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Normal Function
The TMEM127 gene provides instructions for making a protein that acts as a tumor suppressor protein, which means it prevents cells from growing and dividing too quickly or in an uncontrolled way. The TMEM127 protein controls a signaling pathway that leads to cell growth and survival. Research shows that this pathway, regulated by a protein complex called mTORC1, is blocked (inhibited) by the TMEM127 protein, although the specific action of the TMEM127 protein is unknown.
Health Conditions Related to Genetic Changes
Nonsyndromic paraganglioma
Mutations in the TMEM127 gene increase the risk of developing a noncancerous tumor associated with the nervous system called paraganglioma or pheochromocytoma (a type of paraganglioma). TMEM127 gene mutations occur most commonly in people with pheochromocytoma, and they are rarely found in people with other paraganglioma. Specifically, TMEM127 gene mutations are associated with nonsyndromic paraganglioma or pheochromocytoma, which means the tumors occur without additional features of an inherited syndrome. At least 19 TMEM127 gene mutations have been identified in people with one of these tumors. A TMEM127 gene mutation increases the risk of tumor formation. The TMEM127 gene mutations associated with paraganglioma or pheochromocytoma change single protein building blocks (amino acids) in the TMEM127 protein sequence or result in a shortened protein.
Most people with TMEM127-related paraganglioma or pheochromocytoma acquire an additional mutation that deletes the normal copy of the gene. This second mutation, called a somatic mutation, is acquired during a person's lifetime and is present only in tumor cells. Together, the two mutations lead to reduced or absent TMEM127 protein. As a result, the cell growth pathway controlled by the TMEM127 protein is abnormally active, leading to tumor formation.
More About This Health ConditionOther Names for This Gene
- FLJ20507
- FLJ22257
- TM127_HUMAN
Additional Information & Resources
Tests Listed in the Genetic Testing Registry
Scientific Articles on PubMed
Catalog of Genes and Diseases from OMIM
References
- Neumann HP, Sullivan M, Winter A, Malinoc A, Hoffmann MM, Boedeker CC, Bertz H, Walz MK, Moeller LC, Schmid KW, Eng C. Germline mutations of the TMEM127 gene in patients with paraganglioma of head and neck and extraadrenal abdominal sites. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2011 Aug;96(8):E1279-82. doi: 10.1210/jc.2011-0114. Epub 2011 May 25. Citation on PubMed
- Opocher G, Schiavi F. Genetics of pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas. Best Pract Res Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2010 Dec;24(6):943-56. doi: 10.1016/j.beem.2010.05.001. Citation on PubMed
- Qin Y, Buddavarapu K, Dahia PL. Pheochromocytomas: from genetic diversity to new paradigms. Horm Metab Res. 2009 Sep;41(9):664-71. doi: 10.1055/s-0029-1215590. Epub 2009 Apr 23. Citation on PubMed
- Qin Y, Yao L, King EE, Buddavarapu K, Lenci RE, Chocron ES, Lechleiter JD, Sass M, Aronin N, Schiavi F, Boaretto F, Opocher G, Toledo RA, Toledo SP, Stiles C, Aguiar RC, Dahia PL. Germline mutations in TMEM127 confer susceptibility to pheochromocytoma. Nat Genet. 2010 Mar;42(3):229-33. doi: 10.1038/ng.533. Epub 2010 Feb 14. Citation on PubMed or Free article on PubMed Central
- Yao L, Schiavi F, Cascon A, Qin Y, Inglada-Perez L, King EE, Toledo RA, Ercolino T, Rapizzi E, Ricketts CJ, Mori L, Giacche M, Mendola A, Taschin E, Boaretto F, Loli P, Iacobone M, Rossi GP, Biondi B, Lima-Junior JV, Kater CE, Bex M, Vikkula M, Grossman AB, Gruber SB, Barontini M, Persu A, Castellano M, Toledo SP, Maher ER, Mannelli M, Opocher G, Robledo M, Dahia PL. Spectrum and prevalence of FP/TMEM127 gene mutations in pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas. JAMA. 2010 Dec 15;304(23):2611-9. doi: 10.1001/jama.2010.1830. Citation on PubMed
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