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Normal Function
The RNF216 gene provides instructions for making a protein that plays a role in the ubiquitin-proteasome system, which is the cell machinery that breaks down (degrades) unwanted proteins. Specifically, this protein functions as an E3 ubiquitin ligase. E3 ubiquitin ligases form part of a protein complex that tags damaged or excess proteins with molecules called ubiquitin. Ubiquitin serves as a signal to specialized cell structures known as proteasomes, which attach (bind) to the tagged proteins and degrade them.
The RNF216 protein tags proteins involved in an early immune response called inflammation to help control the response. RNF216 also regulates the amount of a protein in nerve cells (neurons) called Arc, which plays a role in a process called synaptic plasticity. Synaptic plasticity is the ability of the connections between neurons (synapses) to change and adapt over time in response to experience. This process is critical for learning and memory. It is likely that the RNF216 protein also regulates proteins involved in other body processes, although these proteins have not been identified.
Health Conditions Related to Genetic Changes
Gordon Holmes syndrome
At least eight RNF216 gene mutations have been found to cause Gordon Holmes syndrome, a rare condition characterized by reduced production of hormones that direct sexual development (hypogonadotropic hypogonadism) and difficulty coordinating movements (cerebellar ataxia). Many people with Gordon Holmes syndrome caused by RNF216 gene mutations experience a decline in intellectual function (dementia). These mutations impair the ability of the RNF216 protein to tag unneeded proteins to be broken down. Impaired breakdown of Arc disrupts normal synaptic connections and plasticity, which likely contributes to dementia in people with Gordon Holmes syndrome. It is unclear how a lack of RNF216 protein function causes hypogonadotropic hypogonadism or cerebellar ataxia.
More About This Health ConditionOther Names for This Gene
- CAHH
- E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase RNF216 isoform a
- E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase RNF216 isoform b
- RING-type E3 ubiquitin transferase RNF216
- triad domain-containing protein 3
- TRIAD3
- U7I1
- UBCE7IP1
- ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme 7-interacting protein 1
- ZIN
- zinc finger protein inhibiting NF-kappa-B
Additional Information & Resources
Tests Listed in the Genetic Testing Registry
Scientific Articles on PubMed
Catalog of Genes and Diseases from OMIM
References
- Alqwaifly M, Bohlega S. Ataxia and Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism with Intrafamilial Variability Caused by RNF216 Mutation. Neurol Int. 2016 Jun 15;8(2):6444. doi: 10.4081/ni.2016.6444. eCollection 2016 Jun 15. Citation on PubMed or Free article on PubMed Central
- Chuang TH, Ulevitch RJ. Triad3A, an E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase regulating Toll-like receptors. Nat Immunol. 2004 May;5(5):495-502. doi: 10.1038/ni1066. Epub 2004 Apr 25. Citation on PubMed
- Husain N, Yuan Q, Yen YC, Pletnikova O, Sally DQ, Worley P, Bichler Z, Shawn Je H. TRIAD3/RNF216 mutations associated with Gordon Holmes syndrome lead to synaptic and cognitive impairments via Arc misregulation. Aging Cell. 2017 Apr;16(2):281-292. doi: 10.1111/acel.12551. Epub 2016 Dec 20. Citation on PubMed or Free article on PubMed Central
- Mabb AM, Je HS, Wall MJ, Robinson CG, Larsen RS, Qiang Y, Correa SA, Ehlers MD. Triad3A regulates synaptic strength by ubiquitination of Arc. Neuron. 2014 Jun 18;82(6):1299-316. doi: 10.1016/j.neuron.2014.05.016. Citation on PubMed or Free article on PubMed Central
- Margolin DH, Kousi M, Chan YM, Lim ET, Schmahmann JD, Hadjivassiliou M, Hall JE, Adam I, Dwyer A, Plummer L, Aldrin SV, O'Rourke J, Kirby A, Lage K, Milunsky A, Milunsky JM, Chan J, Hedley-Whyte ET, Daly MJ, Katsanis N, Seminara SB. Ataxia, dementia, and hypogonadotropism caused by disordered ubiquitination. N Engl J Med. 2013 May 23;368(21):1992-2003. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa1215993. Epub 2013 May 8. Citation on PubMed or Free article on PubMed Central
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