SETX : senataxin

Description

The SETX (senataxin) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 9.

The SETX gene provides instructions for making a protein called senataxin. Senataxin is produced in a wide range of tissues, including the brain, spinal cord, and muscles. Based on the structure of senataxin, researchers believe that it is one of a class of proteins called helicases, which attach to particular regions of DNA or RNA (a chemical cousin of DNA) and temporarily unwind the strands of the molecule. By unwinding the strands, helicases allow other proteins to reach the strands to perform their function. Although senataxin's role in cells is not completely understood, it appears to be involved in the production of proteins from genes (transcription), the processing of RNA molecules, and the repair of damaged DNA.

Probable RNA/DNA helicase involved in diverse aspects of RNA metabolism and genomic integrity. Plays a role in transcription regulation by its ability to modulate RNA Polymerase II (Pol II) binding to chromatin and through its interaction with proteins involved in transcription. Contributes to the mRNA splicing efficiency and splice site selection. Required for the resolution of R-loop RNA-DNA hybrid formation at G-rich pause sites located downstream of the poly(A) site, allowing XRN2 recruitment and XRN2-mediated degradation of the downstream cleaved RNA and hence efficient RNA polymerase II (RNAp II) transcription termination. Required for the 3' transcriptional termination of PER1 and CRY2, thus playing an important role in the circadian rhythm regulation. Involved in DNA double-strand breaks damage response generated by oxidative stress. In association with RRP45, targets the RNA exosome complex to sites of transcription-induced DNA damage. Plays a role in the development and maturation of germ cells: essential for male meiosis, acting at the interface of transcription and meiotic recombination, and in the process of gene silencing during meiotic sex chromosome inactivation (MSCI). May be involved in telomeric stability through the regulation of telomere repeat-containing RNA (TERRA) transcription. Plays a role in neurite outgrowth in hippocampal cells through FGF8-activated signaling pathways. Inhibits retinoic acid-induced apoptosis.

SETX is also known as ALS4, AOA2, SCAN2, SCAR1, STEX, Sen1, bA479K20.2.

Associated Diseases

Comprehensive carrier screening

WES Whole Exome Sequencing

Clinical Exome Sequencing