Treacle protein is a protein that in humans is encoded by the TCOF1 gene. [5] [6]
This gene encodes a nucleolar protein with an LIS1 homology domain. The protein is involved in ribosomal DNA gene transcription through its interaction with upstream binding factor (UBF). Mutations in this gene have been associated with Treacher Collins syndrome, a disorder which includes abnormal craniofacial development. Alternate transcriptional splice variants encoding different isoforms have been found for this gene, but only three of them have been characterized to date. [6]
TCOF1 is a gene that provides instructions for making a protein called treacle. [7] This protein is active during early embryonic development in structures that become bones and other tissues in the face. Although the precise function of this protein is unknown, researchers believe that it plays a critical role in the development of facial bones and related structures.
Studies suggest that treacle is involved in the production of a molecule called ribosomal RNA (rRNA) within cells. Treacle is active in the nucleolus, which is a small region inside the nucleus where rRNA is produced. As a major component of cell structures called ribosomes, rRNA is essential for the assembly of proteins.
Aside from its interaction with UBF, treacle has been implicated in the methylation of the precursor to mature ribosomal RNA by interaction with the nucleolar protein pNop56. [8]
The TCOF1 gene is located on the long (q) arm of chromosome 5 between positions 32 and 33.1, from base pair 149,717,427 to base pair 149,760,047.
More than 120 mutations in the TCOF gene have been identified in people with Treacher Collins syndrome. Most of these mutations insert or delete a small number of DNA building blocks (base pairs) in the TCOF1 gene. TCOF1 mutations lead to the production of an abnormally small, nonfunctional version of treacle or prevent the cell from producing this protein. Researchers speculate that a loss of treacle reduces the production of rRNA in parts of the embryo that develop into facial bones and tissues. It is not known how loss of the treacle protein causes the specific problems with facial development found in Treacher Collins syndrome. For instance, mutations in the TCOF gene of these individuals often result in a cleft palate. [9]
Mutations in this gene in Jindo dogs have been associated to the observed cranial differences between Jindo and boxer dogs. [10]
Treacher Collins syndrome (TCS) is a genetic disorder characterized by deformities of the ears, eyes, cheekbones, and chin. The degree to which a person is affected, however, may vary from mild to severe. Complications may include breathing problems, problems seeing, cleft palate, and hearing loss. Those affected generally have normal intelligence.
Neuronal migration protein doublecortin, also known as doublin or lissencephalin-X is a protein that in humans is encoded by the DCX gene.
SNORD115 is a non-coding RNA (ncRNA) molecule known as a small nucleolar RNA which usually functions in guiding the modification of other non-coding RNAs. This type of modifying RNA is usually located in the nucleolus of the eukaryotic cell which is a major site of snRNA biogenesis. HBII-52 refers to the human gene, whereas RBII-52 is used for the rat gene and MBII-52 is used for naming the mouse gene.
SNORD116 is a non-coding RNA (ncRNA) molecule which functions in the modification of other small nuclear RNAs (snRNAs). This type of modifying RNA is usually located in the nucleolus of the eukaryotic cell which is a major site of snRNA biogenesis. It is known as a small nucleolar RNA (snoRNA) and also often referred to as a guide RNA.
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Transcription factor SOX-10 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the SOX10 gene.
Eyes absent homolog 1 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the EYA1 gene.
60S ribosomal protein L10 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the RPL10 gene.
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60S ribosomal protein L7a is a protein that in humans is encoded by the RPL7A gene.
Gap junction beta-3 protein (GJB3), also known as connexin 31 (Cx31) — is a protein that in humans is encoded by the GJB3 gene.
Phosphorylase b kinase regulatory subunit alpha, liver isoform is an enzyme that in humans is encoded by the PHKA2 gene.
Nucleolar protein 56 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the NOP56 gene.
Oral-facial-digital syndrome 1 protein is a protein that in humans is encoded by the OFD1 gene.
Forkhead box protein E1 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the FOXE1 gene.
Protein DGCR14 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the DGCR14 gene.
Eyes absent homolog 4 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the EYA4 gene.
60S ribosomal protein L13 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the RPL13 gene.
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Ribosomopathies are diseases caused by abnormalities in the structure or function of ribosomal component proteins or rRNA genes, or other genes whose products are involved in ribosome biogenesis.