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URL of this page: https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/gene/satb2/

SATB2 gene

SATB homeobox 2

Normal Function

The SATB2 gene provides instructions for making a protein that helps control the development of certain body systems. The SATB2 protein attaches to special regions of DNA called matrix attachment regions (MARs). These regions help determine the structure of chromatin, which is the complex of DNA and proteins that packages DNA into chromosomes. The structure of chromatin is one way that gene expression is regulated during development.

By organizing chromatin structure, the SATB2 protein coordinates the activity of multiple genes involved in the development of certain body systems. In particular, the SATB2 protein promotes the maturation of cells that build bones (osteoblasts) and directs development of structures in the head and face. The protein also plays roles in the maturation and function of different types of nerve cells (neurons) in the brain.

Health Conditions Related to Genetic Changes

SATB2-associated syndrome

Mutations in the SATB2 gene have been found to cause SATB2-associated syndrome. Individuals with this condition have intellectual disability and severe speech problems. They may also have an opening in the roof of the mouth, dental abnormalities, or other abnormalities of the head and face (craniofacial anomalies). Some of these mutations are deletions of large pieces of DNA that remove several genes, including SATB2. Other mutations add, remove, or rearrange smaller pieces of DNA within the SATB2 gene. Still other mutations change single DNA building blocks (nucleotides) in the SATB2 gene. It is likely that these genetic changes reduce the amount of functional SATB2 protein. Reduction of SATB2 function is thought to impair normal development of the brain and craniofacial structures, leading to intellectual disability, delayed speech, craniofacial anomalies, and other features of SATB2-associated syndrome.

The signs and symptoms of SATB2-associated syndrome are usually similar, regardless of the type of mutation that causes it. However, some individuals with large deletions that include additional genes have uncommon features of the condition, such as problems with the heart, genitals and urinary tract (genitourinary tract), skin, or hair. These features are thought to be related to loss of other genes near SATB2.

More About This Health Condition

Other Names for This Gene

  • DNA-binding protein SATB2
  • FLJ21474
  • GLSS
  • KIAA1034
  • SATB family member 2
  • special AT-rich sequence-binding protein 2

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

  • Bengani H, Handley M, Alvi M, Ibitoye R, Lees M, Lynch SA, Lam W, Fannemel M, Nordgren A, Malmgren H, Kvarnung M, Mehta S, McKee S, Whiteford M, Stewart F, Connell F, Clayton-Smith J, Mansour S, Mohammed S, Fryer A, Morton J; UK10K Consortium; Grozeva D, Asam T, Moore D, Sifrim A, McRae J, Hurles ME, Firth HV, Raymond FL, Kini U, Nellaker C, Ddd Study, FitzPatrick DR. Clinical and molecular consequences of disease-associated de novo mutations in SATB2. Genet Med. 2017 Aug;19(8):900-908. doi: 10.1038/gim.2016.211. Epub 2017 Feb 2. Citation on PubMed
  • Britanova O, Akopov S, Lukyanov S, Gruss P, Tarabykin V. Novel transcription factor Satb2 interacts with matrix attachment region DNA elements in a tissue-specific manner and demonstrates cell-type-dependent expression in the developing mouse CNS. Eur J Neurosci. 2005 Feb;21(3):658-68. doi: 10.1111/j.1460-9568.2005.03897.x. Citation on PubMed
  • Britanova O, de Juan Romero C, Cheung A, Kwan KY, Schwark M, Gyorgy A, Vogel T, Akopov S, Mitkovski M, Agoston D, Sestan N, Molnar Z, Tarabykin V. Satb2 is a postmitotic determinant for upper-layer neuron specification in the neocortex. Neuron. 2008 Feb 7;57(3):378-92. doi: 10.1016/j.neuron.2007.12.028. Citation on PubMed
  • Britanova O, Depew MJ, Schwark M, Thomas BL, Miletich I, Sharpe P, Tarabykin V. Satb2 haploinsufficiency phenocopies 2q32-q33 deletions, whereas loss suggests a fundamental role in the coordination of jaw development. Am J Hum Genet. 2006 Oct;79(4):668-78. doi: 10.1086/508214. Epub 2006 Aug 30. Citation on PubMed or Free article on PubMed Central
  • Dobreva G, Chahrour M, Dautzenberg M, Chirivella L, Kanzler B, Farinas I, Karsenty G, Grosschedl R. SATB2 is a multifunctional determinant of craniofacial patterning and osteoblast differentiation. Cell. 2006 Jun 2;125(5):971-86. doi: 10.1016/j.cell.2006.05.012. Citation on PubMed
  • Zarate YA, Fish JL. SATB2-associated syndrome: Mechanisms, phenotype, and practical recommendations. Am J Med Genet A. 2017 Feb;173(2):327-337. doi: 10.1002/ajmg.a.38022. Epub 2016 Oct 24. Citation on PubMed
  • Zarate YA, Kalsner L, Basinger A, Jones JR, Li C, Szybowska M, Xu ZL, Vergano S, Caffrey AR, Gonzalez CV, Dubbs H, Zackai E, Millan F, Telegrafi A, Baskin B, Person R, Fish JL, Everman DB. Genotype and phenotype in 12 additional individuals with SATB2-associated syndrome. Clin Genet. 2017 Oct;92(4):423-429. doi: 10.1111/cge.12982. Epub 2017 Mar 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.