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 STAMBP gene provides instructions for making a protein called STAM binding protein. Although its exact function is not well understood, within cells this protein interacts with large groups of interrelated proteins known as endosomal sorting complexes required for transport (ESCRTs). ESCRTs help transport proteins from the outer cell membrane to the interior of the cell, a process known as endocytosis. In particular, they are involved in the endocytosis of damaged or unneeded proteins that need to be broken down (degraded) or recycled by the cell. ESCRTs help sort these proteins into structures called multivesicular bodies (MVBs), which deliver them to lysosomes. Lysosomes are compartments within cells that digest and recycle many different types of molecules.
Through its association with ESCRTs, STAM binding protein helps to maintain the proper balance of protein production and breakdown (protein homeostasis) that cells need to function and survive. Studies suggest that the interaction of STAM binding protein with ESCRTs is also involved in multiple chemical signaling pathways within cells, including pathways needed for overall growth and the formation of new blood vessels (angiogenesis).
Health Conditions Related to Genetic Changes
Microcephaly-capillary malformation syndrome
At least 13 mutations in the STAMBP gene have been identified in people with microcephaly-capillary malformation syndrome, an inherited disorder characterized by an abnormally small head size (microcephaly), profound developmental delay and intellectual disability, recurrent seizures (epilepsy), and abnormalities of small blood vessels in the skin called capillaries (capillary malformations).
The known STAMBP gene mutations reduce or eliminate the production of STAM binding protein. This shortage allows damaged or unneeded proteins to build up inside cells instead of being degraded or recycled, which may damage cells and cause them to self-destruct (undergo apoptosis). Researchers suspect that abnormal apoptosis of brain cells starting before birth may cause microcephaly and the underlying brain abnormalities found in people with microcephaly-capillary malformation syndrome. A lack of STAM binding protein also alters multiple signaling pathways that are necessary for normal development, which may underlie the capillary malformations and other signs and symptoms of the condition.
More About This Health ConditionOther Names for This Gene
- AMSH
- associated molecule with the SH3 domain of STAM
- endosome-associated ubiquitin isopeptidase
- STABP_HUMAN
- STAM-binding protein
Additional Information & Resources
Tests Listed in the Genetic Testing Registry
Scientific Articles on PubMed
Catalog of Genes and Diseases from OMIM
References
- Carter MT, Mirzaa G, McDonell LM, Boycott KM. Microcephaly-Capillary Malformation Syndrome. 2013 Dec 12 [updated 2021 Mar 18]. In: Adam MP, Feldman J, Mirzaa GM, Pagon RA, Wallace SE, Amemiya A, editors. GeneReviews(R) [Internet]. Seattle (WA): University of Washington, Seattle; 1993-2025. Available from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK174452/ Citation on PubMed
- Davies CW, Paul LN, Das C. Mechanism of recruitment and activation of the endosome-associated deubiquitinase AMSH. Biochemistry. 2013 Nov 5;52(44):7818-29. doi: 10.1021/bi401106b. Epub 2013 Oct 23. Citation on PubMed or Free article on PubMed Central
- McDonell LM, Mirzaa GM, Alcantara D, Schwartzentruber J, Carter MT, Lee LJ, Clericuzio CL, Graham JM Jr, Morris-Rosendahl DJ, Polster T, Acsadi G, Townshend S, Williams S, Halbert A, Isidor B, David A, Smyser CD, Paciorkowski AR, Willing M, Woulfe J, Das S, Beaulieu CL, Marcadier J; FORGE Canada Consortium; Geraghty MT, Frey BJ, Majewski J, Bulman DE, Dobyns WB, O'Driscoll M, Boycott KM. Mutations in STAMBP, encoding a deubiquitinating enzyme, cause microcephaly-capillary malformation syndrome. Nat Genet. 2013 May;45(5):556-62. doi: 10.1038/ng.2602. Epub 2013 Mar 31. Citation on PubMed or Free article on PubMed Central
- Tsang HT, Connell JW, Brown SE, Thompson A, Reid E, Sanderson CM. A systematic analysis of human CHMP protein interactions: additional MIT domain-containing proteins bind to multiple components of the human ESCRT III complex. Genomics. 2006 Sep;88(3):333-46. doi: 10.1016/j.ygeno.2006.04.003. Epub 2006 May 30. 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.