Open AccessMEN1 gene and its mutations: Basic and clinical implications
Author(s) -
Tsukada Toshihiko,
Nagamura Yuko,
Ohkura Naganari
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
cancer science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.035
H-Index - 141
eISSN - 1349-7006
pISSN - 1347-9032
DOI - 10.1111/j.1349-7006.2008.01034.x
Subject(s) - men1 , multiple endocrine neoplasia , missense mutation , germline mutation , biology , genetics , tumor suppressor gene , germline , cancer research , mutation , gene , cancer syndrome , carcinogenesis
Heterozygous germline mutations of the tumor‐suppressor gene MEN1 are responsible for multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1), a dominantly inherited familial cancer syndrome characterized by pituitary, parathyroid, and enteropancreatic tumors. Various mutations have been identified throughout the entire gene region in patients with MEN1 and related disorders. Neither mutation hot spot nor phenotype–genotype correlation has been established in MEN1 although some missense mutations may be specifically associated with a phenotype of familial isolated hyperparathyroidism. The gene product menin has been implicated in multiple roles, including gene transcription, maintenance of genomic integrity, and control of cell division and differentiation. These multiple functions are likely to be conferred by association with multiple protein factors. Occurrence of MEN1‐causing missense mutations throughout menin also suggests the requirement of multiple binding factors for its full tumor‐suppressive activity. The effect of menin depletion is highly tissue specific, but its underlying mechanism remains to be elucidated. A DNA test for MEN1 germline mutations is a useful tool for diagnosis of MEN1 although it needs further improvements. ( Cancer Sci 2009; 100: 209–215)