Reviewed November 2008
What is the official name of the DHH gene?
The official name of this gene is “desert hedgehog homolog (Drosophila).”
DHH is the gene's official symbol. The DHH gene is also known by other names, listed below.
What is the normal function of the DHH gene?
The DHH gene provides instructions for making a member of the hedgehog protein family. Hedgehog proteins are important for early development in many parts of the body. The protein produced from the DHH gene is believed to be involved in male sexual development and in the formation of the perineurium, the protective membrane around each bundle of fibers within a nerve.
How are changes in the DHH gene related to health conditions?
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Swyer syndrome - caused by mutations in the DHH gene
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DHH gene mutations have been identified in a small number of people with Swyer syndrome, also known as 46,XY complete or pure gonadal dysgenesis. Affected individuals have two mutated copies of the DHH gene in each cell.
People normally have 46 chromosomes in each cell. Two of the 46 chromosomes, known as X and Y, are called sex chromosomes because they help determine whether a person will develop male or female sex characteristics. Females typically have two X chromosomes (46,XX), and males ordinarily have one X chromosome and one Y chromosome (46,XY).
Mutations in the DHH gene in people with Swyer syndrome impair the process of male sexual differentiation, causing affected individuals to develop a female appearance despite having the chromosome pattern typical of males.
- other disorders - caused by mutations in the DHH gene
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DHH mutations have been identified in people with 46,XY disorder of sex development, also known as partial gonadal dysgenesis. These individuals have one mutated DHH gene in each cell. They may have external genitalia that do not look clearly male or clearly female (ambiguous genitalia) or other abnormalities of the genitals and reproductive organs. In addition to partial or complete gonadal dysgenesis, some people with DHH mutations also have nerve abnormalities. These abnormalities affect nerves connecting the brain and spinal cord to muscles and sensory cells that detect sensations such as touch, pain, heat, and sound (the peripheral nervous system). Affected individuals may experience weakness and loss of sensation in their extremities.
Where is the DHH gene located?
Cytogenetic Location: 12q12-q13.1
Molecular Location on chromosome 12: base pairs 47,769,470 to 47,774,868
The DHH gene is located on the long (q) arm of chromosome 12 between positions 12 and 13.1.
More precisely, the DHH gene is located from base pair 47,769,470 to base pair 47,774,868 on chromosome 12.
See How do geneticists indicate the location of a gene? in the Handbook.
Where can I find additional information about DHH?
You and your healthcare professional may find the following resources about DHH helpful.
- Educational resources - Information pages
- Gene Reviews - Clinical summary
- Gene Tests - DNA tests ordered by healthcare professionals
You may also be interested in these resources, which are designed for genetics professionals and researchers.
- PubMed - Recent literature
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OMIM - Genetic disorder catalog (3 links)
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What other names do people use for the DHH gene or gene products?
- desert hedgehog
- DHH_HUMAN
- HHG-3
- MGC35145
Where can I find general information about genes?
The Handbook provides basic information about genetics in clear language.
These links provide additional genetics resources that may be useful.
What glossary definitions help with understanding DHH?
The resources on this site should not be used as a substitute for
professional medical care or advice. Users seeking information about
a personal genetic disease, syndrome, or condition should consult with a qualified
healthcare professional.
See How can I find a genetics professional in my area? in the Handbook.