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URL of this page: https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/gene/antxr2/

ANTXR2 gene

ANTXR cell adhesion molecule 2

Normal Function

The ANTXR2 gene provides instructions for making a protein that is found at the surface of many types of cells. The ANTXR2 protein is believed to interact with components of the extracellular matrix, which is the lattice of proteins and other molecules outside the cell. This matrix strengthens and supports connective tissues, such as skin, bone, cartilage, tendons, and ligaments.

The ANTXR2 protein is involved in the formation of tiny blood vessels (capillaries). It may also be important for maintaining the structure of basement membranes, which are thin, sheet-like extracellular matrix structures that separate and support cells in many connective tissues. Research suggests that the ANTXR2 protein aids in the breakdown of at least one type of extracellular matrix protein, ensuring the correct balance of proteins is maintained for normal functioning of muscles and connective tissues.

The ANTXR2 protein also acts as a receptor for the toxin that causes anthrax, allowing the toxin to attach to cells and trigger disease.

Health Conditions Related to Genetic Changes

Hyaline fibromatosis syndrome

More than 45 mutations in the ANTXR2 gene have been found to cause hyaline fibromatosis syndrome, a painful condition characterized by accumulation of a clear (hyaline) substance in different tissues in the body. The nature of the hyaline substance is unknown, but it likely contains extracellular matrix proteins, among other materials. Buildup of this material can cause firm lumps of noncancerous tissue (nodules) under the skin and in internal organs, joint deformities called contractures that restrict movement, and overgrowth of the gums. The severity of the signs and symptoms falls along a spectrum. The most severely affected individuals have severe diarrhea and recurrent infections and usually do not survive beyond early childhood. Individuals at the milder end of the spectrum typically survive into adulthood.

Some ANTXR2 gene mutations reduce or eliminate the amount of ANTXR2 protein at the surface of cells. Others are thought to impair the protein's ability to interact with extracellular matrix components. It is unclear what effect these mutations have in cells and tissues. Researchers suspect that gene mutations disrupt the formation of basement membranes, allowing a hyaline substance to leak through and build up in various body tissues. Alternatively, the mutations could impair the breakdown of excess extracellular matrix proteins, which then accumulate in tissues and lead to the signs and symptoms of hyaline fibromatosis syndrome.

It is unclear why the severity of hyaline fibromatosis syndrome varies among affected individuals. Some studies have indicated that the severity of the condition may be linked to where in the gene the mutation occurs.

More About This Health Condition

Other Names for This Gene

  • anthrax toxin receptor 2
  • ANTR2_HUMAN
  • capillary morphogenesis protein 2
  • CMG-2
  • CMG2
  • FLJ31074
  • ISH
  • JHF
  • MGC111533
  • MGC45856

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

  • Burgi J, Kunz B, Abrami L, Deuquet J, Piersigilli A, Scholl-Burgi S, Lausch E, Unger S, Superti-Furga A, Bonaldo P, van der Goot FG. CMG2/ANTXR2 regulates extracellular collagen VI which accumulates in hyaline fibromatosis syndrome. Nat Commun. 2017 Jun 12;8:15861. doi: 10.1038/ncomms15861. Citation on PubMed or Free article on PubMed Central
  • Deuquet J, Abrami L, Difeo A, Ramirez MC, Martignetti JA, van der Goot FG. Systemic hyalinosis mutations in the CMG2 ectodomain leading to loss of function through retention in the endoplasmic reticulum. Hum Mutat. 2009 Apr;30(4):583-9. doi: 10.1002/humu.20872. Citation on PubMed
  • Deuquet J, Lausch E, Superti-Furga A, van der Goot FG. The dark sides of capillary morphogenesis gene 2. EMBO J. 2012 Jan 4;31(1):3-13. doi: 10.1038/emboj.2011.442. Epub 2011 Dec 6. Citation on PubMed or Free article on PubMed Central
  • Dowling O, Difeo A, Ramirez MC, Tukel T, Narla G, Bonafe L, Kayserili H, Yuksel-Apak M, Paller AS, Norton K, Teebi AS, Grum-Tokars V, Martin GS, Davis GE, Glucksman MJ, Martignetti JA. Mutations in capillary morphogenesis gene-2 result in the allelic disorders juvenile hyaline fibromatosis and infantile systemic hyalinosis. Am J Hum Genet. 2003 Oct;73(4):957-66. doi: 10.1086/378781. Epub 2003 Sep 12. Citation on PubMed or Free article on PubMed Central
  • El-Kamah GY, Fong K, El-Ruby M, Afifi HH, Clements SE, Lai-Cheong JE, Amr K, El-Darouti M, McGrath JA. Spectrum of mutations in the ANTXR2 (CMG2) gene in infantile systemic hyalinosis and juvenile hyaline fibromatosis. Br J Dermatol. 2010 Jul;163(1):213-5. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2133.2010.09769.x. Epub 2010 Mar 17. No abstract available. Citation on PubMed
  • Liu S, Crown D, Miller-Randolph S, Moayeri M, Wang H, Hu H, Morley T, Leppla SH. Capillary morphogenesis protein-2 is the major receptor mediating lethality of anthrax toxin in vivo. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2009 Jul 28;106(30):12424-9. doi: 10.1073/pnas.0905409106. Epub 2009 Jul 15. Citation on PubMed or Free article on PubMed Central
  • Rahman N, Dunstan M, Teare MD, Hanks S, Edkins SJ, Hughes J, Bignell GR, Mancini G, Kleijer W, Campbell M, Keser G, Black C, Williams N, Arbour L, Warman M, Superti-Furga A, Futreal PA, Pope FM. The gene for juvenile hyaline fibromatosis maps to chromosome 4q21. Am J Hum Genet. 2002 Oct;71(4):975-80. doi: 10.1086/342776. Epub 2002 Sep 4. Citation on PubMed or Free article on PubMed Central
  • Shieh JTC, Hoyme HE, Arbour LT. Hyaline Fibromatosis Syndrome. 2008 Feb 27 [updated 2023 May 11]. In: Adam MP, Feldman J, Mirzaa GM, Pagon RA, Wallace SE, Amemiya A, editors. GeneReviews(R) [Internet]. Seattle (WA): University of Washington, Seattle; 1993-2024. Available from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK1525/ Citation on PubMed
  • Tanaka K, Ebihara T, Kusubata M, Adachi E, Arai M, Kawaguchi N, Utsunomiya J, Miki Y, Hiramoto M, Hattori S, Irie S. Abnormal collagen deposition in fibromas from patient with juvenile hyaline fibromatosis. J Dermatol Sci. 2009 Sep;55(3):197-200. doi: 10.1016/j.jdermsci.2009.06.005. Epub 2009 Jul 9. No abstract available. Citation on PubMed
  • Yan SE, Lemmin T, Salvi S, Lausch E, Superti-Furga A, Rokicki D, Dal Peraro M, van der Goot FG. In-depth analysis of hyaline fibromatosis syndrome frameshift mutations at the same site reveal the necessity of personalized therapy. Hum Mutat. 2013 Jul;34(7):1005-17. doi: 10.1002/humu.22324. Epub 2013 Apr 19. 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.