RNF213

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What is the official name of the RNF213 gene?

The official name of this gene is “ring finger protein 213.”

RNF213 is the gene's official symbol. The RNF213 gene is also known by other names, listed below.

Read more about gene names and symbols on the About page.

What is the normal function of the RNF213 gene?

The RNF213 gene provides instructions for making a protein whose role is unknown. The RNF213 protein, which is found in tissues throughout the body, contains specific regions (domains) that hint at possible functions. One domain, known as a RING finger, is found in proteins that have an enzyme activity known as E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase. Proteins with this activity target other proteins to be broken down (degraded) within cells. Protein degradation is a normal process that removes damaged or unnecessary proteins and helps maintain the normal functions of cells. Proteins with a RING finger domain are involved in many different cellular functions, including cell growth and division, the transmission of chemical signals (signal transduction), and the self-destruction of cells (apoptosis).

The RNF213 protein also contains two regions called AAA+ ATPase domains. Proteins with these domains typically regulate mechanical processes in the cell, such as protein unfolding, DNA unwinding, or transporting molecules.

Although the function of the RNF213 protein is unknown, studies suggest that it plays a role in the proper development of blood vessels.

Does the RNF213 gene share characteristics with other genes?

The RNF213 gene belongs to a family of genes called RNF (RING-type zinc fingers).

A gene family is a group of genes that share important characteristics. Classifying individual genes into families helps researchers describe how genes are related to each other. For more information, see What are gene families? in the Handbook.

How are changes in the RNF213 gene related to health conditions?

moyamoya disease - associated with the RNF213 gene: At least 24 genetic changes in the RNF213 gene have been associated with moyamoya disease. This condition is characterized by narrowing of blood vessels in the brain and subsequent growth of networks of small, fragile blood vessels. The resulting lack of blood flow in the brain leads to strokes and other features of the condition.

Changes in the RNF213 gene involved in moyamoya disease replace single protein building blocks (amino acids) in the RNF213 protein. The most common change is a normal variation (polymorphism) of the gene that replaces the amino acid arginine with the amino acid lysine at protein position 4810 (written as Arg4810Lys or R4810K). This genetic change is found in a majority of affected individuals in Asian populations and is relatively common in unaffected individuals in these populations, occurring in about 1 percent. (This phenomenon, in which people with an altered copy of the gene never develop the condition, is known as reduced penetrance.) However, the Arg4810Lys change is not found in affected individuals of European descent. These individuals have rarer RNF213 gene mutations that change single amino acids in the protein.

Little is known about the effect of these changes on the function of the RNF213 protein, and researchers are unsure how the changes contribute to the characteristic blood vessel abnormalities of moyamoya disease. It is unclear if RNF213 gene mutations are involved in the narrowing of blood vessels in the brain. For unknown reasons, people with moyamoya disease have elevated levels of proteins involved in cell and tissue growth, including the growth of blood vessels (angiogenesis). An excess of these proteins could account for the growth of new blood vessels characteristic of moyamoya disease. It is not clear if changes in the RNF213 gene are involved in the overproduction of these proteins.

Little is known about the cause of moyamoya disease. Studies suggest that other genes could be involved in development of the condition. It has been suggested that other factors, such as infection or inflammation, in combination with genetic changes may be necessary for development of moyamoya disease.

Where is the RNF213 gene located?

Cytogenetic Location: 17q25.3

Molecular Location on chromosome 17: base pairs 80,260,839 to 80,398,785

The RNF213 gene is located on the long (q) arm of chromosome 17 at position 25.3.

More precisely, the RNF213 gene is located from base pair 80,260,839 to base pair 80,398,785 on chromosome 17.

See How do geneticists indicate the location of a gene? in the Handbook.

Where can I find additional information about RNF213?

You and your healthcare professional may find the following resources about RNF213 helpful.

Genetic Testing Registry - Repository of genetic test information (1 link)

You may also be interested in these resources, which are designed for genetics professionals and researchers.

PubMed - Recent literature
OMIM - Genetic disorder catalog
Research Resources - Tools for researchers (4 links)

What other names do people use for the RNF213 gene or gene products?

ALK lymphoma oligomerization partner on chromosome 17
ALO17
C17orf27
E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase RNF213
KIAA1554
KIAA1618
MYMY2
mysterin
MYSTR
NET57
RN213_HUMAN

See How are genetic conditions and genes named? in the Handbook.

Where can I find general information about genes?

The Handbook provides basic information about genetics in clear language.

These links provide additional genetics resources that may be useful.

What glossary definitions help with understanding RNF213?

acids ; amino acid ; angiogenesis ; apoptosis ; arginine ; cell ; chromosome ; degradation ; DNA ;domain ; enzyme ; gene ; infection ; inflammation ; ligase ; lymphoma ; lysine ; penetrance ;polymorphism ; protein ; signal transduction ; tissue ; transduction ; ubiquitin

You may find definitions for these and many other terms in the Genetics Home Reference Glossary.

References (7 links)

The resources on this site should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice. Users seeking information about a personal genetic disease, syndrome, or condition should consult with a qualified healthcare professional. See How can I find a genetics professional in my area? in the Handbook.