CDKN1C : cyclin dependent kinase inhibitor 1C
The Intricate Role of the CDKN1C Gene in Growth and Disease
Description
The CDKN1C gene, located on chromosome 11, holds the blueprint for a protein crucial for regulating growth and preventing abnormal cell division. As a tumor suppressor, this protein acts as a guardian, restraining cells from proliferating uncontrollably and potentially transforming into cancer. Interestingly, the activity of CDKN1C is influenced by its parental origin.
Associated Diseases
Disruptions in the CDKN1C gene can lead to several disorders, including Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome (BWS) and Silver-Russell syndrome (SRS). BWS is characterized by overgrowth and increased risk of childhood tumors, while SRS is defined by prenatal growth restriction and small stature. These conditions highlight the delicate balance that CDKN1C maintains in regulating growth.
Did you Know ?
The maternally inherited copy of CDKN1C exhibits significantly higher activity than its paternally inherited counterpart in most tissues. This parent-specific expression is a phenomenon known as genomic imprinting, which allows for differential gene regulation based on the parent from whom it was inherited.
