PAX 8 Gene

The official name of PAX8 gene is “paired box 8". The PAX8 gene belongs to a family of genes that plays a critical role in the formation of tissues and organs during embryonic development. The PAX gene family is also important for maintaining the normal function of certain cells after birth. To carry out these roles, the PAX genes provide instructions for making proteins that attach to specific areas of DNA. By attaching to critical DNA regions, these proteins help control the activity of particular genes (gene expression). On the basis of this action, PAX proteins are called transcription factors.

During embryonic development, the PAX8 protein is thought to activate genes involved in the formation of the kidney and the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped tissue in the lower neck. It releases hormones that play an important role in regulating growth, brain development, and the rate of chemical reactions in the body (metabolism). Following birth, the PAX8 protein regulates several genes involved in the production of thyroid hormones.

PAX8 protein


 

Location:

PAX8 Gene is present in human chromosome 2 and its coded from region113,691,409 to 113,752,967 Complement base pairs with 9 exons, the cytogenetic location 2q12-q14.

Disease

Mutations in PAX8 gene causes congenital hypothyroidism.Several PAX8 mutations have been identified, but the effect of these mutations on health is variable. Some mutations cause congenital hypothyroidism, while others mildly reduce thyroid hormone levels or have no detectable effect. In some cases, identical mutations in members of the same family have varied effects.

Watch the latest videos on YouTube.com

Most mutations change one of the building blocks (amino acids) used to make the PAX8 protein. Other mutations disrupt protein production, resulting in an abnormally small version of the PAX8 protein. Nearly all PAX8 mutations prevent the PAX8 protein from effectively binding to DNA. One mutation alters interactions between the PAX8 protein and other transcription factors. As a result, the PAX8 protein cannot perform its role in regulating the activity of certain genes.

The thyroid gland is unusually small in people with PAX8 mutations. This finding suggests that PAX8 mutations disrupt the normal growth or survival of thyroid cells during embryonic development. As a result, the thyroid gland is reduced in size and may be unable to produce the normal amount of thyroid hormones.

PAX3 gene

The official name of PAX3 gene is “paired box 3". The PAX3 gene belongs to a family of genes that plays a critical role in the formation of tissues and organs during embryonic development. The PAX gene family is also important for maintaining the normal function of certain cells after birth. To carry out these roles, the PAX genes provide instructions for making proteins that attach to specific areas of DNA. By attaching to critical DNA regions, these proteins help control the activity of particular genes. On the basis of this action, PAX proteins are called transcription factors.

During embryonic development, the PAX3 gene is active in cells called neural crest cells. These cells migrate from the developing spinal cord to specific regions in the embryo. The protein made by the PAX3 gene directs the activity of other genes (such as MITF) that signal neural crest cells to form specialized tissues or cell types such as limb muscles, bones in the face and skull (craniofacial bones), some nerve tissue, and pigment-producing cells called melanocytes. Melanocytes produce the pigment melanin, which contributes to hair, eye, and skin color. Melanocytes are also found in certain regions of the brain and inner ear.

Location:

PAX3 Gene is present in human chromosome 2 and its coded from region 222,772,850 to 222,871,943 Complement base pairs with 9  exons, the cytogenetic location 2q35-q37.

PAX3 Protein

  Subscribe in a reader


Disease

Mutations in PAX3  gene causes Waardenburg syndrome   Several PAX3 mutations have been identified in people with Waardenburg syndrome, types I and III. Some of these mutations change one of the chemical building blocks (amino acids) used to make the PAX3 protein. Other mutations lead to an abnormally small version of the PAX3 protein. Researchers believe that all PAX3 mutations have the same effect; they destroy the ability of the PAX3 protein to bind to DNA and regulate the activity of other genes. As a result, melanocytes do not develop in certain areas of the skin, hair, eyes, and inner ear, leading to hearing loss and the patchy loss of pigmentation that are characteristic features of Waardenburg syndrome. Additionally, loss of PAX3 protein function disrupts development of craniofacial bones and certain muscles, producing the limb and facial features that are unique to Waardenburg syndrome, types I and III.

    Alterations in the activity of the PAX3 gene are associated with some cases of cancer of muscle tissue (alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma) that occur mainly in adolescents and young adults. Gene activity is altered when the PAX3 gene on chromosome 2 is fused with the FOXO1A gene (also called FKHR) on chromosome 13. This fusion event occurs when segments of chromosomes 2 and 13 are rearranged in certain cells that develop into muscle tissue. The fused PAX3-FOXO1A gene may enhance changes that can lead to cancer, such as uncontrolled cell division and cell growth.

# Arnold K., Bordoli L., Kopp J., and Schwede T. (2006). The SWISS-MODEL Workspace: A web-based environment for protein structure homology modelling. Bioinformatics, 22,195-201.
# Schwede T, Kopp J, Guex N, and Peitsch MC (2003) SWISS-MODEL: an automated protein homology-modeling server. Nucleic Acids Research 31: 3381-3385.

# Guex, N. and Peitsch, M. C. (1997) SWISS-MODEL and the Swiss-PdbViewer: An environment for comparative protein modelling. Electrophoresis 18: 2714-2723.

OTOF Gene

The official name of OTOF gene is “otoferlin". The OTOF gene provides instructions for making a protein called otoferlin. This protein is present in the brain and the cochlea, which is a snail-shaped structure in the inner ear that helps process sound. Although the exact function of otoferlin is uncertain, it appears to be essential for normal hearing. Researchers believe that otoferlin may play a role in releasing chemical signals (neurotransmitters) from nerve cells that are involved in hearing. This process is dependent on the concentration of calcium within the cell. The otoferlin protein has several regions called C2 domains that bind to calcium and use it to interact with other molecules.

Location:

OTOF Gene is present in human chromosome 2 and its coded from region 26,533,574 to 26,635,069 base pairs with 47 exons, the cytogenetic location 2p23.1.

Disease

Mutations in OTOF gene causes  nonsyndromic deafness     At least 16 mutations in the OTOF gene have been identified in people with a form of nonsyndromic deafness (hearing loss without related signs and symptoms affecting other parts of the body) called DFNB9. People with these mutations have a type of hearing loss called auditory neuropathy, which occurs when sound is not transmitted properly from the inner ear to the brain.

    Some mutations in the OTOF gene result in the production of an abnormally small, nonfunctional version of otoferlin or prevent cells from making any of this protein. Other genetic changes probably alter the 3-dimensional structure of otoferlin, which impairs its ability to bind to calcium.

    A particular OTOF mutation is a common cause of nonsyndromic deafness in the Spanish population. This mutation replaces one amino acid building block, glutamine, with a signal that stops protein production prematurely at position 829 in the otoferlin protein (written as Gln829Ter or Q829X). The Q829X mutation causes an abnormally short version of otoferlin to be made, which disrupts the protein's function and leads to hearing loss.

NR4A2 gene

The official name of NR4A2 gene is “nuclear receptor subfamily 4, group A, member 2". The MSH6 gene provides instructions for making a member of steroid-thyroid hormone-retinoid receptor superfamily. that may plays a role as a Trascription factor. This protein found in the brain and the adrenal gland (the hormone-producing gland located on top of each kidney). In the brain, the NR4A2 protein plays a key role in prompting certain nerve cells to specialize (differentiate) and produce a chemical messenger called dopamine. Dopamine transmits messages that help the brain control physical movement and emotional behavior.

NR4A2 prot direct interactions

image coursey: Oliver Brun
Location:

NR4A2 gene is present in human chromosome 2 and its coded from region 156,889,194 to 156,897,445 base pairs with 8 exons, the cytogenetic location 2q22-q23.

Disease

Mutations in this gene have been associated with disorders related to dopaminergic dysfunction, including Parkinson disease, schizophernia, and manic depression. Misregulation of this gene may be associated with rheumatoid arthritis. Alternatively spliced transcript variants have been described, but their biological validity has not been determined.

MSH6 Gene

The official name of MSH2 gene is “mutS homolog 6 (E. coli)". The MSH6 gene provides instructions for making a protein that plays an essential role in repairing DNA. This protein fixes mistakes that are made when DNA is copied (DNA replication) in preparation for cell division. The MSH6 protein joins with another protein, the MSH2 protein, to form an active protein complex. This active protein complex identifies places on the DNA where mistakes have been made during DNA replication. Another group of proteins, the MLH1-PMS2 protein complex, then takes over to help with the actual repair. The MSH6 gene is a member of a set of genes known as the mismatch repair (MMR) genes.

Location:

MSH2 gene is present in human chromosome 2 and its coded from region 47,863,789 to 47,887,595 base pairs with 16 exons, the cytogenetic location 2p16.

Disease

Mutations in the MSH6 gene have been reported in about 10 percent of families with Lynch syndrome that have an identified gene mutation. All of these mutations cause the production of an abnormally short, nonfunctional MSH6 protein or a partially active version of the protein. When the MSH6 protein is absent or ineffective, the number of mistakes that are left unrepaired during cell division increases substantially. If the cells continue to divide, errors accumulate in DNA; the cells become unable to function properly and may form a tumor in the colon or another part of the body. People with mutations in the MSH6 gene also have an increased risk of developing cancers of the ovary, stomach, small intestine, liver, gallbladder duct, upper urinary tract, brain, and skin.

MSH2 Gene

The official name of MSH2 gene is “mutS homolog 2, colon cancer, nonpolyposis type 1 (E. coli)". TThe MSH2 gene provides instructions for making a protein that plays an essential role in DNA repair. This protein fixes mistakes that are made when DNA is copied (DNA replication) in preparation for cell division. The MSH2 protein joins with one of two other proteins, the MSH6 protein or the MSH3 protein, to form an active protein complex. This active protein complex identifies places on the DNA where mistakes have been made during DNA replication. Another group of proteins, the MLH1-PMS2 protein complex, then takes over to help with the actual repair. The MSH2 gene is a member of a set of genes known as the mismatch repair (MMR) genes.

Location:

MSH2 gene is present in human chromosome 2 and its coded from region 47,483,766 to 47,563,863 base pairs with 16 exons, the cytogenetic location 2p22-p21.

Disease

Mutations in this gene causes increases the risk of Lynch syndrome, About 40 percent of all cases of Lynch syndrome with an identified gene mutation are associated with mutations in the MSH2 gene. Several hundred MSH2 mutations that predispose people to colorectal cancer and other HNPCC-associated cancers have been found. These mutations may cause the production of an abnormally short or inactivated MSH2 protein that cannot perform its normal function. When the MSH2 protein is absent or ineffective, the number of mistakes that are left unrepaired during cell division increases substantially. If the cells continue to divide, errors accumulate in DNA; the cells become unable to function properly and may form a tumor in the colon or another part of the body. People with mutations in the MSH2 gene have an increased risk of developing several other types of cancer, including cancers of the endometrium (lining of the uterus), ovary, stomach, small intestine, liver, gallbladder duct, upper urinary tract, brain, and skin. Some mutations in the MSH2 gene increase the likelihood of several uncommon skin tumors occurring in addition to colorectal cancer, a combination called Muir-Torre syndrome. These rare skin tumors include sebaceous adenomas and carcinomas, which occur in skin glands (sebaceous glands) that produce an oily substance called sebum. Multiple, rapidly growing skin tumors called keratoacanthomas may also occur, usually on sun-exposed areas.

HADHB Gene

The official name of HADHB gene is hydroxyacyl-Coenzyme A dehydrogenase/3-ketoacyl-Coenzyme. The HADHB gene provides instructions for making part of an enzyme complex called mitochondrial trifunctional protein. This enzyme complex functions in mitochondria, the energy-producing centers within cells. It is found in the mitochondrimitochondrial trifunctional proteina of several tissues, particularly the heart, liver, muscles, and the part of the eye that detects light and color (the retina).Mitochondrial trifunctional protein is required to break down (metabolize) a group of fats called long-chain fatty acids. Long-chain fatty acids are found in foods such as milk and certain oils, and they are also stored in the body's fat tissues. Mitochondrial trifunctional protein is essential for converting long-chain fatty acids to the major source of energy used by the heart and muscles. During periods without food (fasting), this energy source is also important for the liver and other tissues.

Function:

As the name suggests, mitochondrial trifunctional protein performs three functions. It has three enzyme activities that are essential for fatty acid oxidation, which is the multistep process that metabolizes fats and converts them to energy. The beta subunit performs one of the enzyme activities, known as long-chain 3-keto-acyl-coenzyme A thiolase. The alpha subunit carries out the other two enzyme activities.

Location:

HADHA gene is present in human chromosome 2 and its coded from region 26321120 to 26366837 base pairs with 20 exons, the cytogenetic location 2p23.

Disease

Mutations in this gene causes mitochondrial trifunctional protein deficiency.

In mitochondrial trifunctional protein deficiency Researchers have identified at least 20 HADHB gene mutations that reduce all three enzyme activities of mitochondrial trifunctional protein. Most mutations change one of the building blocks (amino acids) used to make the protein's beta subunit. A change in amino acids probably alters the subunit's structure, which disrupts all three activities of the enzyme complex. Some mutations produce abnormally small, unstable beta subunits, which leads to a decreased amount of mitochondrial trifunctional protein. With a loss of mitochondrial trifunctional protein activity, long-chain fatty acids cannot be metabolized and processed. As a result, these fatty acids are not converted to energy, which can lead to the characteristic features of this disorder, such as lethargy and low blood sugar. Long-chain fatty acids or partially metabolized fatty acids may build up in tissues and damage the liver, heart, and muscles, causing more serious complications.

COL4A3 Gene

The official name of COL4A3 gene is collagen, type IV, alpha 3 (Goodpasture antigen). COL4A3 gene provides instructions for making one component of type IV collagen. which is a flexible protein that forms complex networks. Specifically, this gene makes the alpha3(IV) chain of type IV collagen. This chain combines with two other types of alpha (IV) chains (the alpha4 and alpha5 chains) to make a complete collagen molecule. Type IV collagen networks make up a large portion of basement membranes, which are thin sheet-like structures that separate and support cells in many tissues. This specific type IV collagen network plays an especially important role in the basement membranes of the kidney, inner ear, and eye.

Function:

Type IV collagen, the major structural component of basement membranes, is a multimeric protein composed of 3 alpha subunits. These subunits are encoded by 6 different genes, alpha 1 through alpha 6, each of which can form a triple helix structure with 2 other subunits to form type IV collagen. This gene encodes alpha 3.In the Goodpasture syndrome, autoantibodies bind to the collagen molecules in the basement membranes of alveoli and glomeruli. The epitopes that elicit these autoantibodies are localized largely to the non-collagenous C-terminal domain of the protein.

Collagen

Location:

COL4A3 gene is present in human chromosome 2 and its coded from region 227,737,524 to base pair 227,887,750 with 52 exons, the cytogenetic location 2q36-q37

Disease

Mutations in this gene causes Alport syndrome,The autosomal recessive form of Alport syndrome results when two copies of the COL4A3 gene in each cell are mutated. Most of the mutations identified in this gene cause a change in the sequence of amino acids (the building blocks of proteins) in a region of the alpha3(IV) collagen chain that is critical for combining with other type IV collagen chains. Other mutations severely decrease or prevent the production of any alpha3(IV) chains in the basement membranes of the kidney, inner ear and eye. In the kidney, other types of collagen accumulate in the basement membranes, eventually leading to scarring of the kidneys and kidney failure. Mutations in this gene can also lead to abnormal function in the inner ear, resulting in hearing loss.

BMPR2 gene

The official name of BMPR2 gene is bone morphogenetic protein receptor, type II (serine/threonine kinase).The BMPR2 gene provides instructions for making a protein called bone morphogenetic protein receptor. Bone morphogenetic protein receptor, type II spans the cell membrane, so that one end of the protein is on the outer surface of the cell and the other end remains inside the cell. This arrangement allows the protein to receive and transmit signals that help the cell respond to its environment by growing and dividing (cell proliferation) or by undergoing controlled cell death (apoptosis). This balance of cell proliferation and cell death regulates the number of cells in tissues.

Function:

On ligand binding, forms a receptor complex consisting of two type II and two type I transmembrane serine/threonine kinases. Type II receptors phosphorylate and activate type I receptors which autophosphorylate, then bind and activate SMAD transcriptional regulators. Binds to BMP-7, BMP-2 and, less efficiently, BMP-4. Binding is weak but enhanced by the presence of type I receptors for BMPs

Location:

BMPR gene is present in human chromosome 2 and its coded from region 202,949,916 to 203,140,719 with 13 exons, the cytogenetic location 2q33-q34

Disease

Mutations in this gene have been associated with primary pulmonary hypertension, both familial and fenfluramine-associated, and with pulmonary venoocclusive disease.Researchers have identified more than 140 BMPR2 mutations that cause pulmonary arterial hypertension. About half of these mutations disrupt the assembly of bone morphogenetic protein receptor, type II, reducing the amount of this protein in cells. Other mutations prevent bone morphogenetic protein receptor, type II from reaching the cell surface, or alter its structure so it cannot receive or transmit signals.

It remains unclear how BMPR2 mutations cause pulmonary arterial hypertension. Researchers suggest that a mutation in this gene promotes cell proliferation or prevents cell death, resulting in an overgrowth of cells in the smallest arteries throughout the lungs. As a result, these arteries narrow in diameter, which increases the resistance to blood flow through the lungs. To overcome the increased resistance, pressure increases in the pulmonary artery and in the heart chamber that pumps blood into the pulmonary artery (the right ventricle). Signs and symptoms of pulmonary arterial hypertension occur when increased pressure cannot fully overcome the elevated resistance and blood flow to the body is insufficient.

ALS2 Gene

The official name of ALS2 gene is amyotrophic lateral sclerosis 2 (juvenile)..The ALS2 gene provides instructions for making a protein called alsin. Alsin is produced in a wide range of tissues, with highest amounts in the brain. It is particularly abundant in motor neurons, the specialized nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord that control the movement of muscles.

Alsin's function in cells is unclear. It may play a role in regulating cell membrane organization and the movement of molecules inside cells. Research findings also suggest that alsin may play a role in the development of axons and dendrites, which are specialized outgrowths from nerve cells that are essential for the transmission of nerve impulses.

Location:

ALS2 gene is present in human chromosome 2 and ts coded from region 202,273,521 to 202,353,982 with 34 exons, the cytogenetic location 2q33.2

Disease

Mutation in the ALS2 Gene causes Amyotrophic lateral Sclerosis(ALS),infantile-onset ascending hereditary spastic paralysis ,juvenile primary lateral sclerosis.In all three disease mutations delete a single DNA building block (nucleotide), which alters the instructions for producing alsin. As a result, alsin is unstable and decays rapidly.

ALMS1 Gene

The official name of ALMS1 gene is Alstrom syndrome 1.The ALMS1 gene provides instructions for making a protein whose function is unknown. Researchers believe that the protein may play a role in hearing, vision, regulation of body weight, and functions of the heart, kidney, lungs, and liver. It may also affect how the pancreas regulates insulin, a hormone that helps control blood sugar levels.

The ALMS1 protein is present in most of the body's tissues, usually at low levels. Within cells, this protein is located in structures called centrosomes. Centrosomes play a role in cell division and the assembly of microtubules, which are proteins that transport materials in cells and help the cell maintain its shape. The ALMS1 protein is also found at the base of cilia, which are finger-like projections that stick out from the surface of cells. Almost all cells have cilia at some stage of their life cycle. Cilia are involved in cell movement and many different chemical signaling pathways. Based on its location within cells, researchers suggest that the ALMS1 protein might be involved in the organization of microtubules, the transport of various materials, and the normal function of cilia.

Location:

ALMS1 gene is present in human chromosome 2 and ts coded from region 73,466,393 to 73,690,553 with 23 exons, the cytogenetic location 2p13

Disease

Mutation in the ALMS1 Gene causes Alström syndrome. Most of these mutations lead to the production of an abnormally small version of the ALMS1 protein that does not function properly. Researchers propose that a lack of normal ALMS1 function in the brain could lead to overeating. A loss of this protein in the pancreas may cause insulin resistance, a condition in which the body cannot use insulin properly. The combined effects of overeating and insulin resistance impair the body's ability to handle excess sugar, leading to diabetes and obesity (two common features of Alström syndrome). It is unclear how ALMS1 mutations cause the other signs and symptoms of Alström syndrome. Researchers suspect that this condition is associated with malfunctioning cilia in many of the body's tissues and organs.

ABCG8 Gene

The official name of ABCG8 is ATP-binding cassette, sub-family G (WHITE), member 8 (sterolin 2).The ABCG8 gene provides instructions for making a Sterolin-2 protein.Sterolin-1 and –2 are two ‘half’ adenosine triphosphate binding (ATP) cassette (ABC) transporters which found to be indispensable for the regulation of sterol absorption and excretion.The protein encoded by this gene is a member of the superfamily of ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters. ABC proteins transport various molecules across extra- and intra-cellular membranes. ABC genes are divided into seven distinct subfamilies (ABC1, MDR/TAP, MRP, ALD, OABP, GCN20, White). This protein is a member of the White subfamily. The protein encoded by this gene functions to exclude non-cholesterol sterol entry at the intestinal level, promote excretion of cholesterol and sterols into bile, and to facilitate transport of sterols back into the intestinal lumen. It is expressed in a tissue-specific manner in the liver, intestine, and gallbladder. This gene is tandemly arrayed on chromosome 2, in a head-to-head orientation with family member ABCG5.

Location:

ABCG5 gene is present in human chromosome 2 and ts coded from region 43919607 to 43959109 complement with 13 exons, the cytogenetic location 2p21.

Disease

Mutations in both alleles of either ABCG5 or ABCG8 in the human results in sitosterolemia. Sitosterolemia (also known as phytosterolemia) is a rare autosomal recessively inherited lipid metabolic disorder characterized by the presence of tendon xanthomas, premature coronary artery disease and atherosclerotic disease, hemolytic episodes, arthralgias and arthritis. The hallmark of sitosterolemia is diagnostically elevated levels of plant sterols in the plasma.

ABCA12 Gene

The official name of ABCA12 is ATP-binding cassette, sub-family A (ABC1), member 12.The USH2A gene provides instructions for making a protein called ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter. ABC proteins transport various molecules across extra- and intracellular membranes. ABC genes are divided into seven distinct subfamilies (ABC1, MDR/TAP, MRP, ALD, OABP, GCN20, and White). This encoded protein is a member of the ABC1 subfamily, which is the only major ABC subfamily found exclusively in multicellular eukaryotes. Alternative splicing of this gene results in multiple transcript variants.

Location:

USH2A gene is present in human chromosome 2 and ts coded from region 215504511 to 215711396 complement with 53 exons, the cytogenetic location 2q34.

Disease

Mutations iin the ABCA12 gene have been identified in people with harlequin ichthyosis. Harlequin ichthyosis is a severe genetic disorder that mainly affects the skin. Infants with this condition are born with very hard, thick skin covering most of their bodies. The skin forms large, diamond-shaped plates that are separated by deep cracks (fissures). These skin abnormalities affect the shape of the eyelids, nose, mouth, and ears, and limit movement of the arms and legs. Restricted movement of the chest can lead to breathing difficulties and respiratory failure.ABCA12 gene mutations probably lead to an absence of ABCA12 protein or the production of an extremely small version of the protein that cannot transport lipids properly. A lack of lipid transport causes numerous problems with the development of the epidermis before and after birth. Specifically, it prevents the skin from forming an effective barrier against fluid loss (dehydration) and infections, and leads to the formation of hard, thick scales characteristic of harlequin ichthyosis.

The below Video is in very disturbing.I added this video only to show how cruel this disorder is.