Skip navigation

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.

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

PTEN gene

phosphatase and tensin homolog

Normal Function

The PTEN gene provides instructions for making an enzyme that is found in almost all tissues in the body. The enzyme acts as a tumor suppressor, which means that it helps regulate cell division by keeping cells from growing and dividing (proliferating) too rapidly or in an uncontrolled way. To function, the PTEN enzyme attaches (binds) to another PTEN enzyme (dimerizes) then binds to the cell membrane. The PTEN enzyme modifies other proteins and fats (lipids) by removing phosphate groups, each of which consists of a cluster of oxygen and phosphorus atoms. Enzymes with this function are called phosphatases.

The PTEN enzyme is part of a chemical pathway that signals cells to stop dividing and triggers cells to self-destruct through a process called apoptosis. Evidence suggests that this enzyme also helps control cell movement (migration), the sticking (adhesion) of cells to surrounding tissues, and the formation of new blood vessels (angiogenesis). Additionally, it likely plays a role in maintaining the  stability of a cell's genetic information. All of these functions help prevent uncontrolled cell proliferation that can lead to the formation of tumors.

Health Conditions Related to Genetic Changes

Bannayan-Riley-Ruvalcaba syndrome

More than 30 mutations in the PTEN gene have been found to cause Bannayan-Riley-Ruvalcaba syndrome. Common features of this condition include a large head size (macrocephaly), multiple noncancerous tumors and tumor-like growths called hamartomas, and dark freckles on the penis in males. Bannayan-Riley-Ruvalcaba syndrome is one of several related conditions that are often considered together as PTEN hamartoma tumor syndrome (described below).

Some of the mutations that cause Bannayan-Riley-Ruvalcaba syndrome change single DNA building blocks (base pairs) in the PTEN gene or insert or delete a small number of base pairs. Other mutations result in an abnormally short enzyme or reduce the amount of enzyme that is produced. In about 10 percent of cases, Bannayan-Riley-Ruvalcaba syndrome results from the deletion of a large amount of genetic material that includes part or all of the PTEN gene. All of these genetic changes prevent the PTEN enzyme from regulating cell proliferation effectively, which can lead to uncontrolled cell growth and the formation of hamartomas and other types of tumors. Research is needed to determine what role PTEN gene mutations play in causing macrocephaly and the other features of Bannayan-Riley-Ruvalcaba syndrome.

More About This Health Condition

Breast cancer

Inherited mutations in the PTEN gene increase the risk of developing breast cancer. In many cases, this increased risk occurs as part of Cowden syndrome (described below). Inherited mutations in the PTEN gene are thought to account for only a small fraction of all breast cancer cases.

Noninherited (somatic) PTEN gene mutations occur in some breast cancers in women without a family history of the disease. Somatic mutations are not inherited and do not occur as part of a familial cancer syndrome. They are acquired during a person's lifetime and occur only in certain cells in the breast. These mutations impair the tumor suppressor function of the PTEN enzyme, allowing cells to grow and divide without control or order. This uncontrolled cell growth contributes to the formation of a cancerous tumor. Studies suggest that a loss of functional PTEN enzyme is also related to poor responsiveness to a drug called trastuzumab (Herceptin), which is used to treat breast cancer.

More About This Health Condition

Cowden syndrome

Researchers have identified more than 300 mutations in the PTEN gene that can cause Cowden syndrome or a similar disorder called Cowden-like syndrome. These conditions are characterized by the growth of multiple hamartomas and an increased risk of developing certain cancers, particularly breast cancer (described above), thyroid cancer, and cancer of the uterine lining (endometrial cancer). Cowden syndrome and Cowden-like syndrome are considered to be part of PTEN hamartoma tumor syndrome (described below).

Mutations that cause Cowden syndrome and Cowden-like syndrome include changes in a small number of base pairs and, in some cases, deletions of a larger amount of genetic material from the PTEN gene. These mutations lead to the production of a PTEN enzyme that does not function properly or does not work at all. The altered enzyme is unable to restrain cell division or signal abnormal cells to die, which contributes to the development of hamartomas and cancerous tumors.

More About This Health Condition

Autism spectrum disorder

PTEN gene mutations have been identified in several people who have both an unusually large head size and the characteristic features of autism spectrum disorder, which affects communication and social interaction. Many of these mutations change single protein building blocks (amino acids) in the PTEN enzyme or lead to the production of an abnormally short version of the enzyme. Researchers are studying how changes in the PTEN gene are related to the risk of developing autism spectrum disorder. Some of these mutations have also been reported in families with PTEN hamartoma tumor syndrome (described below), and it is unclear how these mutations can cause different disorders.

More About This Health Condition

Prostate cancer

Studies suggest that somatic mutations in the PTEN gene may be the most frequent genetic changes in prostate cancer. Mutations in the PTEN gene reduce or eliminate the tumor suppressor function of the PTEN enzyme. The loss of this enzyme's function likely permits certain cells to divide uncontrollably, contributing to the growth of cancerous tumors. In some cases, the presence of PTEN gene mutations is associated with more advanced stages of tumor growth.

More About This Health Condition

Bladder cancer

MedlinePlus Genetics provides information about Bladder cancer

More About This Health Condition

Cholangiocarcinoma

MedlinePlus Genetics provides information about Cholangiocarcinoma

More About This Health Condition

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

MedlinePlus Genetics provides information about Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

More About This Health Condition

Lung cancer

MedlinePlus Genetics provides information about Lung cancer

More About This Health Condition

Other disorders

Several related conditions caused by mutations in the PTEN gene, including Bannayan-Riley-Ruvalcaba syndrome and Cowden syndrome (described above), are often considered together as PTEN hamartoma tumor syndrome. The mutations that cause these conditions are present in cells throughout the body and are often inherited from a parent. Some of the mutations that cause PTEN hamartoma tumor syndrome lead to a defective version of the PTEN enzyme that cannot perform its function as a tumor suppressor. Other mutations prevent the PTEN gene from producing any enzyme at all. Without functional PTEN enzyme, cell division is not controlled effectively and damaged cells continue to divide inappropriately, leading to the development of hamartomas and other tumors.

In some published case reports, mutations in the PTEN gene have been associated with Proteus syndrome, a rare condition characterized by asymmetric overgrowth of the bones, skin, and other tissues. However, many researchers now believe that individuals with PTEN gene mutations and asymmetric overgrowth do not meet the strict guidelines for a clinical diagnosis of Proteus syndrome. Instead, these individuals have a condition that is considered part of PTEN hamartoma tumor syndrome. One name that has been proposed for the condition is segmental overgrowth, lipomatosis, arteriovenous malformations, and epidermal nevus (SOLAMEN) syndrome; another is type 2 segmental Cowden syndrome. However, some scientific articles still refer to PTEN-related Proteus syndrome.

Other cancers

Somatic mutations in the PTEN gene are among the most common genetic changes found in human cancers. The cancers associated with somatic mutations are not inherited and do not occur as part of a cancer syndrome. Somatic mutations in the PTEN gene have been reported in many types of cancer, and studies suggest that PTEN may be the most frequently mutated gene in endometrial cancer. PTEN gene mutations are also commonly found in brain tumors called glioblastomas and astrocytomas, and in an aggressive form of skin cancer called melanoma. Mutations in the PTEN gene reduce or eliminate the tumor suppressor function of the PTEN enzyme. The loss of this enzyme's function likely permits certain cells to divide uncontrollably, contributing to the growth of cancerous tumors. In some cases, the presence of PTEN gene mutations is associated with more advanced stages of tumor growth.

Other Names for This Gene

  • MMAC1
  • mutated in multiple advanced cancers 1
  • phosphatase and tensin homolog (mutated in multiple advanced cancers 1)
  • phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10
  • protein-tyrosine phosphatase PTEN
  • PTEN-MMAC1 protein
  • PTEN1
  • PTEN_HUMAN
  • TEP1
  • TEP1 phosphatase

Additional Information & Resources

Tests Listed in the Genetic Testing Registry

Scientific Articles on PubMed

Gene and Variant Databases

References

  • Bubien V, Bonnet F, Brouste V, Hoppe S, Barouk-Simonet E, David A, Edery P, Bottani A, Layet V, Caron O, Gilbert-Dussardier B, Delnatte C, Dugast C, Fricker JP, Bonneau D, Sevenet N, Longy M, Caux F; French Cowden Disease Network. High cumulative risks of cancer in patients with PTEN hamartoma tumour syndrome. J Med Genet. 2013 Apr;50(4):255-63. doi: 10.1136/jmedgenet-2012-101339. Epub 2013 Jan 18. Citation on PubMed
  • Butler MG, Dasouki MJ, Zhou XP, Talebizadeh Z, Brown M, Takahashi TN, Miles JH, Wang CH, Stratton R, Pilarski R, Eng C. Subset of individuals with autism spectrum disorders and extreme macrocephaly associated with germline PTEN tumour suppressor gene mutations. J Med Genet. 2005 Apr;42(4):318-21. doi: 10.1136/jmg.2004.024646. Citation on PubMed
  • He X, Ni Y, Wang Y, Romigh T, Eng C. Naturally occurring germline and tumor-associated mutations within the ATP-binding motifs of PTEN lead to oxidative damage of DNA associated with decreased nuclear p53. Hum Mol Genet. 2011 Jan 1;20(1):80-9. doi: 10.1093/hmg/ddq434. Epub 2010 Oct 6. Citation on PubMed or Free article on PubMed Central
  • Kechagioglou P, Papi RM, Provatopoulou X, Kalogera E, Papadimitriou E, Grigoropoulos P, Nonni A, Zografos G, Kyriakidis DA, Gounaris A. Tumor suppressor PTEN in breast cancer: heterozygosity, mutations and protein expression. Anticancer Res. 2014 Mar;34(3):1387-400. Citation on PubMed
  • National Cancer Institute: Genetics of Breast and Gynecologic Cancers (PDQ®)–Health Professional Version
  • Pilarski R, Burt R, Kohlman W, Pho L, Shannon KM, Swisher E. Cowden syndrome and the PTEN hamartoma tumor syndrome: systematic review and revised diagnostic criteria. J Natl Cancer Inst. 2013 Nov 6;105(21):1607-16. doi: 10.1093/jnci/djt277. Epub 2013 Oct 17. Citation on PubMed
  • Song MS, Salmena L, Pandolfi PP. The functions and regulation of the PTEN tumour suppressor. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol. 2012 Apr 4;13(5):283-96. doi: 10.1038/nrm3330. Citation on PubMed
  • Tan MH, Mester JL, Ngeow J, Rybicki LA, Orloff MS, Eng C. Lifetime cancer risks in individuals with germline PTEN mutations. Clin Cancer Res. 2012 Jan 15;18(2):400-7. doi: 10.1158/1078-0432.CCR-11-2283. Citation on PubMed or Free article on PubMed Central
  • Tilot AK, Frazier TW 2nd, Eng C. Balancing Proliferation and Connectivity in PTEN-associated Autism Spectrum Disorder. Neurotherapeutics. 2015 Jul;12(3):609-19. doi: 10.1007/s13311-015-0356-8. Citation on PubMed
  • Yehia L, Eng C. 65 YEARS OF THE DOUBLE HELIX: One gene, many endocrine and metabolic syndromes: PTEN-opathies and precision medicine. Endocr Relat Cancer. 2018 Aug;25(8):T121-T140. doi: 10.1530/ERC-18-0162. Epub 2018 May 23. Citation on PubMed
  • Yehia L, Eng C. PTEN Hamartoma Tumor Syndrome. 2001 Nov 29 [updated 2021 Feb 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/NBK1488/ Citation on PubMed
  • Yehia L, Eng C. PTEN hamartoma tumour syndrome: what happens when there is no PTEN germline mutation? Hum Mol Genet. 2020 Oct 20;29(R2):R150-R157. doi: 10.1093/hmg/ddaa127. Citation on PubMed
  • Yehia L, Keel E, Eng C. The Clinical Spectrum of PTEN Mutations. Annu Rev Med. 2020 Jan 27;71:103-116. doi: 10.1146/annurev-med-052218-125823. Epub 2019 Aug 21. Citation on PubMed
  • Yehia L, Ngeow J, Eng C. PTEN-opathies: from biological insights to evidence-based precision medicine. J Clin Invest. 2019 Feb 1;129(2):452-464. doi: 10.1172/JCI121277. Epub 2019 Jan 7. 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.