PLEC

The PLEC gene provides instructions for making a protein called plectin. This protein is produced in many different tissues in the body, including skin and muscle. Within cells, plectin interacts with several molecules that make up the cell's structural framework (the cytoskeleton). For example, plectin interacts with intermediate filaments, which form networks that provide support and strength to cells. Plectin attaches (cross-links) intermediate filaments to one another and to the cell membrane.

The exact function of plectin in different tissues is unclear. In skin cells, this protein is an essential part of structures called hemidesmosomes, which attach the network of intermediate filaments to the cell membrane. It is also a component of desmosomes, which form junctions between neighboring cells. As part of these structures, plectin plays a critical role in anchoring the outer layer of the skin (the epidermis) to underlying layers.

epidermolysis bullosa with pyloric atresia - caused by mutations in the PLEC gene

At least nine mutations in the PLEC gene can cause epidermolysis bullosa with pyloric atresia (EB-PA). In addition to skin blistering, people with EB-PA are born with a life-threatening obstruction of the digestive tract called pyloric atresia. Mutations in the PLEC gene account for about 15 percent of all cases of EB-PA.

The PLEC gene mutations responsible for EB-PA change the normal structure and function of plectin. Mutations that prevent the cell from making any functional plectin tend to cause more severe signs and symptoms, while mutations that reduce the amount of plectin or alter the protein's structure usually cause milder signs and symptoms. When plectin is missing or altered, the skin is less resistant to friction and minor trauma and blisters easily. It is less clear how mutations in the PLEC gene are related to pyloric atresia.

epidermolysis bullosa simplex - associated with the PLEC gene

At least one mutation in the PLEC gene is associated with the features of epidermolysis bullosa simplex. This mutation has been found in a small number of families with a form of the disorder known as the Ogna type. Researchers are uncertain whether this rare condition is actually a subtype of epidermolysis bullosa simplex or represents a separate form of epidermolysis bullosa.

The mutation responsible for the Ogna type of epidermolysis bullosa changes a single protein building block (amino acid) in the plectin protein. Specifically, this genetic change replaces the amino acid arginine with the amino acid tryptophan at position 2110 (written as Arg2110Trp or R2110W). Studies suggest that this mutation may change the way the protein folds into a 3-dimensional shape, which could prevent it from interacting with molecules that make up the cytoskeleton. In the skin, these changes cause epidermal cells to become fragile and easily damaged. As a result, the skin is less resistant to friction and minor trauma and blisters easily.

other disorders - caused by mutations in the PLEC gene

Mutations in the PLEC gene also cause at least one other form of epidermolysis bullosa known as epidermolysis bullosa with muscular dystrophy. In addition to skin blistering, people with this disorder experience progressive muscle weakness and wasting (atrophy) later in life. More than 20 PLEC gene mutations have been found to cause this form of the disorder. These mutations alter the structure, function, or production of plectin. In the skin, a loss of plectin disrupts the attachment of the epidermis to underlying skin layers, making the skin is less resistant to friction. A shortage of functional plectin in muscle tissue affects critical structures needed for muscle tensing (contraction), which leads to muscle weakness and atrophy.

Genetics Home Reference provides information about congenital myasthenic syndrome, which is also associated with changes in the PLEC gene.