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URL of this page: https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/gene/smarcal1/

SMARCAL1 gene

SWI/SNF related, matrix associated, actin dependent regulator of chromatin, subfamily a like 1

Normal Function

The SMARCAL1 gene provides instructions for producing a protein whose specific function is unknown. The SMARCAL1 protein can attach (bind) to chromatin, which is the complex of DNA and protein that packages DNA into chromosomes. Based on the function of similar proteins, the SMARCAL1 protein is thought to influence the activity (expression) of other genes through a process known as chromatin remodeling. The structure of chromatin can be changed (remodeled) to alter how tightly DNA is packaged. Chromatin remodeling is one way gene expression is regulated during development. When DNA is tightly packed, gene expression is lower than when DNA is loosely packed.

Health Conditions Related to Genetic Changes

Schimke immuno-osseous dysplasia

More than 40 mutations in the SMARCAL1 gene have been found to increase the risk of Schimke immuno-osseous dysplasia. The mutations associated with Schimke immuno-osseous dysplasia disrupt the usual functions of the SMARCAL1 protein or prevent the production of any functional protein. People who have mutations that cause a complete lack of functional protein tend to have a more severe form of this disorder than those who have mutations that lead to an active but malfunctioning protein. Mutations in the SMARCAL1 gene are thought to lead to disease by affecting protein activity, protein stability, or the protein's ability to bind to chromatin. It is not clear how SMARCAL1 mutations contribute to short stature, kidney disease, and a weakened immune system in people with Schimke immuno-osseous dysplasia. In order for people with SMARCAL1 gene mutations to develop Schimke immuno-osseous dysplasia, other currently unknown genetic or environmental factors must also be present.

More About This Health Condition

Other Names for This Gene

  • HARP
  • HepA-related protein
  • HHARP
  • SMAL1_HUMAN
  • SMARCA-like protein 1
  • SWI/SNF related, matrix associated, actin dependent regulator of chromatin, subfamily a-like 1
  • SWI/SNF-related matrix-associated actin-dependent regulator of chromatin a-like 1

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

  • Boerkoel CF, Takashima H, John J, Yan J, Stankiewicz P, Rosenbarker L, Andre JL, Bogdanovic R, Burguet A, Cockfield S, Cordeiro I, Frund S, Illies F, Joseph M, Kaitila I, Lama G, Loirat C, McLeod DR, Milford DV, Petty EM, Rodrigo F, Saraiva JM, Schmidt B, Smith GC, Spranger J, Stein A, Thiele H, Tizard J, Weksberg R, Lupski JR, Stockton DW. Mutant chromatin remodeling protein SMARCAL1 causes Schimke immuno-osseous dysplasia. Nat Genet. 2002 Feb;30(2):215-20. doi: 10.1038/ng821. Epub 2002 Jan 22. Citation on PubMed
  • Deguchi K, Clewing JM, Elizondo LI, Hirano R, Huang C, Choi K, Sloan EA, Lucke T, Marwedel KM, Powell RD Jr, Santa Cruz K, Willaime-Morawek S, Inoue K, Lou S, Northrop JL, Kanemura Y, van der Kooy D, Okano H, Armstrong DL, Boerkoel CF. Neurologic phenotype of Schimke immuno-osseous dysplasia and neurodevelopmental expression of SMARCAL1. J Neuropathol Exp Neurol. 2008 Jun;67(6):565-77. doi: 10.1097/NEN.0b013e3181772777. Citation on PubMed
  • Elizondo LI, Cho KS, Zhang W, Yan J, Huang C, Huang Y, Choi K, Sloan EA, Deguchi K, Lou S, Baradaran-Heravi A, Takashima H, Lucke T, Quiocho FA, Boerkoel CF. Schimke immuno-osseous dysplasia: SMARCAL1 loss-of-function and phenotypic correlation. J Med Genet. 2009 Jan;46(1):49-59. doi: 10.1136/jmg.2008.060095. Epub 2008 Sep 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.