Health Topics
Official websites use .gov
A
.gov website belongs to an official government
organization in the United States.
Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A
lock (
) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to
the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official,
secure websites.
Normal Function
The CLCF1 gene provides instructions for making a protein called cardiotrophin-like cytokine factor 1 (CLCF1). This protein partners with a similar protein called cytokine receptor-like factor 1 (CRLF1), which is produced from the CRLF1 gene. Together, these two proteins form a unit known as the CRLF1/CLCF1 protein complex. This complex attaches (binds) to a receptor protein known as the ciliary neurotrophic factor receptor (CNTFR) on the surface of many types of cells. When the CRLF1/CLCF1 protein complex is bound to CNTFR, it triggers signaling inside the cell that affects cell development and function.
The CNTFR signaling pathway is primarily involved in the development and maintenance of the nervous system. It promotes the survival of nerve cells (neurons), particularly nerve cells that control muscle movement (motor neurons). The CNTFR pathway also plays a role in a part of the nervous system called the sympathetic nervous system, specifically in the regulation of sweating in response to temperature changes and other factors. This signaling pathway appears to be critical for the normal development and maturation of nerve cells that control the activity of sweat glands.
Studies suggest that the CNTFR signaling pathway also has functions outside the nervous system. It may be involved in the body's inflammatory response, which helps fight infection and facilitate tissue repair following an injury. This pathway may also be important for the development and maintenance of bone tissue. However, little is known about the role of CNTFR signaling in these processes.
Health Conditions Related to Genetic Changes
Cold-induced sweating syndrome
At least four mutations in the CLCF1 gene have been reported to cause cold-induced sweating syndrome, a rare condition characterized by problems with regulating body temperature and other abnormalities affecting many parts of the body. When this condition is caused by CLCF1 gene mutations, it is known as CISS2.
Mutations in the CLCF1 gene lead to the production of a nonfunctional version of the CLCF1 protein. The defective protein is unable to interact with the CLRF1 protein and bind to CNTFR, which disables the CNTFR signaling pathway.
Researchers believe that a failure of CNTFR signaling underlies the major features of cold-induced sweating syndrome. A loss of this signaling pathway during sympathetic nervous system development may help explain the abnormal sweating that is characteristic of this condition, including unusual sweating patterns and related problems with body temperature regulation. The CNTFR pathway's involvement in motor neuron development and bone development provides clues to some of the other signs and symptoms of the disorder, including distinctive facial features, facial muscle weakness, and skeletal abnormalities. However, little is known about how a lack of CNTFR signaling leads to these varied features.
More About This Health ConditionOther Names for This Gene
- B-cell stimulating factor 3
- B-cell stimulatory factor 3
- BSF-3
- BSF3
- cardiotrophin-like cytokine
- cardiotrophin-like cytokine factor 1
- CISS2
- CLC
- CLCF1_HUMAN
- CRLF1 associated cytokine-like factor 1
- neurotrophin-1/B-cell stimulating factor-3
- NNT-1
- NNT-1/BSF-3
- NNT1
- novel neurotrophin-1
- NR6
Additional Information & Resources
Tests Listed in the Genetic Testing Registry
Scientific Articles on PubMed
Catalog of Genes and Diseases from OMIM
References
- Hahn AF, Jones DL, Knappskog PM, Boman H, McLeod JG. Cold-induced sweating syndrome: a report of two cases and demonstration of genetic heterogeneity. J Neurol Sci. 2006 Dec 1;250(1-2):62-70. doi: 10.1016/j.jns.2006.07.001. Epub 2006 Sep 6. Citation on PubMed
- Hahn AF, Waaler PE, Kvistad PH, Bamforth JS, Miles JH, McLeod JG, Knappskog PM, Boman H. Cold-induced sweating syndrome: CISS1 and CISS2: manifestations from infancy to adulthood. Four new cases. J Neurol Sci. 2010 Jun 15;293(1-2):68-75. doi: 10.1016/j.jns.2010.02.028. Epub 2010 Apr 18. Citation on PubMed
- Rousseau F, Gauchat JF, McLeod JG, Chevalier S, Guillet C, Guilhot F, Cognet I, Froger J, Hahn AF, Knappskog PM, Gascan H, Boman H. Inactivation of cardiotrophin-like cytokine, a second ligand for ciliary neurotrophic factor receptor, leads to cold-induced sweating syndrome in a patient. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2006 Jun 27;103(26):10068-73. doi: 10.1073/pnas.0509598103. Epub 2006 Jun 16. Citation on PubMed or Free article on PubMed Central
- Senaldi G, Varnum BC, Sarmiento U, Starnes C, Lile J, Scully S, Guo J, Elliott G, McNinch J, Shaklee CL, Freeman D, Manu F, Simonet WS, Boone T, Chang MS. Novel neurotrophin-1/B cell-stimulating factor-3: a cytokine of the IL-6 family. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 1999 Sep 28;96(20):11458-63. doi: 10.1073/pnas.96.20.11458. Citation on PubMed or Free article on PubMed Central
- Shi Y, Wang W, Yourey PA, Gohari S, Zukauskas D, Zhang J, Ruben S, Alderson RF. Computational EST database analysis identifies a novel member of the neuropoietic cytokine family. Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 1999 Aug 19;262(1):132-8. doi: 10.1006/bbrc.1999.1181. Citation on PubMed
- Vlotides G, Zitzmann K, Stalla GK, Auernhammer CJ. Novel neurotrophin-1/B cell-stimulating factor-3 (NNT-1/BSF-3)/cardiotrophin-like cytokine (CLC)--a novel gp130 cytokine with pleiotropic functions. Cytokine Growth Factor Rev. 2004 Oct;15(5):325-36. doi: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2004.04.002. Citation on PubMed
The information on this site should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice. Contact a health care provider if you have questions about your health.