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TNFRSF1A gene
URL of this page: https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/gene/tnfrsf1a/

TNFRSF1A gene

TNF receptor superfamily member 1A

Normal Function

The TNFRSF1A gene provides instructions for making a protein called tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 (TNFR1). This protein is found spanning the membrane of cells, with part of the TNFR1 protein outside the cell and part of the protein inside the cell. Outside the cell, the TNFR1 protein attaches (binds) to another protein called tumor necrosis factor (TNF). The interaction of the TNF protein with the TNFR1 protein causes the TNFR1 protein to bind to two other TNFR1 proteins, forming a three-protein complex called a trimer. This trimer formation is necessary for the TNFR1 protein to be functional.

The binding of the TNF and TNFR1 proteins causes the TNFR1 protein to send signals inside the cell. Signaling from the TNFR1 protein can trigger either inflammation or self-destruction of the cell (apoptosis). Signaling within the cell initiates a pathway that turns on a protein called nuclear factor kappa B, which triggers inflammation and leads to the production of immune system proteins called cytokines. Apoptosis is initiated when the TNFR1 protein, bound to the TNF protein, is brought into the cell and starts a process known as the caspase cascade.

Health Conditions Related to Genetic Changes

Tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated periodic syndrome

More than 60 mutations in the TNFRSF1A gene have been found to cause tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated periodic syndrome (commonly known as TRAPS). Most of these mutations lead to changes in single protein building blocks (amino acids), typically involving the amino acid cysteine. Cysteines contain sulfur atoms that form connections, called disulfide bonds, with other cysteines. Disulfide bonds help a protein fold by connecting cysteines in different regions of the protein. These bonds stabilize the protein and give it the appropriate shape to carry out its particular function.

When cysteines within the TNFR1 protein are replaced with other amino acids, the disulfide bonds are not formed, and the protein is misfolded. These misfolded proteins are trapped within the cell, unable to get to the cell surface to interact with TNF. Inside the cell, these proteins clump together and are thought to trigger alternative pathways that initiate inflammation. The clumps of protein constantly activate these alternative inflammation pathways, leading to excess inflammation in people with TRAPS. Additionally, because only one copy of the TNFRSF1A gene has a mutation, some normal TNFR1 proteins are produced and can bind to the TNF protein, leading to additional inflammation. It is unclear if disruption of the apoptosis pathway plays a role in the signs and symptoms of TRAPS.

Some people with mutations in the TNFRSF1A gene do not develop TRAPS, or they develop very mild features of the disorder. The reason for this variability is unclear, but researchers believe that other factors, such as additional genetic changes or environmental factors, may play a role in causing TRAPS.

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Other Names for This Gene

  • p55
  • p55-R
  • TNF-R
  • TNF-R1
  • TNF-R55
  • TNFR-I
  • TNFR1
  • TNFR55
  • TNR1A_HUMAN
  • tumor necrosis factor binding protein 1
  • tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily member 1A
  • tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily, member 1A
  • tumor necrosis factor receptor type 1
  • tumor necrosis factor-alpha receptor

Additional Information & Resources

Tests Listed in the Genetic Testing Registry

Scientific Articles on PubMed

Catalog of Genes and Diseases from OMIM

Gene and Variant Databases

References

  • Kimberley FC, Lobito AA, Siegel RM, Screaton GR. Falling into TRAPS--receptor misfolding in the TNF receptor 1-associated periodic fever syndrome. Arthritis Res Ther. 2007;9(4):217. doi: 10.1186/ar2197. Citation on PubMed or Free article on PubMed Central
  • Masson C, Simon V, Hoppe E, Insalaco P, Cisse I, Audran M. Tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated periodic syndrome (TRAPS): definition, semiology, prognosis, pathogenesis, treatment, and place relative to other periodic joint diseases. Joint Bone Spine. 2004 Jul;71(4):284-90. doi: 10.1016/j.jbspin.2003.10.008. Citation on PubMed
  • Pettersson T, Kantonen J, Matikainen S, Repo H. Setting up TRAPS. Ann Med. 2012 Mar;44(2):109-18. doi: 10.3109/07853890.2010.548399. Epub 2011 Feb 1. Citation on PubMed
  • Rebelo SL, Bainbridge SE, Amel-Kashipaz MR, Radford PM, Powell RJ, Todd I, Tighe PJ. Modeling of tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily 1A mutants associated with tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated periodic syndrome indicates misfolding consistent with abnormal function. Arthritis Rheum. 2006 Aug;54(8):2674-87. doi: 10.1002/art.21964. Citation on PubMed
  • Stojanov S, McDermott MF. The tumour necrosis factor receptor-associated periodic syndrome: current concepts. Expert Rev Mol Med. 2005 Oct 10;7(22):1-18. doi: 10.1017/S1462399405009749. Citation on PubMed

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