RERE gene
The RERE gene provides instructions for a protein that regulates gene activity during early development, ensuring proper formation of the brain, heart, and other organs.
Normal Function
The RERE gene provides instructions for making a protein critical for normal development before birth. This protein interacts with transcription factors, which control the activity (transcription) of other genes. By helping these factors turn genes on or off at the right time and place, the RERE protein ensures proper tissue formation. Research indicates it plays a key role in the development of the brain, eyes, inner ear, heart, and kidneys.
Health Conditions Related to Genetic Changes
Neurodevelopmental disorder with or without anomalies of the brain, eye, or heart
More than 15 mutations in the RERE gene have been found to cause neurodevelopmental disorder with or without anomalies of the brain, eye, or heart (NEDBEH). This condition primarily affects brain development, leading to intellectual disability, delayed development, or autism spectrum disorder. Abnormalities of the eyes, heart, inner ear, or kidneys can also occur.
Mutations causing NEDBEH typically change single DNA building blocks (nucleotides) or add/remove them, which researchers suspect reduces or eliminates the function of the RERE protein. A shortage of this protein alters the activity of many genes involved in prenatal development, preventing the normal formation of various organs. The severity of the condition may depend on the location and type of mutation, though other unidentified genetic factors may also influence which body systems are affected.
Anophthalmia/Microphthalmia
MedlinePlus Genetics provides information about Anophthalmia/Microphthalmia.
Other Names for This Gene
- ARG
- arginine-glutamic acid dipeptide (RE) repeats
- arginine-glutamic acid repeats-encoding gene
- ARP
- ATN1L
- atrophin 2
- atrophin-1 like protein
- atrophin-1 related protein
- atrophn-related protein
- deleted in neuroblastoma-1
- DNB1
- KIAA0458
