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Normal Function
The DOCK6 gene provides instructions for making a protein known as a guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF). GEFs turn on (activate) proteins called GTPases, which play an important role in chemical signaling within cells. Often referred to as molecular switches, GTPases can be turned on and off. GTPases are turned off (inactivated) when they are attached (bound) to a molecule called GDP and are activated when they are bound to another molecule called GTP. The DOCK6 protein activates GTPases known as Cdc42 and Rac1 by exchanging GTP for the attached GDP. Once Cdc42 and Rac1 are active, they transmit signals that are critical for various aspects of embryonic development. The DOCK6 protein appears to regulate these GTPases specifically during development of the limbs, skull, and heart. DOCK6 also plays a role in the development of fibers (axons) that extend from nerve cells.
Health Conditions Related to Genetic Changes
Adams-Oliver syndrome
Mutations in the DOCK6 gene cause Adams-Oliver syndrome, a condition characterized by areas of missing skin (aplasia cutis congenita), usually on the scalp, and malformations of the hands and feet. Neurological abnormalities, such as brain or eye malformations and intellectual disability, are more common in DOCK6-related Adams-Oliver syndrome than in cases associated with other genes. Most DOCK6 gene mutations involved in this condition lead to production of an abnormally short DOCK6 protein that is likely unable to function. Other mutations change single protein building blocks (amino acids) in the DOCK6 protein, which impairs the protein's normal function. The inability of DOCK6 to turn on Cdc42 or Rac1 leads to a reduction in their signaling, which impairs proper development of certain tissues, including the skin on the top of the head and the bones in the hands and feet.
More About This Health ConditionOther Names for This Gene
- AOS2
- dedicator of cytokinesis protein 6
- DOCK6_HUMAN
- KIAA1395
- ZIR1
Additional Information & Resources
Tests Listed in the Genetic Testing Registry
Scientific Articles on PubMed
Catalog of Genes and Diseases from OMIM
References
- Miyamoto Y, Torii T, Yamamori N, Ogata T, Tanoue A, Yamauchi J. Akt and PP2A reciprocally regulate the guanine nucleotide exchange factor Dock6 to control axon growth of sensory neurons. Sci Signal. 2013 Mar 5;6(265):ra15. doi: 10.1126/scisignal.2003661. Citation on PubMed
- Miyamoto Y, Yamauchi J, Sanbe A, Tanoue A. Dock6, a Dock-C subfamily guanine nucleotide exchanger, has the dual specificity for Rac1 and Cdc42 and regulates neurite outgrowth. Exp Cell Res. 2007 Feb 15;313(4):791-804. doi: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2006.11.017. Epub 2006 Dec 6. Citation on PubMed
- Raftopoulou M, Hall A. Cell migration: Rho GTPases lead the way. Dev Biol. 2004 Jan 1;265(1):23-32. doi: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2003.06.003. Citation on PubMed
- Shaheen R, Faqeih E, Sunker A, Morsy H, Al-Sheddi T, Shamseldin HE, Adly N, Hashem M, Alkuraya FS. Recessive mutations in DOCK6, encoding the guanidine nucleotide exchange factor DOCK6, lead to abnormal actin cytoskeleton organization and Adams-Oliver syndrome. Am J Hum Genet. 2011 Aug 12;89(2):328-33. doi: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2011.07.009. Epub 2011 Aug 4. Citation on PubMed or Free article on PubMed Central
- Sukalo M, Tilsen F, Kayserili H, Muller D, Tuysuz B, Ruddy DM, Wakeling E, Orstavik KH, Snape KM, Trembath R, De Smedt M, van der Aa N, Skalej M, Mundlos S, Wuyts W, Southgate L, Zenker M. DOCK6 mutations are responsible for a distinct autosomal-recessive variant of Adams-Oliver syndrome associated with brain and eye anomalies. Hum Mutat. 2015 Jun;36(6):593-8. doi: 10.1002/humu.22795. Epub 2015 Apr 21. Citation on PubMed
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