Encyclopedia
SWI/SNF related, matrix associated, actin dependent regulator of chromatin, subfamily b, member 1
- genes
1. Normal Function
The SMARCB1 gene provides instructions for making a protein that forms one piece (subunit) of several different protein groupings called SWI/SNF protein complexes. SWI/SNF complexes regulate gene activity (expression) by a process known as chromatin remodeling. Chromatin is the network of DNA and protein that packages DNA into chromosomes. 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.
Through their ability to regulate gene activity, SWI/SNF complexes are involved in many processes, including repairing damaged DNA; copying (replicating) DNA; and controlling the growth, division, and maturation (differentiation) of cells. Through these processes, the SMARCB1 protein and other SWI/SNF subunits are thought to act as tumor suppressors, which keep cells from growing and dividing too rapidly or in an uncontrolled way.
The role of the SMARCB1 protein within the SWI/SNF complex is not fully understood.
2. Health Conditions Related to Genetic Changes
2.1. Coffin-Siris syndrome
At least five mutations in the SMARCB1 gene have been found to cause Coffin-Siris syndrome. This condition is characterized by delayed development, abnormalities of the fifth (pinky) fingers or toes, and characteristic facial features that are described as coarse. The SMARCB1 gene mutations involved in Coffin-Siris syndrome are germline mutations, which means that they are present in cells throughout the body. The mutations change or remove single protein building blocks (amino acids) in the SMARCB1 protein. Although it is unclear how these changes affect SWI/SNF complexes, researchers suggest that SMARCB1 gene mutations result in abnormal chromatin remodeling. Disturbance of this process alters the activity of many genes and disrupts several cell activities, which could explain the diverse signs and symptoms of Coffin-Siris syndrome. People with Coffin-Siris syndrome do not appear to have an increased risk of cancer (see below).
2.2. Rhabdoid tumor predisposition syndrome
More than 50 germline mutations in the SMARCB1 gene have been identified in people with rhabdoid tumor predisposition syndrome (RTPS). RTPS is characterized by a high risk of developing cancerous (malignant) growths called rhabdoid tumors. These tumors most often occur in the brain and spinal cord (central nervous system) or in the kidney, but they can occur in other organs and tissues of the body. Some affected children also develop noncancerous (benign) tumors called schwannomas, which grow on nerves. Women with RTPS are at increased risk of developing a rare type of ovarian cancer called small cell cancer of the ovary, hypercalcemic type (SCCOHT).
In addition to the germline mutation affecting one copy of the SMARCB1 gene in each cell, an additional genetic change that deletes the normal copy of the gene is needed for a tumor to develop. This additional change is present only in the cancerous cells. Such changes are known as somatic mutations. In combination, the germline and somatic mutations lead to the absence or dysfunction of SMARCB1 protein. This deficiency likely impairs the tumor suppressor functions of the proteins, but the specific mechanism that leads to rhabdoid tumors is unknown.
2.3. Schwannomatosis
More than two dozen mutations in the SMARCB1 gene have been found in people with schwannomatosis, a disorder characterized by multiple noncancerous (benign) tumors called schwannomas that grow on nerves. This type of tumor arises from Schwann cells, which are specialized cells that normally form an insulating layer around the nerve.
SMARCB1 gene mutations associated with schwannomatosis lead to production of an altered SMARCB1 protein whose function is reduced but not eliminated. The altered protein is less able to control how cells grow and divide, which can allow tumors to develop. However, it is unknown why these mutations are predominantly associated with schwannomas, instead of other tumor types, in people with schwannomatosis.
It appears that germline mutations in SMARCB1 alone are not enough to trigger the development of schwannomas. Additional somatic mutations that are acquired during a person's lifetime and are present only in certain cells may also be required for schwannomas to form.
Some people who have a mutation in the SMARCB1 gene never develop tumors, which is a situation known as reduced penetrance.
2.4. Other cancers
Somatic mutations in both copies of the SMARCB1 gene, which result in the absence of SMARCB1 protein, cause noninherited (sporadic) rhabdoid tumors in children. As in RTPS (described above), the absence of SMARCB1 protein likely impairs the tumor suppressor functions of the proteins, but the specific mechanism that leads to rhabdoid tumors is unknown.
3. Other Names for This Gene
- BAF47
- BRG1-associated factor 47
- hSNF5
- hSNFS
- INI1
- integrase interactor 1 protein
- MRD15
- PPP1R144
- RDT
- RTPS1
- Sfh1p
- SNF5
- SNF5 homolog
- SNF5_HUMAN
- SNF5L1
- Snr1
- sucrose nonfermenting, yeast, homolog-like 1
- SWI/SNF-related matrix-associated actin-dependent regulator of chromatin subfamily B member 1
The entry is from https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/gene/smarcb1
References
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- Hulsebos TJ, Plomp AS, Wolterman RA, Robanus-Maandag EC, Baas F, Wesseling P. Germline mutation of INI1/SMARCB1 in familial schwannomatosis. Am J Hum Genet.2007 Apr;80(4):805-10. Epub 2007 Feb 16.
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- Sredni ST, Tomita T. Rhabdoid tumor predisposition syndrome. Pediatr DevPathol. 2015 Jan-Feb;18(1):49-58. doi: 10.2350/14-07-1531-MISC.1. Epub 2014 Dec10.
- Tsurusaki Y, Okamoto N, Ohashi H, Kosho T, Imai Y, Hibi-Ko Y, Kaname T,Naritomi K, Kawame H, Wakui K, Fukushima Y, Homma T, Kato M, Hiraki Y, YamagataT, Yano S, Mizuno S, Sakazume S, Ishii T, Nagai T, Shiina M, Ogata K, Ohta T,Niikawa N, Miyatake S, Okada I, Mizuguchi T, Doi H, Saitsu H, Miyake N, MatsumotoN. Mutations affecting components of the SWI/SNF complex cause Coffin-Sirissyndrome. Nat Genet. 2012 Mar 18;44(4):376-8. doi: 10.1038/ng.2219.
- Wieczorek D, Bögershausen N, Beleggia F, Steiner-Haldenstätt S, Pohl E, Li Y, Milz E, Martin M, Thiele H, Altmüller J, Alanay Y, Kayserili H, Klein-Hitpass L, Böhringer S, Wollstein A, Albrecht B, Boduroglu K, Caliebe A, Chrzanowska K,Cogulu O, Cristofoli F, Czeschik JC, Devriendt K, Dotti MT, Elcioglu N, Gener B, Goecke TO, Krajewska-Walasek M, Guillén-Navarro E, Hayek J, Houge G, Kilic E,Simsek-Kiper PÖ, López-González V, Kuechler A, Lyonnet S, Mari F, Marozza A,Mathieu Dramard M, Mikat B, Morin G, Morice-Picard F, Ozkinay F, Rauch A, RenieriA, Tinschert S, Utine GE, Vilain C, Vivarelli R, Zweier C, Nürnberg P, Rahmann S,Vermeesch J, Lüdecke HJ, Zeschnigk M, Wollnik B. A comprehensive molecular study on Coffin-Siris and Nicolaides-Baraitser syndromes identifies a broad molecularand clinical spectrum converging on altered chromatin remodeling. Hum Mol Genet. 2013 Dec 20;22(25):5121-35. doi: 10.1093/hmg/ddt366. Epub 2013 Aug 1.
