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Normal Function
The RNU7-1 gene provides instructions for making one piece (subunit) of a group of proteins known as the U7 small nuclear ribonucleoprotein (snRNP) complex. In cells, the U7 snRNP complex plays an important role in processing molecules called messenger RNA (mRNA), which serve as the genetic blueprints for making proteins. The mRNA starts out as a molecule called pre-mRNA and must go through several processing steps before it is ready to make a protein. The U7 snRNP complex helps process pre-mRNA. Specifically, the U7 snRNP complex targets the pre-mRNA of proteins called histones. Histones are structural proteins that attach (bind) to DNA and are necessary for copying a cell's DNA before the cell divides (a process known as DNA replication).
Health Conditions Related to Genetic Changes
Aicardi-Goutières syndrome
Variants (also called mutations) in the RNU7-1 gene have been found to cause Aicardi-Goutières syndrome, a disorder that typically involves severe brain dysfunction (encephalopathy), skin lesions, immune system abnormalities, and other health problems.
It is likely that RNU7-1 gene variants cause the cell to produce a U7 snRNP complex that cannot properly process the pre-mRNA of histone proteins. If histone pre-mRNA is not processed correctly, RNA and DNA fragments can build up in cells during DNA replication. Research suggests that this buildup of fragments can trigger an immune response that attacks the body's own tissues and organs. This immune response leads to the signs and symptoms of Aicardi-Goutières syndrome.
More About This Health ConditionOther Names for This Gene
- AGS9
- RF00066
- RNA, small nuclear U7
- RNA, small nuclear U7.1
- RNA, U7 small nuclear
- RNA, U7 small nuclear 1
- RNU7
- U7.1
Additional Information & Resources
Tests Listed in the Genetic Testing Registry
Scientific Articles on PubMed
Catalog of Genes and Diseases from OMIM
References
- Liu A, Ying S. Aicardi-Goutieres syndrome: A monogenic type I interferonopathy. Scand J Immunol. 2023 Oct;98(4):e13314. doi: 10.1111/sji.13314. Epub 2023 Jul 29. Citation on PubMed
- Naesens L, Nemegeer J, Roelens F, Vallaeys L, Meuwissen M, Janssens K, Verloo P, Ogunjimi B, Hemelsoet D; Program for Undiagnosed Rare Diseases (UD-PrOZA); Hoste L, Roels L, De Bruyne M, De Baere E, Van Dorpe J, Dendooven A, Sieben A, Rice GI, Kerre T, Beyaert R, Uggenti C, Crow YJ, Tavernier SJ, Maelfait J, Haerynck F. Mutations in RNU7-1 Weaken Secondary RNA Structure, Induce MCP-1 and CXCL10 in CSF, and Result in Aicardi-Goutieres Syndrome with Severe End-Organ Involvement. J Clin Immunol. 2022 Jul;42(5):962-974. doi: 10.1007/s10875-022-01209-5. Epub 2022 Mar 23. Citation on PubMed
- Uggenti C, Lepelley A, Depp M, Badrock AP, Rodero MP, El-Daher MT, Rice GI, Dhir S, Wheeler AP, Dhir A, Albawardi W, Fremond ML, Seabra L, Doig J, Blair N, Martin-Niclos MJ, Della Mina E, Rubio-Roldan A, Garcia-Perez JL, Sproul D, Rehwinkel J, Hertzog J, Boland-Auge A, Olaso R, Deleuze JF, Baruteau J, Brochard K, Buckley J, Cavallera V, Cereda C, De Waele LMH, Dobbie A, Doummar D, Elmslie F, Koch-Hogrebe M, Kumar R, Lamb K, Livingston JH, Majumdar A, Lorenco CM, Orcesi S, Peudenier S, Rostasy K, Salmon CA, Scott C, Tonduti D, Touati G, Valente M, van der Linden H Jr, Van Esch H, Vermelle M, Webb K, Jackson AP, Reijns MAM, Gilbert N, Crow YJ. cGAS-mediated induction of type I interferon due to inborn errors of histone pre-mRNA processing. Nat Genet. 2020 Dec;52(12):1364-1372. doi: 10.1038/s41588-020-00737-3. Epub 2020 Nov 23. Citation on PubMed
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