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Normal Function
The KLLN gene provides instructions for making a protein called killin. The activity of the KLLN gene is controlled by a protein called p53 (which is produced from the TP53 gene). Little is known about the function of killin, although it is thought to trigger cells to self-destruct (undergo apoptosis) when they are damaged or no longer needed. In this way, killin helps to prevent abnormal cells from growing and dividing unchecked to form tumors. Through its role in regulating cell division, killin helps maintain the stability of a cell's genetic information. Based on these roles, killin is thought to be a tumor suppressor.
Health Conditions Related to Genetic Changes
Cowden syndrome
Some cases of Cowden syndrome and a similar condition called Cowden-like syndrome result from a change involving the KLLN gene. These conditions are characterized by multiple tumor-like growths called hamartomas and an increased risk of developing certain cancers. When Cowden syndrome and Cowden-like syndrome are caused by KLLN gene mutations, the conditions are associated with a particularly high risk of developing breast and kidney cancers.
The genetic change associated with these conditions is known as promoter hypermethylation. The promoter is a region of DNA near the gene that controls gene activity (expression). Hypermethylation occurs when too many small molecules called methyl groups are attached to the promoter region. The extra methyl groups reduce the expression of the KLLN gene, which means that less killin is produced. A reduced amount of killin may allow abnormal cells to survive and proliferate inappropriately, which can lead to the formation of tumors.
The promoter region of the KLLN gene is shared with another gene, PTEN. The single promoter controls the expression of both genes. However, specific hypermethylation of the KLLN gene promoter only affects the expression of the KLLN gene; people with this type of genetic change have normal expression of the PTEN gene. Other types of mutations in the PTEN gene can cause Cowden syndrome and Cowden-like syndrome.
More About This Health ConditionOther Names for This Gene
- KILIN_HUMAN
- KILLIN
- killin
- killin, p53-regulated DNA replication inhibitor
Additional Information & Resources
Tests Listed in the Genetic Testing Registry
Scientific Articles on PubMed
Catalog of Genes and Diseases from OMIM
References
- Bennett KL, Mester J, Eng C. Germline epigenetic regulation of KILLIN in Cowden and Cowden-like syndrome. JAMA. 2010 Dec 22;304(24):2724-31. doi: 10.1001/jama.2010.1877. Citation on PubMed or Free article on PubMed Central
- Jelovac D, Park BH. PTEN promoter silencing and Cowden syndrome: the role of epigenetic regulation of KILLIN. JAMA. 2010 Dec 22;304(24):2744-5. doi: 10.1001/jama.2010.1863. No abstract available. Citation on PubMed
- Nizialek EA, Sankunny M, Niazi F, Eng C. Cancer-predisposition gene KLLN maintains pericentric H3K9 trimethylation protecting genomic stability. Nucleic Acids Res. 2016 May 5;44(8):3586-94. doi: 10.1093/nar/gkv1481. Epub 2015 Dec 15. Citation on PubMed
- Sankunny M, Eng C. Identification of nuclear export signal in KLLN suggests potential role in proteasomal degradation in cancer cells. Oncotarget. 2020 Dec 15;11(50):4625-4636. doi: 10.18632/oncotarget.27833. eCollection 2020 Dec 15. Citation on PubMed
- Sankunny M, Eng C. KLLN-mediated DNA damage-induced apoptosis is associated with regulation of p53 phosphorylation and acetylation in breast cancer cells. Cell Death Discov. 2018 Sep 11;4:31. doi: 10.1038/s41420-018-0094-x. eCollection 2018. Citation on PubMed
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