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URL of this page: https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/gene/recql4/

RECQL4 gene

RecQ like helicase 4

Normal Function

The RECQL4 gene provides instructions for making one member of a protein family called RecQ helicases. Helicases are enzymes that bind to DNA and temporarily unwind the two spiral strands (double helix) of the DNA molecule. This unwinding is necessary for copying (replicating) DNA in preparation for cell division, and for repairing damaged DNA. Because RecQ helicases maintain the structure and integrity of DNA, they are known as the "caretakers of the genome."

The RECQL4 protein is active in several types of cells before and after birth. Researchers believe that this protein is particularly important in cells of the developing bones and skin. It has also been found in enterocytes, which are cells that line the intestine and absorb nutrients.

Health Conditions Related to Genetic Changes

Baller-Gerold syndrome

Several mutations in the RECQL4 gene have been identified in people with Baller-Gerold syndrome. Most of these mutations prevent the production of any RECQL4 protein or change the way the protein is pieced together, which disrupts its usual function. A shortage of this protein may prevent normal DNA replication and repair, causing widespread damage to a person's genetic information over time. It is unclear how these changes result in the varied signs and symptoms of Baller-Gerold syndrome, including the abnormal fusion of certain skull bones (craniosynostosis), small stature, missing thumbs or bones in the forearm (radial ray malformations), and a skin rash.

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RAPADILINO syndrome

At least 10 mutations in the RECQL4 gene have been identified in people with RAPADILINO syndrome. This condition has many features, including radial ray malformations, malformed or missing kneecaps, diarrhea, and short stature. The condition was first identified in Finland, and the most common mutation in RAPADILINO syndrome is found in all affected individuals of Finnish descent as well as some people from other populations. This mutation, which is written as IVS7+2delT, is known as a splice-site mutation, and it causes the RECQL4 protein to be pieced together incorrectly. This genetic change results in the production of a protein that is missing a region called exon 7. The altered protein does not have helicase activity, which may prevent normal DNA replication and repair. These changes may result in the accumulation of DNA errors and cell death, although it is unclear exactly how RECQL4 gene mutations lead to the specific features of RAPADILINO syndrome.

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Rothmund-Thomson syndrome

More than 40 mutations in the RECQL4 gene have been found in people with Rothmund-Thomson syndrome. These mutations likely prevent the production of any RECQL4 protein or lead to the production of an abnormally short, nonfunctional version of the protein. A shortage of this protein may prevent normal DNA replication and repair, causing widespread damage to a person's genetic information over time. Further study is needed to determine how these changes result in the characteristic features of Rothmund-Thomson syndrome, which include a skin rash, sparse hair, small stature, skeletal abnormalities, and an increased risk of certain cancers.

Because Rothmund-Thomson syndrome, Baller-Gerold syndrome, and RAPADILINO syndrome (described above) have overlapping features and can be caused by mutations in the same gene, researchers are investigating whether they are separate disorders or part of a single syndrome with overlapping signs and symptoms.

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Other Names for This Gene

  • ATP-Dependent DNA Helicase Q4
  • RecQ helicase-like 4
  • RecQ protein 4
  • RecQ Protein Like 4
  • RecQ protein-like 4
  • RECQ4
  • RECQ4_HUMAN
  • RTS

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

  • Croteau DL, Rossi ML, Ross J, Dawut L, Dunn C, Kulikowicz T, Bohr VA. RAPADILINO RECQL4 mutant protein lacks helicase and ATPase activity. Biochim Biophys Acta. 2012 Nov;1822(11):1727-34. doi: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2012.07.014. Epub 2012 Jul 31. Citation on PubMed or Free article on PubMed Central
  • Croteau DL, Singh DK, Hoh Ferrarelli L, Lu H, Bohr VA. RECQL4 in genomic instability and aging. Trends Genet. 2012 Dec;28(12):624-31. doi: 10.1016/j.tig.2012.08.003. Epub 2012 Aug 30. Citation on PubMed or Free article on PubMed Central
  • Dietschy T, Shevelev I, Stagljar I. The molecular role of the Rothmund-Thomson-, RAPADILINO- and Baller-Gerold-gene product, RECQL4: recent progress. Cell Mol Life Sci. 2007 Apr;64(7-8):796-802. doi: 10.1007/s00018-007-6468-5. Citation on PubMed
  • Kitao S, Shimamoto A, Goto M, Miller RW, Smithson WA, Lindor NM, Furuichi Y. Mutations in RECQL4 cause a subset of cases of Rothmund-Thomson syndrome. Nat Genet. 1999 May;22(1):82-4. doi: 10.1038/8788. Citation on PubMed
  • Larizza L, Magnani I, Roversi G. Rothmund-Thomson syndrome and RECQL4 defect: splitting and lumping. Cancer Lett. 2006 Jan 28;232(1):107-20. doi: 10.1016/j.canlet.2005.07.042. Epub 2005 Nov 3. Citation on PubMed
  • Petkovic M, Dietschy T, Freire R, Jiao R, Stagljar I. The human Rothmund-Thomson syndrome gene product, RECQL4, localizes to distinct nuclear foci that coincide with proteins involved in the maintenance of genome stability. J Cell Sci. 2005 Sep 15;118(Pt 18):4261-9. doi: 10.1242/jcs.02556. Epub 2005 Sep 1. Erratum In: J Cell Sci. 2005 Oct 1;118(Pt 19):4587. Citation on PubMed
  • Siitonen HA, Kopra O, Kaariainen H, Haravuori H, Winter RM, Saamanen AM, Peltonen L, Kestila M. Molecular defect of RAPADILINO syndrome expands the phenotype spectrum of RECQL diseases. Hum Mol Genet. 2003 Nov 1;12(21):2837-44. doi: 10.1093/hmg/ddg306. Epub 2003 Sep 2. Citation on PubMed
  • Suzuki T, Kohno T, Ishimi Y. DNA helicase activity in purified human RECQL4 protein. J Biochem. 2009 Sep;146(3):327-35. doi: 10.1093/jb/mvp074. Epub 2009 May 18. Citation on PubMed
  • Van Maldergem L, Siitonen HA, Jalkh N, Chouery E, De Roy M, Delague V, Muenke M, Jabs EW, Cai J, Wang LL, Plon SE, Fourneau C, Kestila M, Gillerot Y, Megarbane A, Verloes A. Revisiting the craniosynostosis-radial ray hypoplasia association: Baller-Gerold syndrome caused by mutations in the RECQL4 gene. J Med Genet. 2006 Feb;43(2):148-52. doi: 10.1136/jmg.2005.031781. Epub 2005 Jun 17. Citation on PubMed or Free article on PubMed Central
  • Wang LL, Gannavarapu A, Kozinetz CA, Levy ML, Lewis RA, Chintagumpala MM, Ruiz-Maldanado R, Contreras-Ruiz J, Cunniff C, Erickson RP, Lev D, Rogers M, Zackai EH, Plon SE. Association between osteosarcoma and deleterious mutations in the RECQL4 gene in Rothmund-Thomson syndrome. J Natl Cancer Inst. 2003 May 7;95(9):669-74. doi: 10.1093/jnci/95.9.669. Citation on PubMed
  • Werner SR, Prahalad AK, Yang J, Hock JM. RECQL4-deficient cells are hypersensitive to oxidative stress/damage: Insights for osteosarcoma prevalence and heterogeneity in Rothmund-Thomson syndrome. Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2006 Jun 23;345(1):403-9. doi: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2006.04.093. Epub 2006 Apr 27. Citation on PubMed
  • Yin J, Kwon YT, Varshavsky A, Wang W. RECQL4, mutated in the Rothmund-Thomson and RAPADILINO syndromes, interacts with ubiquitin ligases UBR1 and UBR2 of the N-end rule pathway. Hum Mol Genet. 2004 Oct 15;13(20):2421-30. doi: 10.1093/hmg/ddh269. Epub 2004 Aug 18. 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.