  24-year-old XY sib. The mother of the proband exhibited signs of
  progressive virilization during both pregnancies that regressed
  postpartum. The XX proband, followed since infancy, exhibited the
  cardinal features of the aromatase deficiency syndrome. She had
  nonadrenal female pseudohermaphroditism at birth and underwent repair of
  the external genitalia, including a clitorectomy. At puberty, she
  developed progressive signs of virilization, pubertal failure with no
  signs of estrogen action, hypergonadotropic hypogonadism, polycystic
  ovaries on pelvic sonography, and tall stature. The basal concentrations
  of plasma testosterone, androstenedione, and 17-hydroxyprogesterone were
  elevated, whereas plasma estradiol was low. Hormone replacement therapy
  led to breast development, menses, resolution of ovarian cysts, and
  suppression of the elevated FSH and LH values. Her adult height was
  177.6 cm. Her brother was 204 cm tall with eunuchoid skeletal
  proportions. He was sexually fully mature and had macroorchidism. The
  bone age was 14 years at a chronologic age of 24 years. Striking
  osteopenia was noted at the wrist and at other sites. The observations
  in these sibs were considered consistent with the following
  interpretations by Morishima et al. (1995): (1) estrogens are essential
  for normal skeletal maturation and proportions (but not linear growth)
  in men as well as in women, the accretion and maintenance of bone
  mineral density and mass, and the control of the rate of bone turnover;
  (2) estrogens have a significant role in the sex steroid-gonadotropin
  feedback mechanism in the male, even in the face of high circulating
  testosterone; (3) deficient estrogens in the adult male are associated
  with hyperinsulinemia and abnormal plasma lipids; and (4) placental
  aromatase has a critical role in protecting the female fetus from fetal
  masculinization and the pregnant woman from virilization.
  
  This condition of estrogen deficiency, as well as the case of estrogen
  resistance due to a mutation in the estrogen receptor (133430.0002)
  reported by Smith et al. (1994), demonstrates that androgens are not
  solely responsible for the establishment of peak bone mass in males; a
  man with these 2 genetic disorders showed osteoporosis. Bilezikian et
  al. (1998) found that treatment for 3 years with conjugated estrogen
  resulted in restoration of bone mass in the patient reported by
  Morishima et al. (1995).
  
  .0005
  AROMATASE DEFICIENCY
  CYP19A1, 1-BP DEL, CODON 408, C
  
  Mullis et al. (1997) reported a female who was a compound heterozygote
  for 2 point mutations in the CYP19 gene. The maternal allele had a
  basepair (C) deletion in codon 408 (CCC) that caused a frameshift
  resulting in a nonsense codon 111 bp (37 amino acids) 3-prime to the
  deletion. Aromatase deficiency was suspected because of the marked
  prepartum virilization in the mother, and the diagnosis was confirmed
  shortly after birth. Extremely low levels of serum estrogens were found
  in contrast to high levels of androgens. Ultrasonographic studies of the
  child showed persistently enlarged ovaries containing numerous large
  cysts and normal-appearing large tertiary follicles at 2 years of age.
  Basal and GNRH-induced FSH levels remained strikingly elevated. Low-dose
  estradiol given for 50 days at the age of 3.5 years resulted in
  normalization of serum gonadotropin levels, regression of ovarian size,
  and increase of whole body and lumbar spine bone mineral density. The
  FSH levels and ovarian size returned to pretreatment levels 150 days
  after cessation of estradiol therapy. See 107910.0006.
  
  .0006
  AROMATASE DEFICIENCY
  CYP19A1, IVS3, G-A, +1
  
  The paternal allele had a G-to-A transition at the 5-prime splice site
  (conserved GT to AT) between exon and intron 3 (IVS3+1G-A). This
  mutation ignores the 5-prime splice site resulting in a read-through to
  a stop codon 3 bp downstream. See 107910.0005.
  
  .0007
  AROMATASE DEFICIENCY
  CYP19A1, ARG365GLN
  
  In a man whose parents were first cousins, Carani et al. (1997)
  identified a G-to-A transition at nucleotide 1094 in exon 9 of the P-450
  aromatase gene, resulting in a glutamine instead of an arginine at codon
  365. The mutation abolished a site cleaved by the restriction enzyme
  Acc651; restriction analysis showed that both parents were heterozygous
  for the mutation. Expression studies in COS-1 cells showed that the
  aromatase activity of the mutant protein was 0.4% of that of the
  wildtype protein in the presence of the same amount of total cellular
  protein. At 18 years of age the patient was 170 cm tall and he continued
  to grow, reaching a height of 187 cm at the age of 31 and 190 cm at the
  age of 38. Androgen therapy was ineffective; estrogen therapy resulted
  in increased spinal bone mineral density and complete epiphyseal closure
  after 9 months. The increases in bone mineral density, serum levels of
  alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin, and urinary excretion of
  pyridinoline were similar to those that occurred during normal skeletal
  maturation during puberty. Thus, the authors proposed that eunuchoid
  skeletal features may result mainly from a deficiency of estrogen,
  rather than a deficiency of androgen. The lack of eunuchoid skeletal
  development in patients with complete androgen insensitivity supported
  this view. Skeletal pain, especially in the knees, was a clinical
  feature. At the time his height was 187 cm (age 31 years), his arm span
  was 204 cm and the ratio of upper segment to lower segment was 0.85. He
  showed bilateral genu valgum. There was no gynecomastia and penis size
  and pattern of pubic hair were normal. Psychosexual orientation was
  heterosexual and his libido and erections were normal.
  
  .0008
  AROMATASE DEFICIENCY
  CYP19A1, 1-BP DEL, CODON 156, C 
  
  Deladoey et al. (1999) identified a point mutation in the CYP19 gene
  that was responsible for aromatase deficiency in a 46,XY male infant
  with unremarkable clinical findings at birth. The boy was homozygous for
  a 1-bp deletion (codon 156, C) in exon 5 of the CYP19 gene. Aromatase
  deficiency was suspected prenatally because of the severe virilization
  of the mother during the early pregnancy, and the diagnosis was
  confirmed shortly after birth. Four weeks after birth, the boy showed
  extremely low levels of serum estrogens but had a normal level of serum
  free testosterone; in comparison with the high serum concentration of
  androstenedione at birth, a striking decrease occurred by 4 weeks
  postnatally. The authors had previously reported elevated basal and
  stimulated FSH levels in a female infant with aromatase deficiency in
  the first year of life. In contrast, in the male infant, basal FSH and
  peak FSH levels after standard GnRH stimulation tests were normal. The
  authors concluded that the contribution of estrogen to the
  hypothalamic-pituitary gonadotropin-gonadal feedback mechanism is
  different in boys and girls during infancy and early childhood. They
  hypothesized that in normal girls serum estradiol concentrations
  strongly correlate with circulating inhibin levels, and thus, low
  inhibin levels may contribute to the striking elevation of FSH in young
  girls with aromatase deficiency. In contrast, estradiol levels are
  physiologically about 7-fold lower in boys than in girls, and serum
  inhibin levels remain elevated even though levels of FSH, LH, and
  testosterone are decreased.
  
  .0009
  AROMATASE DEFICIENCY
  CYP19A1, IVS4, C-A, -3 
  
  Herrmann et al. (2002) described a novel mutation of the CYP19 gene in a
  27-year-old homozygous male of consanguineous parents. A C-to-A
  substitution in intron 5 at position -3 of the splicing acceptor site
  before exon 6 of the CYP19 gene is the likely cause of loss of aromatase
  activity. The mRNA of the patient led to a frameshift and a premature
  stop codon 8 nucleotides downstream the end of exon 5. Apart from genua
  valga, kyphoscoliosis, and pectus carinatum, the physical examination
  was normal, including secondary male characteristics with normal
  testicular size. To substitute for the deficiency, the patient was
  treated with 50 mg transdermal estradiol twice weekly for 3 months,
  followed by 25 mg twice weekly. Bone density of the distal radius
  increased and bone mineral density of the lumbar spine increased. Semen
  analysis revealed oligoazoospermia. After 3 months of treatment, the
  sperm count increased and decreased rapidly during the following 3
  months. The authors concluded that in this rare incidence of estrogen
  deficiency, estrogen replacement demonstrated its importance for bone
  mineralization and maturation and glucose metabolism in a male carrying
  a novel mutation in the CYP19 gene.
  
  .0010
  AROMATASE EXCESS SYNDROME
  CYP19A1, INV, CGNL1 PROMOTER
  
  In a 36-year-old man and his 7-year-old son with severe gynecomastia of
  prepubertal onset and mild hypogonadotropic hypogonadism caused by
  elevated estrogen levels (139300), Shozu et al. (2003) identified an
  inversion on 15q21.2-q21.3 that moved the promoter of the FLJ14957 gene
  (CGNL1; 607856) into a 5-prime position in relation to the aromatase
  coding region. The father in this case had progressive gynecomastia and
  a linear growth spurt at the age of 5 years, which was quickly followed
  by the development of pubic hair and penile enlargement. He stopped
  growing at the age of 14 years when his height was below the first
  percentile. He underwent bilateral mastectomy at the age of 16 years.
  The son was born when the father was 30 years old. Physical examination
  demonstrated a high-pitched voice, lack of facial hair, mastectomy
  scars, and unremarkable external genitalia. In the son the gynecomastia
  and accelerated linear growth likewise first occurred at the age of 5
  years: his height and weight were above the 99th percentile, breast
  development was Tanner stage III, and he had normal prepubertal external
  genitalia. At the chronologic age of 5.5 years, his bone age was 13
  years.
  
  .0011
  AROMATASE EXCESS SYNDROME
  CYP19A1, INV, TMOD3 PROMOTER 
  
  Shozu et al. (2003) demonstrated that severe gynecomastia of prepubertal
  onset associated with elevated estrogen levels (139300) in a 17-year-old
  boy was caused by an inversion in 15q21.2-q21.3 that brought the
  promoter of the TMOD3 gene (605112) into a position immediately 5-prime
  of the aromatase gene.
  
  .0012
  AROMATASE DEFICIENCY
  CYP19A1, GLU210LYS 
  
  In a 29-year-old man with aromatase deficiency, Maffei et al. (2004)
  detected a homozygous G-to-A transition at the last nucleotide of exon 5
  of the CYP19A1 gene that resulted in a glu210-to-lys (E210K) amino acid
  substitution. Continuing linear growth, eunuchoid body proportions,
  diffuse bone pain, and bilateral cryptorchidism were observed. The
  patient had a complex dysmetabolic syndrome characterized by insulin
  resistance, diabetes mellitus type 2 (125853), acanthosis nigricans,
  liver steatohepatitis, and signs of precocious atherogenesis.
  Testosterone treatment at high doses resulted in a severe imbalance in
  the estradiol-to-testosterone ratio together with insulin resistance and
  diabetes mellitus type 2. Estrogen treatment resulted in an improvement
  of acanthosis nigricans, insulin resistance, and liver steatohepatitis,
  coupled with a better glycemic control and the disappearance of 2
  carotid plaques. Testis biopsy showed a pattern of total germ cell
  depletion that might be due to the concomitant presence of bilateral
  cryptorchidism. The authors concluded that this case of aromatase
  deficiency confirmed previous data on bone maturation and mineralization
  and revealed a high risk for the precocious development of
  cardiovascular disease in young aromatase-deficient men.
  
  .0013
  AROMATASE EXCESS SYNDROME
  CYP19A1/TRPM7 FUSION 
  
  In a Russian kindred with aromatase excess syndrome (139300) with 16
  affected individuals in 5 generations, Tiulpakov et al. (2005) detected
  heterozygosity for a novel chimeric transcript composed of exon 1 of the
  TRPM7 gene (605692) spliced to the common acceptor splice site of CYP19
  exon 2. This rearrangement was predicted to result in aberrant aromatase
  expression driven by the TRPM7 promoter. In both sexes the disorder
  manifested in early childhood with breast enlargement, growth, and bone
  age acceleration. Tiulpakov et al. (2005) stated that the mechanism of
  this chromosomal defect appeared to be different from that described by
  Shozu et al. (2003) (see 107910.0010, 107910.0011), which most likely
  were the result of heterozygous inversions. The CYP19 and TRPM7 genes
  are transcribed in the same direction, with TRPM7 lying 3-prime
  (downstream) of CYP19. Thus, rearrangement bringing CYP19 under the
  control of the TRPM7 promoter could not result from simple inversion of
  the 15q21.2 portion. A more complex heterozygous rearrangement such as
  partial duplication of 15q21.2 with placing of the TRPM7 regulatory
  regions in front of the CYP19 coding exons would be required to produce
  the chimeric transcripts discovered in this study. Tiulpakov et al.
  (2005) were unable to determine the chromosomal breakpoints resulting in
  the chimeric CYP19 transcripts in this family.
  
See Also:
  Berkovitz et al. (1985); George and Wilson (1980); Leibermann and
  Zachmann (1992); Stratakis et al. (1998)
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Clinical Synopsis:
  
  Thorax:
     Gynecomastia
  
  GU:
     Normal male genitalia;
     Early male sexual differentiation;
     Normal hypothalamic-pituitary axis response
  
  Growth:
     Short final stature
  
  Skel:
     Advanced bone age
  
  Misc:
     Induced by follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
  
  Lab:
     Increased aromatase (estrogen synthetase) activity
  
  Inheritance:
     Autosomal dominant, male-limited (15q21.1);
     AROMATASE DEFICIENCY
  
  GU:
     Female sexual infantilism;
     Primary amenorrhea;
     Ambiguous external genitalia at birth;
     Polycystic ovaries
  
  Lab:
     Aromatase deficiency
  
  Inheritance:
     Autosomal recessive with compound heterozygosity
  
Contributors: 
  John A. Phillips, III - updated: 4/23/2009
  Patricia A. Hartz - updated: 3/20/2009
  Ada Hamosh - updated: 1/27/2009
  Cassandra L. Kniffin - updated: 7/3/2008
  John A. Phillips, III - updated: 2/13/2008
  Marla J. F. O'Neill - updated: 12/17/2007
  John A. Phillips, III - updated: 12/17/2007
  John A. Phillips, III - updated: 5/18/2007
  Paul J. Converse - updated: 11/9/2006
  John A. Phillips, III - updated: 5/23/2006
  John A. Phillips, III - updated: 4/25/2006
  Cassandra L. Kniffin - updated: 3/31/2006
  John A. Phillips, III - updated: 10/26/2005
  George E. Tiller - updated: 9/12/2005
  John A. Phillips, III - updated: 8/6/2004
  Victor A. McKusick - updated: 6/3/2003
  John A. Phillips, III - updated: 2/4/2003
  John A. Phillips, III - updated: 1/29/2003
  John A. Phillips, III - updated: 1/3/2003
  John A. Phillips, III - updated: 10/31/2002
  John A. Phillips, III - updated: 7/29/2002
  John A. Phillips, III - updated: 7/26/2002
  John A. Phillips, III - updated: 2/27/2002
  Victor A. McKusick - updated: 9/14/2001
  John A. Phillips, III - updated: 7/26/2001
  Victor A. McKusick - updated: 11/30/2000
  John A. Phillips, III - updated: 11/10/2000
  Victor A. McKusick - updated: 8/10/1999
  Ada Hamosh - updated: 5/18/1999
  Victor A. McKusick - updated: 9/11/1998
  Victor A. McKusick - updated: 6/30/1998
  Victor A. McKusick - updated: 9/10/1997
  John A. Phillips, III - updated: 6/28/1997
  Victor A. McKusick - updated: 5/16/1997
  John A. Phillips, III - updated: 1/18/1997
  
Creation Date: 
  Victor A. McKusick: 8/31/1987
  
Edit Dates: 
  terry: 12/16/2009
  wwang: 5/4/2009
  alopez: 4/23/2009
  mgross: 3/23/2009
  terry: 3/20/2009
  alopez: 1/28/2009
  terry: 1/27/2009
  carol: 10/31/2008
  wwang: 7/3/2008
  ckniffin: 7/3/2008
  carol: 2/13/2008
  carol: 12/17/2007
  alopez: 7/12/2007
  alopez: 5/18/2007
  mgross: 11/10/2006
  terry: 11/9/2006
  wwang: 10/6/2006
  alopez: 5/23/2006
  alopez: 4/25/2006
  wwang: 4/5/2006
  ckniffin: 3/31/2006
  alopez: 10/26/2005
  alopez: 10/4/2005
  terry: 9/12/2005
  alopez: 2/7/2005
  alopez: 8/6/2004
  carol: 7/1/2004
  joanna: 3/17/2004
  carol: 2/23/2004
  carol: 8/8/2003
  tkritzer: 7/17/2003
  carol: 6/5/2003
  terry: 6/5/2003
  terry: 6/3/2003
  carol: 3/5/2003
  cwells: 2/4/2003
  alopez: 1/29/2003
  alopez: 1/3/2003
  alopez: 10/31/2002
  tkritzer: 7/29/2002
  tkritzer: 7/26/2002
  alopez: 2/27/2002
  carol: 10/11/2001
  carol: 9/19/2001
  mcapotos: 9/18/2001
  mcapotos: 9/14/2001
  mgross: 7/26/2001
  mgross: 12/4/2000
  terry: 11/30/2000
  terry: 11/10/2000
  alopez: 8/23/1999
  terry: 8/10/1999
  alopez: 5/24/1999
  terry: 5/18/1999
  carol: 10/12/1998
  carol: 9/16/1998
  terry: 9/11/1998
  alopez: 7/6/1998
  terry: 6/30/1998
  terry: 5/29/1998
  terry: 9/16/1997
  terry: 9/10/1997
  jenny: 9/2/1997
  jenny: 5/28/1997
  alopez: 5/27/1997
  alopez: 5/20/1997
  terry: 5/16/1997
  mark: 3/27/1997
  mark: 3/6/1997
  mark: 2/2/1996
  terry: 1/25/1996
  mimadm: 4/18/1994
  carol: 3/28/1994
  carol: 12/22/1992
  carol: 12/14/1992
  carol: 6/11/1992
  carol: 5/5/1992
  
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