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Normal Function
The SIX5 gene is part of a group of similar genes known as the SIX gene family. Genes in this family provide instructions for making proteins that bind to DNA and control the activity of other genes. Based on this role, SIX proteins are called transcription factors.
The SIX5 protein interacts with several other proteins, including the protein produced from the EYA1 gene, to regulate the activity of genes that are important for normal development. Before birth, these protein interactions appear to be essential for the normal formation of many tissues. These include the second branchial arch, which gives rise to tissues in the front and side of the neck; the ears; and the kidneys. Researchers have also found the SIX5 protein in the adult brain, heart, eyes, and muscles used for movement (skeletal muscles).
Health Conditions Related to Genetic Changes
Branchiootorenal/branchiootic syndrome
At least four mutations in the SIX5 gene have been found in people with branchiootorenal (BOR) syndrome, a condition that disrupts the development of tissues in the neck and causes malformations of the ears and kidneys. BOR syndrome is considered part of a disease spectrum with a condition known as branchiootic (BO) syndrome, which has many of the same features as BOR syndrome except for kidney (renal) malformations.
Researchers now question whether mutations in the SIX5 gene cause BOR syndrome. Some affected individuals originally reported to have mutations in this gene were later found to have mutations in the EYA1 gene as well. Researchers suspect that the EYA1 gene mutations may be the actual cause of the condition in these people.
Each of the identified SIX5 gene mutations changes a single protein building block (amino acid) in the SIX5 protein, which alters this protein's interactions with the protein produced from the EYA1 gene. Because this protein interaction is necessary for the activation of certain genes during embryonic development, it is possible that the altered SIX5 protein disrupts development before birth. The major signs and symptoms of BOR syndrome result from abnormal development of the second branchial arch, ears, and kidneys.
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 Names for This Gene
- BOR2
- DM locus-associated homeodomain protein
- DMAHP
- dystrophia myotonica-associated homeodomain protein
- homeobox protein SIX5
- sine oculis homeobox homolog 5
- SIX5_HUMAN
Additional Information & Resources
Tests Listed in the Genetic Testing Registry
Scientific Articles on PubMed
Catalog of Genes and Diseases from OMIM
References
- Hoskins BE, Cramer CH, Silvius D, Zou D, Raymond RM, Orten DJ, Kimberling WJ, Smith RJ, Weil D, Petit C, Otto EA, Xu PX, Hildebrandt F. Transcription factor SIX5 is mutated in patients with branchio-oto-renal syndrome. Am J Hum Genet. 2007 Apr;80(4):800-4. doi: 10.1086/513322. Epub 2007 Feb 22. Citation on PubMed or Free article on PubMed Central
- Kirby RJ, Hamilton GM, Finnegan DJ, Johnson KJ, Jarman AP. Drosophila homolog of the myotonic dystrophy-associated gene, SIX5, is required for muscle and gonad development. Curr Biol. 2001 Jul 10;11(13):1044-9. doi: 10.1016/s0960-9822(01)00319-0. Citation on PubMed
- Krug P, Moriniere V, Marlin S, Koubi V, Gabriel HD, Colin E, Bonneau D, Salomon R, Antignac C, Heidet L. Mutation screening of the EYA1, SIX1, and SIX5 genes in a large cohort of patients harboring branchio-oto-renal syndrome calls into question the pathogenic role of SIX5 mutations. Hum Mutat. 2011 Feb;32(2):183-90. doi: 10.1002/humu.21402. Citation on PubMed
- Pham YC, Man Nt, Holt I, Sewry CA, Pall G, Johnson K, Morris GE. Characterisation of the transcription factor, SIX5, using a new panel of monoclonal antibodies. J Cell Biochem. 2005 Aug 1;95(5):990-1001. doi: 10.1002/jcb.20454. Citation on PubMed
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