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Normal Function
The FBXL4 gene provides instructions for making a member of a family of proteins called F-box and leucine rich repeat proteins. Like other members of this family, FBXL4 associates with a group of proteins to form a complex. The protein complex that contains FBXL4 is found within cell structures called mitochondria. Mitochondria are involved in a wide variety of cellular activities, including energy production, chemical signaling, and regulation of cell growth and division (proliferation) and cell death (apoptosis). Mitochondria contain their own DNA, known as mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), which is essential for the normal function of these structures. As part of the protein complex, the FBXL4 protein is likely involved in the maintenance of mtDNA. Having an adequate amount of mtDNA is essential for normal energy production within cells.
Health Conditions Related to Genetic Changes
FBXL4-related encephalomyopathic mitochondrial DNA depletion syndrome
More than 47 mutations in the FBXL4 gene have been found to cause FBXL4-related encephalomyopathic mtDNA depletion syndrome. This condition affects multiple body systems and is often fatal in early childhood. It is primarily associated with brain dysfunction combined with muscle weakness (encephalomyopathy).
Many of the mutations that cause FBXL4-related encephalomyopathic mtDNA depletion syndrome impair the FBXL4 protein's ability to attach (bind) to other proteins, disrupting the formation of the protein complex, which impairs normal maintenance of mtDNA. Problems with mtDNA maintenance can reduce the amount of mtDNA (known as mtDNA depletion). Depletion of mtDNA impairs mitochondrial function in many of the body's cells and tissues. Reduced mitochondrial function eventually leads to cell dysfunction, most noticeably affecting the brain, muscles, and other tissues that have high-energy requirements. This cell dysfunction leads to encephalomyopathy and other features of FBXL4-related encephalomyopathic mtDNA depletion syndrome.
More About This Health ConditionLeigh syndrome
MedlinePlus Genetics provides information about Leigh syndrome
More About This Health ConditionOther Names for This Gene
- F-box/LRR-repeat protein 4
- FBL4
- FBL5
Additional Information & Resources
Tests Listed in the Genetic Testing Registry
Scientific Articles on PubMed
Catalog of Genes and Diseases from OMIM
References
- Almannai M, Dai H, El-Hattab AW, Wong LJC. FBXL4-Related Encephalomyopathic Mitochondrial DNA Depletion Syndrome. 2017 Apr 6. 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/NBK425540/ Citation on PubMed
- Bonnen PE, Yarham JW, Besse A, Wu P, Faqeih EA, Al-Asmari AM, Saleh MA, Eyaid W, Hadeel A, He L, Smith F, Yau S, Simcox EM, Miwa S, Donti T, Abu-Amero KK, Wong LJ, Craigen WJ, Graham BH, Scott KL, McFarland R, Taylor RW. Mutations in FBXL4 cause mitochondrial encephalopathy and a disorder of mitochondrial DNA maintenance. Am J Hum Genet. 2013 Sep 5;93(3):471-81. doi: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2013.07.017. Epub 2013 Aug 29. Citation on PubMed or Free article on PubMed Central
- Dai H, Zhang VW, El-Hattab AW, Ficicioglu C, Shinawi M, Lines M, Schulze A, McNutt M, Gotway G, Tian X, Chen S, Wang J, Craigen WJ, Wong LJ. FBXL4 defects are common in patients with congenital lactic acidemia and encephalomyopathic mitochondrial DNA depletion syndrome. Clin Genet. 2017 Apr;91(4):634-639. doi: 10.1111/cge.12894. Epub 2017 Jan 5. Citation on PubMed
- Gai X, Ghezzi D, Johnson MA, Biagosch CA, Shamseldin HE, Haack TB, Reyes A, Tsukikawa M, Sheldon CA, Srinivasan S, Gorza M, Kremer LS, Wieland T, Strom TM, Polyak E, Place E, Consugar M, Ostrovsky J, Vidoni S, Robinson AJ, Wong LJ, Sondheimer N, Salih MA, Al-Jishi E, Raab CP, Bean C, Furlan F, Parini R, Lamperti C, Mayr JA, Konstantopoulou V, Huemer M, Pierce EA, Meitinger T, Freisinger P, Sperl W, Prokisch H, Alkuraya FS, Falk MJ, Zeviani M. Mutations in FBXL4, encoding a mitochondrial protein, cause early-onset mitochondrial encephalomyopathy. Am J Hum Genet. 2013 Sep 5;93(3):482-95. doi: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2013.07.016. Epub 2013 Aug 29. Citation on PubMed or Free article on PubMed Central
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