FAM20A is a

protein Proteins are large biomolecules and macromolecules that comprise one or more long chains of amino acid residues. Proteins perform a vast array of functions within organisms, including catalysing metabolic reactions, DNA replication, respon ...

that in humans is encoded by the ''FAM20A''

gene In biology, the word gene (from , ; "... Wilhelm Johannsen coined the word gene to describe the Mendelian units of heredity..." meaning ''generation'' or ''birth'' or ''gender'') can have several different meanings. The Mendelian gene is a b ...

Function

FAM20A belongs to an evolutionarily conserved family of

secreted protein A secretory protein is any protein, whether it be endocrine or exocrine, which is secreted by a cell. Secretory proteins include many hormones, enzymes, toxins, and antimicrobial peptides. Secretory proteins are synthesized in the endoplasmic ret ...

s expressed in many tissues. This locus encodes a protein that is likely secreted and may function in

hematopoiesis Haematopoiesis (, from Greek , 'blood' and 'to make'; also hematopoiesis in American English; sometimes also h(a)emopoiesis) is the formation of blood cellular components. All cellular blood components are derived from haematopoietic stem cells ...

. A mutation at this locus has been associated with amelogenesis imperfecta and gingival hyperplasia syndrome. Alternatively spliced transcript variants have been identified. rovided by RefSeq, Aug 2011

Clinical significance

A mutation in FAM20A was reported to be associated with

amelogenesis imperfecta Amelogenesis imperfecta (AI) is a congenital disorder which presents with a rare abnormal formation of the enamel or external layer of the crown of teeth, unrelated to any systemic or generalized conditions. Enamel is composed mostly of mineral, ...

, an inherited enamel defect, and

gingival hyperplasia Gingival enlargement is an increase in the size of the gingiva (gums). It is a common feature of gingival disease. Gingival enlargement can be caused by a number of factors, including inflammatory conditions and the side effects of certain medica ...

syndrome. Human mutations in FAM20A were also reported to cause Enamel-Renal Syndrome, an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by severe enamel hypoplasia, failed tooth eruption, intrapulpal calcifications, enlarged gingiva, and nephrocalcinosis.

References

Human proteins {{gene-17-stub