The CCM2 gene contains 10 coding exons and an alternatively spliced exon 1B. This gene is located on chromosome 7p13 and loss of function mutations on CCM2 lead to the onset of cerebral cavernous malformations (CCM) illness. [5] Cerebral cavernous malformations (CCMs) are vascular malformations in the brain and spinal cord made of dilated capillary vessels.
Malcavernin is a protein that in humans is encoded by the CCM2 gene. [6] [7] The normal function of malcavernin is to act as a scaffold for a variety of signaling complexes including p38 MAP Kinase. [8] This protein is also involved in regulating the cellular localization of the KRIT1 protein [9] and acts with the Rho Kinase signaling pathway to maintain normal blood vessel structure. [10] [11]
Cerebral cavernous malformation (CCM) is a cavernous hemangioma that arises in the central nervous system. It can be considered to be a variant of hemangioma, and is characterized by grossly large dilated blood vessels and large vascular channels, less well circumscribed, and more involved with deep structures, with a single layer of endothelium and an absence of neuronal tissue within the lesions. These thinly walled vessels resemble sinusoidal cavities filled with stagnant blood. Blood vessels in patients with cerebral cavernous malformations (CCM) can range from a few millimeters to several centimeters in diameter. Most lesions occur in the brain, but any organ may be involved.
Krev interaction trapped protein 1 or Cerebral cavernous malformations 1 protein is a protein that in humans is encoded by the KRIT1 gene. This gene contains 16 coding exons and is located on chromosome 7q21.2. Loss of function mutations in KRIT1 result in the onset of cerebral cavernous malformation. Cerebral cavernous malformations (CCMs) are vascular malformations in the brain and spinal cord made of dilated capillary vessels.
The Abelson helper integration site 1 (AHI1) is a protein coding gene that is known for the critical role it plays in brain development. Proper cerebellar and cortical development in the human brain depends heavily on AHI1. The AHI1 gene is prominently expressed in the embryonic hindbrain and forebrain. AHI1 specifically encodes the Jouberin protein and mutations in the expression of the gene is known to cause specific forms of Joubert syndrome. Joubert syndrome is autosomal recessive and is characterized by the brain malformations and mental retardation that AHI1 mutations have the potential to induce. AHI1 has also been associated with schizophrenia and autism due to the role it plays in brain development. An AHI1 heterozygous knockout mouse model was studied by Bernard Lerer and his group at Hadassah Medical Center in Jerusalem to elucidate the correlation between alterations in AHI1 expression and the pathogenesis of neuropsychiatric disorders. The core temperatures and corticosterone secretions of the heterozygous knockout mice after exposure to environmental and visceral stress exhibited extreme repression of autonomic nervous system and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal responses. The knockout mice demonstrated an increased resilience to different types of stress and these results lead to a correlation between emotional regulation and neuropsychiatric disorders.
Integrin beta-1-binding protein 1 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the ITGB1BP1 gene.
Sodium- and chloride-dependent creatine transporter 1 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the SLC6A8 gene.
McKusick–Kaufman/Bardet–Biedl syndromes putative chaperonin is a protein that in humans is encoded by the MKKS gene.
The human gene UBR1 encodes the enzyme ubiquitin-protein ligase E3 component n-recognin 1.
Bardet–Biedl syndrome 1 protein is a protein that in humans is encoded by the BBS1 gene. BBS1 is part of the BBSome complex, which required for ciliogenesis. Mutations in this gene have been observed in patients with the major form of Bardet–Biedl syndrome.
Glomulin is a protein that in humans is encoded by the GLMN gene.
Y+L amino acid transporter 1 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the SLC7A7 gene.
Programmed cell death protein 10 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the PDCD10 gene.
Eyes absent homolog 4 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the EYA4 gene.
Bardet–Biedl syndrome 2 protein is a protein that in humans is encoded by the BBS2 gene.
Cytochrome c-type heme lyase is an enzyme that in humans is encoded by the HCCS gene on chromosome X.
Homeobox protein DLX-6 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the DLX6 gene.
Coiled-coil and C2 domain-containing protein 2A that in humans is encoded by the CC2D2A gene.
Transmembrane protein 216 is a protein in humans that is encoded by the TMEM216 gene.
Leucine-rich repeat-containing protein 50 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the LRRC50 gene.
Radial spoke head protein 9 homolog is a protein that in humans is encoded by the RSPH9 gene.
Cavernous hemangioma, also called cavernous angioma, venous malformation, or cavernoma, is a type of venous malformation due to endothelial dysmorphogenesis from a lesion which is present at birth. A cavernoma in the brain is called a cerebral cavernous malformation or CCM. Despite its designation as a hemangioma, a cavernous hemangioma is not a tumor as it does not display endothelial hyperplasia. The abnormal tissue causes a slowing of blood flow through the cavities, or "caverns". The blood vessels do not form the necessary junctions with surrounding cells, and the structural support from the smooth muscle is hindered, causing leakage into the surrounding tissue. It is the leakage of blood, referred to as hemorrhage, that causes a variety of symptoms known to be associated with the condition.