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Normal Function
The ARMC5 gene provides instructions for making a protein about which little is known. It is found mainly in the fluid surrounding the cell nucleus (cytoplasm), and studies suggest that its function depends on interacting with other proteins. It is thought to act as a tumor suppressor, which means that it helps to prevent cells from growing and dividing too rapidly or in an uncontrolled way.
Health Conditions Related to Genetic Changes
Primary macronodular adrenal hyperplasia
At least 24 mutations in the ARMC5 gene have been identified in people with primary macronodular adrenal hyperplasia (PMAH), a disorder that causes multiple lumps (nodules) to form in the adrenal glands, which are small hormone-producing glands located on top of each kidney. These nodules cause adrenal gland enlargement (hyperplasia) and result in production of higher-than-normal levels of the hormone cortisol. Cortisol normally helps maintain blood sugar (glucose) levels, protects the body from physical stress, and suppresses inflammation. Increased cortisol levels can lead to weight gain in the face and upper body, fragile skin, bone loss, fatigue, and other health problems, which often occur in people with PMAH.
People with PMAH caused by ARMC5 gene mutations inherit one copy of the mutated gene in each cell. However, the condition develops only when affected individuals acquire a second mutation in the other copy of the ARMC5 gene in certain cells of the adrenal glands. This second mutation is described as somatic. Instead of being passed from parent to child, somatic mutations are acquired during a person's lifetime and are present only in certain cells. Because somatic mutations are also required for PMAH to occur, some people who have inherited the altered ARMC5 gene never develop the condition, a situation known as reduced penetrance.
The ARMC5 gene mutations that cause PMAH are thought to impair the protein's tumor suppressor function, which allows the overgrowth of certain cells. It is unclear why this overgrowth is limited to the adrenal glands in people with PMAH.
More About This Health ConditionOther Names for This Gene
- FLJ13063
Additional Information & Resources
Tests Listed in the Genetic Testing Registry
Scientific Articles on PubMed
Catalog of Genes and Diseases from OMIM
References
- Alencar GA, Lerario AM, Nishi MY, Mariani BM, Almeida MQ, Tremblay J, Hamet P, Bourdeau I, Zerbini MC, Pereira MA, Gomes GC, Rocha Mde S, Chambo JL, Lacroix A, Mendonca BB, Fragoso MC. ARMC5 mutations are a frequent cause of primary macronodular adrenal Hyperplasia. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2014 Aug;99(8):E1501-9. doi: 10.1210/jc.2013-4237. Epub 2014 Apr 7. Citation on PubMed
- Assie G, Libe R, Espiard S, Rizk-Rabin M, Guimier A, Luscap W, Barreau O, Lefevre L, Sibony M, Guignat L, Rodriguez S, Perlemoine K, Rene-Corail F, Letourneur F, Trabulsi B, Poussier A, Chabbert-Buffet N, Borson-Chazot F, Groussin L, Bertagna X, Stratakis CA, Ragazzon B, Bertherat J. ARMC5 mutations in macronodular adrenal hyperplasia with Cushing's syndrome. N Engl J Med. 2013 Nov 28;369(22):2105-14. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa1304603. Citation on PubMed or Free article on PubMed Central
- De Venanzi A, Alencar GA, Bourdeau I, Fragoso MC, Lacroix A. Primary bilateral macronodular adrenal hyperplasia. Curr Opin Endocrinol Diabetes Obes. 2014 Jun;21(3):177-84. doi: 10.1097/MED.0000000000000061. Citation on PubMed
- Elbelt U, Trovato A, Kloth M, Gentz E, Finke R, Spranger J, Galas D, Weber S, Wolf C, Konig K, Arlt W, Buttner R, May P, Allolio B, Schneider JG. Molecular and clinical evidence for an ARMC5 tumor syndrome: concurrent inactivating germline and somatic mutations are associated with both primary macronodular adrenal hyperplasia and meningioma. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2015 Jan;100(1):E119-28. doi: 10.1210/jc.2014-2648. Citation on PubMed or Free article on PubMed Central
- Faucz FR, Zilbermint M, Lodish MB, Szarek E, Trivellin G, Sinaii N, Berthon A, Libe R, Assie G, Espiard S, Drougat L, Ragazzon B, Bertherat J, Stratakis CA. Macronodular adrenal hyperplasia due to mutations in an armadillo repeat containing 5 (ARMC5) gene: a clinical and genetic investigation. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2014 Jun;99(6):E1113-9. doi: 10.1210/jc.2013-4280. Epub 2014 Mar 6. Citation on PubMed or Free article on PubMed Central
- Gagliardi L, Schreiber AW, Hahn CN, Feng J, Cranston T, Boon H, Hotu C, Oftedal BE, Cutfield R, Adelson DL, Braund WJ, Gordon RD, Rees DA, Grossman AB, Torpy DJ, Scott HS. ARMC5 mutations are common in familial bilateral macronodular adrenal hyperplasia. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2014 Sep;99(9):E1784-92. doi: 10.1210/jc.2014-1265. Epub 2014 Jun 6. Citation on PubMed
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