Health Topics
Official websites use .gov
A
.gov website belongs to an official government
organization in the United States.
Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A
lock (
) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to
the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official,
secure websites.
Normal Function
The PCNT gene provides instructions for making a protein called pericentrin. Within cells, this protein is located in structures called centrosomes. Centrosomes play a role in cell division and the assembly of microtubules. Microtubules are fibers that help cells maintain their shape, assist in the process of cell division, and are essential for the transport of materials within cells.
Pericentrin acts as an anchoring protein, securing proteins to the centrosome that are necessary for its function. Through its interactions with these proteins, pericentrin is involved in the regulation of the cell cycle, which is the cell's way of replicating itself in an organized, step-by-step fashion.
Health Conditions Related to Genetic Changes
Microcephalic osteodysplastic primordial dwarfism type II
At least 30 mutations in the PCNT gene have been found to cause microcephalic osteodysplastic primordial dwarfism type II (MOPDII). These mutations result in the production of an abnormally short, nonfunctional pericentrin protein that cannot anchor other proteins to the centrosome. As a result, centrosomes cannot properly assemble microtubules, leading to disruption of the cell cycle and cell division. Impaired cell division causes a reduction in cell production, while disruption of the cell cycle can lead to cell death. This overall reduction in the number of cells leads to short bones, microcephaly, and the other signs and symptoms of MOPDII.
More About This Health ConditionProstate cancer
MedlinePlus Genetics provides information about Prostate cancer
More About This Health ConditionCancers
Gene mutations can be acquired during a person's lifetime and are present only in certain cells. These mutations are called somatic mutations, and they are not inherited. Somatic mutations in the PCNT gene can cause an increase in production of the pericentrin protein. Increased levels of pericentrin have been found in solid tumors (including prostate tumors) as well as cancers of blood-forming cells (leukemia and lymphoma). More pericentrin within the centrosome leads to overactivation of the cell cycle and increased cell division. This abnormal cell growth and division can eventually lead to a cancerous tumor.
Other disorders
Certain common genetic variations (polymorphisms) in the PCNT gene have been associated with an increased risk of developing psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia and depression in some individuals. Similarly, increased levels of pericentrin have been found in some individuals with bipolar disorder. It is unclear how changes in the PCNT gene or increased levels of pericentrin protein are related to these disorders. A large number of genetic and environmental factors, most of which remain unknown, likely determine the risk of developing these complex conditions.
Other Names for This Gene
- PCN
- PCNT2
- PCNT_HUMAN
- PCNTB
- pericentrin B
- pericentrin-2
Additional Information & Resources
Tests Listed in the Genetic Testing Registry
Scientific Articles on PubMed
Catalog of Genes and Diseases from OMIM
References
- Delaval B, Doxsey SJ. Pericentrin in cellular function and disease. J Cell Biol. 2010 Jan 25;188(2):181-90. doi: 10.1083/jcb.200908114. Epub 2009 Dec 1. Citation on PubMed or Free article on PubMed Central
- Rauch A, Thiel CT, Schindler D, Wick U, Crow YJ, Ekici AB, van Essen AJ, Goecke TO, Al-Gazali L, Chrzanowska KH, Zweier C, Brunner HG, Becker K, Curry CJ, Dallapiccola B, Devriendt K, Dorfler A, Kinning E, Megarbane A, Meinecke P, Semple RK, Spranger S, Toutain A, Trembath RC, Voss E, Wilson L, Hennekam R, de Zegher F, Dorr HG, Reis A. Mutations in the pericentrin (PCNT) gene cause primordial dwarfism. Science. 2008 Feb 8;319(5864):816-9. doi: 10.1126/science.1151174. Epub 2008 Jan 3. Citation on PubMed
- Willems M, Genevieve D, Borck G, Baumann C, Baujat G, Bieth E, Edery P, Farra C, Gerard M, Heron D, Leheup B, Le Merrer M, Lyonnet S, Martin-Coignard D, Mathieu M, Thauvin-Robinet C, Verloes A, Colleaux L, Munnich A, Cormier-Daire V. Molecular analysis of pericentrin gene (PCNT) in a series of 24 Seckel/microcephalic osteodysplastic primordial dwarfism type II (MOPD II) families. J Med Genet. 2010 Dec;47(12):797-802. doi: 10.1136/jmg.2009.067298. Epub 2009 Jul 29. Citation on PubMed
The information on this site should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice. Contact a health care provider if you have questions about your health.