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Normal Function
The FRAS1 gene provides instructions for making a protein that is part of a group of proteins called the FRAS/FREM complex. This complex is found in basement membranes, which are thin, sheet-like structures that separate and support cells in many tissues. The FRAS/FREM complex is particularly important during development before birth. One of its roles is to anchor the top layer of skin by connecting the basement membrane of the top layer to the layer of skin below. The FRAS/FREM complex is also involved in the proper development of certain other organs and tissues, including the kidneys, although the mechanism is unclear.
Health Conditions Related to Genetic Changes
Fraser syndrome
At least 24 mutations in the FRAS1 gene cause a condition called Fraser syndrome; FRAS1 gene mutations account for about half of cases of this condition. Fraser syndrome affects development before birth and is characterized by eyes that are completely covered by skin (cryptophthalmos), fusion of the skin between the fingers and toes (cutaneous syndactyly), and abnormalities of the kidneys and other organs and tissues.
Most mutations in the FRAS1 gene involved in Fraser syndrome lead to production of an abnormal protein with little or no function. The abnormal protein is likely broken down quickly, preventing formation of the FRAS/FREM complex. Lack of the FRAS/FREM complex in the basement membrane of the skin leads to detachment of the top layer, causing blisters to form during development. These blisters likely prevent the proper formation of certain structures before birth, leading to cryptophthalmos and cutaneous syndactyly. It is unknown how lack of the FRAS/FREM complex leads to kidney abnormalities and other problems in Fraser syndrome.
More About This Health ConditionCongenital anomalies of kidney and urinary tract
MedlinePlus Genetics provides information about Congenital anomalies of kidney and urinary tract
More About This Health ConditionOther disorders
Mutations in the FRAS1 gene have also been found in people with abnormalities of the kidneys and urinary tract but no other signs and symptoms of Fraser syndrome (described above). Such abnormalities are grouped together as congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT). A common abnormality in people with FRAS1 gene mutations is the absence of one of the kidneys (a condition called renal agenesis). The FRAS1 gene mutations involved in CAKUT typically change single protein building blocks (amino acids) in the FRAS1 protein. Researchers speculate that the effects of these mutations are milder than those of mutations that cause Fraser syndrome; some FRAS1 protein function may still remain. How these gene mutations affect the FRAS/FREM complex or lead to renal agenesis and other CAKUT is unknown.
Other Names for This Gene
- extracellular matrix protein FRAS1
- FLJ14927
- FLJ22031
- Fraser syndrome 1
- KIAA1500
Additional Information & Resources
Tests Listed in the Genetic Testing Registry
Scientific Articles on PubMed
Catalog of Genes and Diseases from OMIM
References
- Kohl S, Hwang DY, Dworschak GC, Hilger AC, Saisawat P, Vivante A, Stajic N, Bogdanovic R, Reutter HM, Kehinde EO, Tasic V, Hildebrandt F. Mild recessive mutations in six Fraser syndrome-related genes cause isolated congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract. J Am Soc Nephrol. 2014 Sep;25(9):1917-22. doi: 10.1681/ASN.2013101103. Epub 2014 Apr 3. Citation on PubMed or Free article on PubMed Central
- Pavlakis E, Chiotaki R, Chalepakis G. The role of Fras1/Frem proteins in the structure and function of basement membrane. Int J Biochem Cell Biol. 2011 Apr;43(4):487-95. doi: 10.1016/j.biocel.2010.12.016. Epub 2010 Dec 21. Citation on PubMed
- Petrou P, Makrygiannis AK, Chalepakis G. The Fras1/Frem family of extracellular matrix proteins: structure, function, and association with Fraser syndrome and the mouse bleb phenotype. Connect Tissue Res. 2008;49(3):277-82. doi: 10.1080/03008200802148025. Citation on PubMed
- Short K, Wiradjaja F, Smyth I. Let's stick together: the role of the Fras1 and Frem proteins in epidermal adhesion. IUBMB Life. 2007 Jul;59(7):427-35. doi: 10.1080/15216540701510581. Citation on PubMed
- van Haelst MM, Maiburg M, Baujat G, Jadeja S, Monti E, Bland E, Pearce K; Fraser Syndrome Collaboration Group; Hennekam RC, Scambler PJ. Molecular study of 33 families with Fraser syndrome new data and mutation review. Am J Med Genet A. 2008 Sep 1;146A(17):2252-7. doi: 10.1002/ajmg.a.32440. Citation on PubMed
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