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UNC13D gene
URL of this page: https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/gene/unc13d/

UNC13D gene

unc-13 homolog D

Normal Function

The UNC13D gene provides instructions for making a protein that is involved in the process of cell destruction (cytolysis) and the regulation of the immune system.

The UNC13D protein is involved in the release of substances from cells (exocytosis). In particular, it is important for the exocytosis of structures called cytolytic granules from immune cells called T cells and NK cells. T cells and NK cells destroy other cells by secreting these cytolytic granules, which contain cell-killing proteins, onto the membranes of the target cells. The UNC13D protein helps transport these granules to the membrane of the target cell, allowing cytolytic proteins to enter the cell and trigger it to self-destruct.

This cytolytic mechanism also helps regulate the immune system by destroying unneeded T cells. Controlling the number of T cells prevents the overproduction of immune proteins called cytokines that lead to inflammation and which, in excess, cause tissue damage.

Health Conditions Related to Genetic Changes

Familial hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis

More than 50 UNC13D gene mutations have been identified in people with familial hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis. Most of these mutations alter the way the gene's instructions are pieced together to produce the UNC13D protein, leading to a dysfunctional protein. The resulting shortage of functional UNC13D protein interferes with its role in cell destruction and immune system regulation, leading to the exaggerated immune response characteristic of familial hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis.

More About This Health Condition

Other disorders

A variant (polymorphism) of the UNC13D gene has been associated with a higher risk of a complication called macrophage activation syndrome in people with systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (SJIA). SJIA is an autoimmune disorder that causes persistent joint inflammation beginning in childhood. Autoimmune disorders occur when the immune system malfunctions and attacks the body's own tissues and organs. Macrophage activation syndrome is a life-threatening complication of SJIA with symptoms similar to those of familial hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, including fever, an enlarged liver and spleen, liver damage, and low numbers of blood cells.

The UNC13D gene variant associated with macrophage activation syndrome in people with SJIA consists of a specific combination of individual changes in 12 DNA building blocks (nucleotides). It is unknown how this genetic change results in an increased risk of this complication in affected individuals.

Other Names for This Gene

  • FHL3
  • HLH3
  • HPLH3
  • Munc13-4
  • UN13D_HUMAN

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

  • Cetica V, Pende D, Griffiths GM, Arico M. Molecular basis of familial hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis. Haematologica. 2010 Apr;95(4):538-41. doi: 10.3324/haematol.2009.019562. No abstract available. Citation on PubMed or Free article on PubMed Central
  • Filipovich AH. Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis and related disorders. Curr Opin Allergy Clin Immunol. 2006 Dec;6(6):410-5. doi: 10.1097/01.all.0000246626.57118.d9. Citation on PubMed
  • Horne A, Ramme KG, Rudd E, Zheng C, Wali Y, al-Lamki Z, Gurgey A, Yalman N, Nordenskjold M, Henter JI. Characterization of PRF1, STX11 and UNC13D genotype-phenotype correlations in familial hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis. Br J Haematol. 2008 Oct;143(1):75-83. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2141.2008.07315.x. Epub 2008 Aug 15. Citation on PubMed
  • Pivot-Pajot C, Varoqueaux F, de Saint Basile G, Bourgoin SG. Munc13-4 regulates granule secretion in human neutrophils. J Immunol. 2008 May 15;180(10):6786-97. doi: 10.4049/jimmunol.180.10.6786. Citation on PubMed
  • Rudd E, Bryceson YT, Zheng C, Edner J, Wood SM, Ramme K, Gavhed S, Gurgey A, Hellebostad M, Bechensteen AG, Ljunggren HG, Fadeel B, Nordenskjold M, Henter JI. Spectrum, and clinical and functional implications of UNC13D mutations in familial haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis. J Med Genet. 2008 Mar;45(3):134-41. doi: 10.1136/jmg.2007.054288. Epub 2007 Nov 9. Citation on PubMed
  • Santoro A, Cannella S, Trizzino A, Bruno G, De Fusco C, Notarangelo LD, Pende D, Griffiths GM, Arico M. Mutations affecting mRNA splicing are the most common molecular defect in patients with familial hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis type 3. Haematologica. 2008 Jul;93(7):1086-90. doi: 10.3324/haematol.12622. Epub 2008 May 19. Citation on PubMed
  • Zhang K, Biroschak J, Glass DN, Thompson SD, Finkel T, Passo MH, Binstadt BA, Filipovich A, Grom AA. Macrophage activation syndrome in patients with systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis is associated with MUNC13-4 polymorphisms. Arthritis Rheum. 2008 Sep;58(9):2892-6. doi: 10.1002/art.23734. Citation on PubMed or Free article on PubMed Central
  • Zur Stadt U, Beutel K, Kolberg S, Schneppenheim R, Kabisch H, Janka G, Hennies HC. Mutation spectrum in children with primary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis: molecular and functional analyses of PRF1, UNC13D, STX11, and RAB27A. Hum Mutat. 2006 Jan;27(1):62-8. doi: 10.1002/humu.20274. 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.