Encyclopedia
Heparan sulfate proteoglycan 2
- genes
1. Introduction
The HSPG2 gene provides instructions for making a protein called perlecan. This protein is found in the extracellular matrix, which is the intricate lattice of proteins and other molecules that forms in the spaces between cells. Specifically, it is found in part of the extracellular matrix called the basement membrane, which is a thin, sheet-like structure that separates and supports cells in many tissues. Perlecan is also found in cartilage, a tough, flexible tissue that makes up much of the skeleton during early development. Most cartilage is later converted to bone, except for the cartilage that continues to cover and protect the ends of bones and is present in the nose and external ears.
Perlecan is a heparan sulfate proteoglycan, which is a type of protein that interacts with many other proteins and has a variety of functions. In particular, perlecan is involved in cell signaling, the sticking (adhesion) of cells to one another, the formation of new blood vessels (angiogenesis), and the maintenance of basement membranes and cartilage throughout life. The protein also plays a critical role at the neuromuscular junction, which is the area between the ends of nerve cells and muscle cells where signals are relayed to trigger muscle contraction.
2. Health Conditions Related to Genetic Changes
2.1. Schwartz-Jampel Syndrome
More than 30 mutations in the HSPG2 gene have been found to cause Schwartz-Jampel syndrome. This rare condition is characterized by continuous muscle contraction (myotonia) that restricts movement, as well as bone abnormalities known as chondrodysplasia. Most of the mutations reduce the amount of perlecan that is produced. Other mutations lead to a version of perlecan that is only partially functional. A reduction in the amount or function of this protein disrupts the normal development of cartilage and bone tissue, which underlies chondrodysplasia in affected individuals. A reduced amount of functional perlecan at the neuromuscular junction likely alters the balance of other molecules that signal when muscles should contract and when they should relax. As a result, muscle contraction is triggered continuously, leading to myotonia.
2.2. Other Disorders
Mutations in the HSPG2 gene can also cause another, more severe form of chondrodysplasia called dyssegmental dysplasia, Silverman-Handmaker type. Because of the very severe abnormalities associated with this rare condition, most affected individuals die before birth, are stillborn, or live only into early infancy. At least seven HSPG2 gene mutations have been identified in people with dyssegmental dysplasia, Silverman-Handmaker type. These mutations prevent the production or transport of any functional perlecan. A total lack of this protein significantly disrupts the development of cartilage and bone tissue, causing this very severe type of chondrodysplasia.
3. Other Names for This Gene
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endorepellin (domain V region)
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perlecan
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perlecan proteoglycan
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PLC
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PRCAN
This entry is adapted from the peer-reviewed paper https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/gene/hspg2
References
- Arikawa-Hirasawa E, Le AH, Nishino I, Nonaka I, Ho NC, Francomano CA,Govindraj P, Hassell JR, Devaney JM, Spranger J, Stevenson RE, Iannaccone S,Dalakas MC, Yamada Y. Structural and functional mutations of the perlecan genecause Schwartz-Jampel syndrome, with myotonic myopathy and chondrodysplasia. Am JHum Genet. 2002 May;70(5):1368-75.
- Arikawa-Hirasawa E, Wilcox WR, Le AH, Silverman N, Govindraj P, Hassell JR,Yamada Y. Dyssegmental dysplasia, Silverman-Handmaker type, is caused byfunctional null mutations of the perlecan gene. Nat Genet. 2001 Apr;27(4):431-4.
- Arikawa-Hirasawa E, Wilcox WR, Yamada Y. Dyssegmental dysplasia,Silverman-Handmaker type: unexpected role of perlecan in cartilage development.Am J Med Genet. 2001 Winter;106(4):254-7. Review.
- Ladhani NN, Chitayat D, Nezarati MM, Laureane MC, Keating S, Silver RJ, Unger S, Velsher L, Sirkin W, Toi A, Glanc P. Dyssegmental dysplasia,Silverman-Handmaker type: prenatal ultrasound findings and molecular analysis.Prenat Diagn. 2013 Nov;33(11):1039-43. doi: 10.1002/pd.4193.
- Melrose J, Hayes AJ, Whitelock JM, Little CB. Perlecan, the "jack of alltrades" proteoglycan of cartilaginous weight-bearing connective tissues.Bioessays. 2008 May;30(5):457-69. doi: 10.1002/bies.20748. Review.
- Nicole S, Davoine CS, Topaloglu H, Cattolico L, Barral D, Beighton P, HamidaCB, Hammouda H, Cruaud C, White PS, Samson D, Urtizberea JA, Lehmann-Horn F,Weissenbach J, Hentati F, Fontaine B. Perlecan, the major proteoglycan ofbasement membranes, is altered in patients with Schwartz-Jampel syndrome(chondrodystrophic myotonia). Nat Genet. 2000 Dec;26(4):480-3.
- Stum M, Davoine CS, Fontaine B, Nicole S. Schwartz-Jampel syndrome andperlecan deficiency. Acta Myol. 2005 Oct;24(2):89-92. Review.
- Stum M, Davoine CS, Vicart S, Guillot-Noël L, Topaloglu H, Carod-Artal FJ,Kayserili H, Hentati F, Merlini L, Urtizberea JA, Hammouda el-H, Quan PC,Fontaine B, Nicole S. Spectrum of HSPG2 (Perlecan) mutations in patients withSchwartz-Jampel syndrome. Hum Mutat. 2006 Nov;27(11):1082-91.
