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/stxbp1/

STXBP1 gene

syntaxin binding protein 1

Normal Function

The STXBP1 gene provides instructions for making syntaxin-binding protein 1. In nerve cells (neurons), this protein helps regulate the release of chemical messengers called neurotransmitters from compartments known as synaptic vesicles. The release of neurotransmitters relays signals between neurons and is critical for normal brain function.

To release its neurotransmitters, a synaptic vesicle must join (fuse) with the outer membrane of the neuron. The syntaxin-binding protein 1 regulates the formation of a group (complex) of proteins that allows vesicle fusion.

Syntaxin-binding protein 1 may also have a role in the positioning and growth of neurons during brain development. Proper localization of neurons is important for normal brain formation and function.

Health Conditions Related to Genetic Changes

STXBP1 encephalopathy

More than 150 mutations in the STXBP1 gene have been found to cause STXBP1 encephalopathy. This condition is characterized by abnormal brain function (encephalopathy) and intellectual disability. Most affected individuals also have recurrent seizures (epilepsy) that begin in infancy. The STXBP1 gene mutations can alter the structure of syntaxin-binding protein 1, result in an abnormally short protein, or add or delete small sections of the protein.

The gene mutations that cause STXBP1 encephalopathy reduce the amount of functional syntaxin-binding protein 1 produced from the gene. A shortage of this protein impairs the formation of the protein complex that allows vesicle fusion and the release of neurotransmitters from neurons. A change in neurotransmitter levels can lead to uncontrolled activation (excitation) of neurons, which causes seizures. Researchers suspect that a shortage of syntaxin-binding protein 1 also impairs neuron development in certain regions of the brain, which could underlie abnormal brain function and other neurological problems in people with STXBP1 encephalopathy.

More About This Health Condition

Lennox-Gastaut syndrome

MedlinePlus Genetics provides information about Lennox-Gastaut syndrome

More About This Health Condition

Other Names for This Gene

  • hUNC18
  • MUNC18-1
  • N-Sec1
  • neuronal SEC1
  • NSEC1
  • RBSEC1
  • unc-18A
  • UNC18
  • unc18-1

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

  • Abramov D, Guiberson NGL, Burre J. STXBP1 encephalopathies: Clinical spectrum, disease mechanisms, and therapeutic strategies. J Neurochem. 2021 Apr;157(2):165-178. doi: 10.1111/jnc.15120. Epub 2020 Aug 4. Citation on PubMed
  • Di Meglio C, Lesca G, Villeneuve N, Lacoste C, Abidi A, Cacciagli P, Altuzarra C, Roubertie A, Afenjar A, Renaldo-Robin F, Isidor B, Gautier A, Husson M, Cances C, Metreau J, Laroche C, Chouchane M, Ville D, Marignier S, Rougeot C, Lebrun M, de Saint Martin A, Perez A, Riquet A, Badens C, Missirian C, Philip N, Chabrol B, Villard L, Milh M. Epileptic patients with de novo STXBP1 mutations: Key clinical features based on 24 cases. Epilepsia. 2015 Dec;56(12):1931-40. doi: 10.1111/epi.13214. Epub 2015 Oct 29. Citation on PubMed
  • Gburek-Augustat J, Beck-Woedl S, Tzschach A, Bauer P, Schoening M, Riess A. Epilepsy is not a mandatory feature of STXBP1 associated ataxia-tremor-retardation syndrome. Eur J Paediatr Neurol. 2016 Jul;20(4):661-5. doi: 10.1016/j.ejpn.2016.04.005. Epub 2016 Apr 28. Citation on PubMed
  • Hamada N, Iwamoto I, Tabata H, Nagata KI. MUNC18-1 gene abnormalities are involved in neurodevelopmental disorders through defective cortical architecture during brain development. Acta Neuropathol Commun. 2017 Nov 30;5(1):92. doi: 10.1186/s40478-017-0498-5. Citation on PubMed
  • Patzke C, Han Y, Covy J, Yi F, Maxeiner S, Wernig M, Sudhof TC. Analysis of conditional heterozygous STXBP1 mutations in human neurons. J Clin Invest. 2015 Sep;125(9):3560-71. doi: 10.1172/JCI78612. Epub 2015 Aug 17. Citation on PubMed or Free article on PubMed Central
  • Rizo J, Rosenmund C. Synaptic vesicle fusion. Nat Struct Mol Biol. 2008 Jul;15(7):665-74. doi: 10.1038/nsmb.1450. Citation on PubMed or Free article on PubMed Central
  • Stamberger H, Nikanorova M, Willemsen MH, Accorsi P, Angriman M, Baier H, Benkel-Herrenbrueck I, Benoit V, Budetta M, Caliebe A, Cantalupo G, Capovilla G, Casara G, Courage C, Deprez M, Destree A, Dilena R, Erasmus CE, Fannemel M, Fjaer R, Giordano L, Helbig KL, Heyne HO, Klepper J, Kluger GJ, Lederer D, Lodi M, Maier O, Merkenschlager A, Michelberger N, Minetti C, Muhle H, Phalin J, Ramsey K, Romeo A, Schallner J, Schanze I, Shinawi M, Sleegers K, Sterbova K, Syrbe S, Traverso M, Tzschach A, Uldall P, Van Coster R, Verhelst H, Viri M, Winter S, Wolff M, Zenker M, Zoccante L, De Jonghe P, Helbig I, Striano P, Lemke JR, Moller RS, Weckhuysen S. STXBP1 encephalopathy: A neurodevelopmental disorder including epilepsy. Neurology. 2016 Mar 8;86(10):954-62. doi: 10.1212/WNL.0000000000002457. Epub 2016 Feb 10. Citation on PubMed
  • Yamamoto T, Shimojima K, Yano T, Ueda Y, Takayama R, Ikeda H, Imai K. Loss-of-function mutations of STXBP1 in patients with epileptic encephalopathy. Brain Dev. 2016 Mar;38(3):280-4. doi: 10.1016/j.braindev.2015.09.004. Epub 2015 Sep 16. Citation on PubMed
  • Yamashita S, Chiyonobu T, Yoshida M, Maeda H, Zuiki M, Kidowaki S, Isoda K, Morimoto M, Kato M, Saitsu H, Matsumoto N, Nakahata T, Saito MK, Hosoi H. Mislocalization of syntaxin-1 and impaired neurite growth observed in a human iPSC model for STXBP1-related epileptic encephalopathy. Epilepsia. 2016 Apr;57(4):e81-6. doi: 10.1111/epi.13338. Epub 2016 Feb 25. 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.