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Normal Function
The EMD gene provides instructions for making a protein called emerin. Although this protein is produced in many tissues, it appears to be particularly important for the normal function of muscles used for movement (skeletal muscles) and the heart (cardiac muscle).
Within cells, emerin is a component of the nuclear envelope. The nuclear envelope is a structure that surrounds the nucleus, acting as a barrier between the nucleus and the surrounding fluid (cytoplasm) inside the cell. The nuclear envelope has several functions, including regulating the movement of molecules into and out of the nucleus.
Emerin interacts with several other proteins on the inner surface of the nuclear envelope. Together, these proteins are involved in regulating the activity of certain genes, controlling cell division and chemical signaling, and maintaining the structure and stability of the nucleus. Emerin and related proteins also play a role in assembling the nucleus during the process of cell division.
Health Conditions Related to Genetic Changes
Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy
More than 100 mutations in the EMD gene have been reported in people with Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy. This condition affects skeletal and cardiac muscle, causing joint deformities called contractures, which restrict the movement of certain joints; muscle weakness and wasting that worsen over time; and heart problems, including an increased risk of sudden death.
Almost all of the EMD gene mutations prevent cells from producing any emerin protein. Researchers have not determined how a lack of this protein leads to the skeletal and cardiac muscle abnormalities characteristic of Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy. Studies suggest, however, that an absence of emerin could disrupt the functions of other proteins in the nuclear envelope. These changes may alter the activity of certain genes or weaken the structure of the nucleus, making cells more fragile.
In rare cases, Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy results from EMD mutations that change a single building block (amino acid) in the emerin protein. These mutations lead to the production of an abnormal version of emerin that is unable to interact with other proteins or cannot be correctly inserted into the nuclear envelope. This type of mutation may be responsible for some cases of Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy with unusually mild signs and symptoms.
More About This Health ConditionOther Names for This Gene
- EMD_HUMAN
- emerin (Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy)
- STA
Additional Information & Resources
Tests Listed in the Genetic Testing Registry
Scientific Articles on PubMed
Catalog of Genes and Diseases from OMIM
References
- Bengtsson L, Wilson KL. Multiple and surprising new functions for emerin, a nuclear membrane protein. Curr Opin Cell Biol. 2004 Feb;16(1):73-9. doi: 10.1016/j.ceb.2003.11.012. Citation on PubMed
- Berk JM, Tifft KE, Wilson KL. The nuclear envelope LEM-domain protein emerin. Nucleus. 2013 Jul-Aug;4(4):298-314. doi: 10.4161/nucl.25751. Epub 2013 Jul 17. Citation on PubMed or Free article on PubMed Central
- Bonne G, Leturcq F, Ben Yaou R. Emery-Dreifuss Muscular Dystrophy. 2004 Sep 29 [updated 2019 Aug 15]. In: Adam MP, Feldman J, Mirzaa GM, Pagon RA, Wallace SE, Amemiya A, editors. GeneReviews(R) [Internet]. Seattle (WA): University of Washington, Seattle; 1993-2025. Available from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK1436/ Citation on PubMed
- Fairley EA, Kendrick-Jones J, Ellis JA. The Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy phenotype arises from aberrant targeting and binding of emerin at the inner nuclear membrane. J Cell Sci. 1999 Aug;112 ( Pt 15):2571-82. doi: 10.1242/jcs.112.15.2571. Citation on PubMed
- Koch AJ, Holaska JM. Emerin in health and disease. Semin Cell Dev Biol. 2014 May;29:95-106. doi: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2013.12.008. Epub 2013 Dec 21. Citation on PubMed or Free article on PubMed Central
- Wilson KL, Holaska JM, Montes de Oca R, Tifft K, Zastrow M, Segura-Totten M, Mansharamani M, Bengtsson L. Nuclear membrane protein emerin: roles in gene regulation, actin dynamics and human disease. Novartis Found Symp. 2005;264:51-58; discussion 58-62, 227-30. Citation on PubMed
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