MIR146A - microRNA 146a - Genetics Home Reference

MIR146A - microRNA 146a - Genetics Home Reference

MIR146A

On this page:

 

• Name 
• Normal function 
• Genetic changes 
• Gene location 
• Additional information
• Other names 
• About genes 
• Glossary definitions

What is the official name of the MIR146A gene?

The official name of this gene is “microRNA 146a.”

MIR146A is the gene's official symbol. The MIR146A 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 MIR146A gene?

The MIR146A gene provides instructions for making microRNA-146a (miR-146a). MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short lengths of RNA, a chemical cousin of DNA. These molecules control gene expression by blocking the process of protein production. MiR-146a is abundant in immature blood cells and controls the expression of hundreds of genes. This microRNA is thought to be involved in normal blood cell development. In particular, miR-146a appears to play a role in the growth and division of blood cells called megakaryocytes, which produce platelets, the cell fragments involved in blood clotting.

How are changes in the MIR146A gene related to health conditions?

5q minus syndrome - associated with the MIR146A gene

The MIR146A gene is involved in a condition called 5q minus (5q-) syndrome. This condition is a type of bone marrow disorder called myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), in which immature blood cells fail to develop normally. Individuals with 5q- syndrome often have a shortage of red blood cells (anemia) and abnormalities in megakaryocytes. Affected individuals also have an increased risk of developing a fast-growing blood cancer known as acute myeloid leukemia (AML).

5q- syndrome is caused by deletion of a region of DNA from the long (q) arm of chromosome 5. This deletion occurs in immature blood cells during a person's lifetime and affects one copy of chromosome 5 in each cell. Most people with 5q- syndrome are missing a sequence of about 1.5 million DNA building blocks (base pairs), also written as 1.5 megabases (Mb). This deleted region contains 40 genes, often including MIR146A. Loss of one copy of the MIR146A gene reduces the amount of the microRNA miR-146a in cells. As a result, levels of proteins whose production is normally blocked by miR-146a are elevated, which leads to the abnormal development of megakaryocytes that occurs in 5q- syndrome. Research suggests that the other features of the condition are associated with other genes in the deleted segment of DNA.

Where is the MIR146A gene located?

Cytogenetic Location: 5q34

Molecular Location on chromosome 5: base pairs 160,485,352 to 160,485,450

The MIR146A gene is located on the long (q) arm of chromosome 5 at position 34.

More precisely, the MIR146A gene is located from base pair 160,485,352 to base pair 160,485,450 on chromosome 5.

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

Where can I find additional information about MIR146A?

You and your healthcare professional may find the following resources about MIR146A helpful.

• Educational resources - Information pages
  Stembook (2008): MicroRNA Biogenesis and Function

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 MIR146A gene or gene products?

• hsa-mir-146
• hsa-mir-146a
• miR-146a
• MIRN146
• MIRN146A
• miRNA146A

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.

• What is DNA?
• What is a gene?
• How do genes direct the production of proteins?
• How can gene mutations affect health and development?

These links provide additional genetics resources that may be useful.

• Genetics Education
• Human Genome Project
• Resources for Genetics Researchers

What glossary definitions help with understanding MIR146A?

acute ; acute myeloid leukemia ; AML ; anemia ; blood clotting ; bone marrow ; cancer ; cell ;chromosome ; clotting ; deletion ; DNA ; gene ; gene expression ; leukemia ; Mb ;myelodysplastic syndrome ; myeloid ; pharmacogenomics ; platelets ; protein ; RNA ; syndrome

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

See also Understanding Medical Terminology.

References (6 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