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 YY1AP1 gene provides instructions for making part of a group of associated proteins known as the INO80 chromatin remodeling complex. In the cell nucleus, this complex attaches (binds) to chromatin, which is the network of DNA and proteins that packages DNA into chromosomes. The structure of chromatin can be changed (remodeled) to alter how tightly DNA is packaged. Chromatin remodeling by the INO80 chromatin remodeling complex allows cells to control the activity (expression) of certain genes. This complex also helps regulate several other critical cell functions, including repair of damaged DNA, cell specialization (differentiation), and cell growth and division (proliferation). Activity of the INO80 chromatin remodeling complex appears to be particularly important in smooth muscle cells, which line the walls of blood vessels.
Health Conditions Related to Genetic Changes
Grange syndrome
At least five mutations in the YY1AP1 gene have been identified in people with Grange syndrome. This rare condition causes narrowing (stenosis) and blockage (occlusion) of blood vessels that supply blood to many organs and tissues, including the kidneys, brain, and heart. Grange syndrome can also be associated with short fingers and toes (brachydactyly), fusion of some of the fingers or toes (syndactyly), fragile bones that are prone to breakage, learning disabilities, and heart defects.
Mutations in the YY1AP1 gene are described as "loss-of-function" because they prevent the production of any functional YY1AP1 protein. A loss of this protein disrupts the function of the INO80 chromatin remodeling complex, which alters the activity of multiple genes in smooth muscle cells. Researchers suspect that these changes in gene expression lead to reduced cell proliferation and differentiation. However, it is unclear how these changes cause narrowing and blockage of arteries. It is also unknown how YY1AP1 gene mutations are related to other features of Grange syndrome, such as bone abnormalities and learning disabilities.
More About This Health ConditionOther Names for This Gene
- GRNG
- HCCA1
- HCCA2
- hepatocellular carcinoma susceptibility protein
- hepatocellular carcinoma-associated protein 2
- YAP
- YY1AP
Additional Information & Resources
Tests Listed in the Genetic Testing Registry
Scientific Articles on PubMed
Catalog of Genes and Diseases from OMIM
References
- Guo DC, Duan XY, Regalado ES, Mellor-Crummey L, Kwartler CS, Kim D, Lieberman K, de Vries BBA, Pfundt R, Schinzel A, Kotzot D, Shen X, Yang ML; University of Washington Center for Mendelian Genomics; Bamshad MJ, Nickerson DA, Gornik HL, Ganesh SK, Braverman AC, Grange DK, Milewicz DM. Loss-of-Function Mutations in YY1AP1 Lead to Grange Syndrome and a Fibromuscular Dysplasia-Like Vascular Disease. Am J Hum Genet. 2017 Jan 5;100(1):21-30. doi: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2016.11.008. Epub 2016 Dec 8. Citation on PubMed or Free article on PubMed Central
- Morrison AJ, Shen X. Chromatin remodelling beyond transcription: the INO80 and SWR1 complexes. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol. 2009 Jun;10(6):373-84. doi: 10.1038/nrm2693. Epub 2009 May 8. Citation on PubMed
- Wang ZX, Wang HY, Wu MC. Identification and characterization of a novel human hepatocellular carcinoma-associated gene. Br J Cancer. 2001 Oct 19;85(8):1162-7. doi: 10.1054/bjoc.2001.2059. Citation on PubMed or Free article on PubMed Central
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.