STK31
The STK31 Gene: A Key Player in Human Health
Description
The STK31 gene is a vital component of the human genome, located on chromosome 9. It encodes the serine/threonine-kinase 31 protein (STK31), a crucial regulator of cellular processes essential for maintaining homeostasis. STK31 plays a significant role in cell cycle progression, apoptosis, and DNA damage response.
Associated Diseases
Mutations in the STK31 gene have been linked to a range of diseases, including:
- Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome: An inherited condition characterized by non-cancerous growths in the digestive tract and an increased risk of certain cancers.
- Cowden Syndrome: A rare genetic disorder that causes the formation of multiple benign tumors throughout the body.
- Breast Cancer: Studies have associated STK31 mutations with an increased risk of developing breast cancer, particularly in younger women.
- Thyroid Cancer: Certain mutations in STK31 have been linked to the development of thyroid cancer.
Did you Know ?
- Approximately 1 in 200,000 people worldwide are affected by Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome, caused by mutations in the STK31 gene.