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URL of this page: https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/gene/vrk1/

VRK1 gene

VRK serine/threonine kinase 1

Normal Function

The VRK1 gene provides instructions for making a protein called VRK serine/threonine kinase 1. This protein is active in cells throughout the body.

VRK serine/threonine kinase 1 plays a critical role in directing cell growth and division. This protein regulates several transcription factors, which are proteins that control the activity of genes by attaching (binding) to specific regions of DNA. VRK serine/threonine kinase 1 has a particularly important role in regulating a transcription factor called p53 (which is produced from the TP53 gene). The p53 protein repairs damaged DNA, regulates cell division, and prevents the formation of cancerous tumors. VRK serine/threonine kinase 1 stabilizes and activates the p53 protein and controls the levels of p53 in the nucleus.

Studies suggest that VRK serine/threonine kinase 1 has several additional functions. This protein is involved in the assembly of the nuclear envelope, which is a structure that surrounds the nucleus and acts as a barrier between the nucleus and the rest of the cell. The nuclear envelope protects the DNA contained in the nucleus and regulates the movement of molecules into and out of the nucleus. VRK serine/threonine kinase 1 is also thought to play a role in the organization of chromatin. Chromatin is the complex of DNA and protein that packages DNA into chromosomes. Both the assembly of the nuclear envelope and the proper organization of chromatin are necessary for normal cell division.

Researchers speculate that VRK serine/threonine kinase 1 may be involved in the development and maintenance of the nervous system, but its role is not well understood.

Health Conditions Related to Genetic Changes

Pontocerebellar hypoplasia

At least two mutations in the VRK1 gene have been identified in people with a disorder of brain development called pontocerebellar hypoplasia. The major features of this condition include delayed development, problems with movement, and intellectual disability. VRK1 gene mutations cause a small percentage of all cases of a form of the disorder designated pontocerebellar hypoplasia type 1 (PCH1). When PCH1 results from VRK1 gene mutations, it is sometimes categorized more specifically as PCH1A.

The VRK1 gene mutations that cause PCH1A significantly reduce the amount of VRK serine/threonine kinase 1 produced in cells. A shortage of this protein prevents it from carrying out its usual functions, including regulating the activity of transcription factors. Although these changes likely affect cell growth and division, it is unknown how they lead to abnormal brain development in people with PCH1A.

More About This Health Condition

Other disorders

At least three mutations in the VRK1 gene are thought to cause another rare brain disorder that has been described as a form of hereditary motor and sensory neuropathy (HMSN). HMSNs are a group of disorders that affect peripheral nerves, which connect the brain and spinal cord to muscles as well as sensory cells that detect touch, pain, and temperature. Individuals with HMSN resulting from mutations in the VRK1 gene have weak muscle tone (hypotonia) and delayed development of motor skills such as sitting, standing, and walking. They also have an unusually small head size (microcephaly), but they have normal intelligence.

The VRK1 gene mutations associated with this disorder change single protein building blocks (amino acids) in VRK serine/threonine kinase 1. Researchers are working to determine how changes in the VRK1 gene result in the neurological problems associated with this disorder.

One of the mutations associated with HMSN has also been found in an individual with PCH1A (described above). It is unclear why VRK1 gene mutations can cause different nervous system abnormalities in different people. It is also unknown why the effects of these mutations appear to be limited to the nervous system, as VRK serine/threonine kinase 1 is active in many of the body's cells and tissues.

Other Names for This Gene

  • MGC117401
  • MGC138280
  • MGC142070
  • vaccinia related kinase 1
  • vaccinia virus B1R-related kinase 1
  • vaccinia-related kinase-1
  • VRK1_HUMAN

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

  • Gonzaga-Jauregui C, Lotze T, Jamal L, Penney S, Campbell IM, Pehlivan D, Hunter JV, Woodbury SL, Raymond G, Adesina AM, Jhangiani SN, Reid JG, Muzny DM, Boerwinkle E, Lupski JR, Gibbs RA, Wiszniewski W. Mutations in VRK1 associated with complex motor and sensory axonal neuropathy plus microcephaly. JAMA Neurol. 2013 Dec;70(12):1491-8. doi: 10.1001/jamaneurol.2013.4598. Citation on PubMed or Free article on PubMed Central
  • Kang TH, Park DY, Kim W, Kim KT. VRK1 phosphorylates CREB and mediates CCND1 expression. J Cell Sci. 2008 Sep 15;121(Pt 18):3035-41. doi: 10.1242/jcs.026757. Epub 2008 Aug 19. Citation on PubMed
  • Klerkx EP, Lazo PA, Askjaer P. Emerging biological functions of the vaccinia-related kinase (VRK) family. Histol Histopathol. 2009 Jun;24(6):749-59. doi: 10.14670/HH-24.749. Citation on PubMed
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  • Nichols RJ, Wiebe MS, Traktman P. The vaccinia-related kinases phosphorylate the N' terminus of BAF, regulating its interaction with DNA and its retention in the nucleus. Mol Biol Cell. 2006 May;17(5):2451-64. doi: 10.1091/mbc.e05-12-1179. Epub 2006 Feb 22. Citation on PubMed or Free article on PubMed Central
  • Renbaum P, Kellerman E, Jaron R, Geiger D, Segel R, Lee M, King MC, Levy-Lahad E. Spinal muscular atrophy with pontocerebellar hypoplasia is caused by a mutation in the VRK1 gene. Am J Hum Genet. 2009 Aug;85(2):281-9. doi: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2009.07.006. Epub 2009 Jul 30. Citation on PubMed or Free article on PubMed Central
  • Valbuena A, Lopez-Sanchez I, Lazo PA. Human VRK1 is an early response gene and its loss causes a block in cell cycle progression. PLoS One. 2008 Feb 20;3(2):e1642. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0001642. Citation on PubMed or Free article on PubMed Central
  • Valbuena A, Sanz-Garcia M, Lopez-Sanchez I, Vega FM, Lazo PA. Roles of VRK1 as a new player in the control of biological processes required for cell division. Cell Signal. 2011 Aug;23(8):1267-72. doi: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2011.04.002. Epub 2011 Apr 14. Citation on PubMed
  • Vega FM, Sevilla A, Lazo PA. p53 Stabilization and accumulation induced by human vaccinia-related kinase 1. Mol Cell Biol. 2004 Dec;24(23):10366-80. doi: 10.1128/MCB.24.23.10366-10380.2004. Citation on PubMed or Free article on PubMed Central

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.