Normal Function
The FN1 gene provides instructions for making two types of the fibronectin-1 protein: soluble plasma fibronectin-1 and insoluble cellular fibronectin-1. Liver cells produce soluble plasma fibronectin-1 and release it into the bloodstream, where it is mainly involved in blood clotting and wound healing. Soluble plasma fibronectin-1 functions outside of cells (in the extracellular spaces), attaching (binding) to the surface of cells and binding to proteins, including other fibronectin-1 proteins. The attachment of these proteins form fibers that assist with tissue repair after an injury. Fibronectin-1 binding also helps with the continual formation of the extracellular matrix, which is an intricate lattice of proteins and other molecules that is made in the spaces between cells. This matrix provides structure and strength to tissues that support the body's organs. Many other cell types produce insoluble cellular fibronectin-1, which is released into the extracellular space and contributes to the creation of fibers and extracellular matrix. Both types of fibronectin-1 help individual cells expand (spread) and move (migrate) to cover more space and also influence cell shape and maturation (differentiation).
Health Conditions Related to Genetic Changes
Fibronectin glomerulopathy
At least three mutations in the FN1 gene have been found to cause fibronectin glomerulopathy, a progressive kidney disease that usually begins in adulthood and results in irreversible kidney failure (end-stage renal disease). FN1 gene mutations account for about 40 percent of cases of fibronectin glomerulopathy. The FN1 gene mutations change single protein building blocks (amino acids) in the fibronectin-1 protein. One mutation that occurs in multiple families replaces the amino acid tyrosine with the amino acid cysteine at position 973 in the fibronectin-1 protein (written as Tyr973Cys or Y973C). FN1 gene mutations impair the protein's ability to bind to cells and proteins. The unbound fibronectin-1 protein, specifically soluble plasma fibronectin-1, is deposited in the glomeruli of the kidneys. These structures are clusters of tiny blood vessels in the kidneys that filter waste products from blood, which are then released in urine. Even though there is an abundance of fibronectin-1 in the glomeruli, the extracellular matrix that supports the blood vessels is weak because the altered fibronectin-1 cannot assist in the matrix's continual formation. Without a strong cellular support network, the glomeruli are less able to filter waste. As a result, products that normally are retained by the body, such as protein and blood, get released in the urine, and acids are not properly filtered from the blood. Over time, the kidneys' ability to filter waste decreases until the kidneys can no longer function, resulting in end-stage renal disease.
More About This Health ConditionOther Names for This Gene
- CIG
- cold-insoluble globulin
- ED-B
- fibronectin
- FINC
- FINC_HUMAN
- FN
- FNZ
- LETS
- migration-stimulating factor
- MSF
Additional Information & Resources
Tests Listed in the Genetic Testing Registry
Scientific Articles on PubMed
Catalog of Genes and Diseases from OMIM
References
- Castelletti F, Donadelli R, Banterla F, Hildebrandt F, Zipfel PF, Bresin E, Otto E, Skerka C, Renieri A, Todeschini M, Caprioli J, Caruso RM, Artuso R, Remuzzi G, Noris M. Mutations in FN1 cause glomerulopathy with fibronectin deposits. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2008 Feb 19;105(7):2538-43. doi: 10.1073/pnas.0707730105. Epub 2008 Feb 11. Citation on PubMed or Free article on PubMed Central
- Satoskar AA, Shapiro JP, Bott CN, Song H, Nadasdy GM, Brodsky SV, Hebert LA, Birmingham DJ, Nadasdy T, Freitas MA, Rovin BH. Characterization of glomerular diseases using proteomic analysis of laser capture microdissected glomeruli. Mod Pathol. 2012 May;25(5):709-21. doi: 10.1038/modpathol.2011.205. Epub 2012 Jan 27. Citation on PubMed or Free article on PubMed Central
- To WS, Midwood KS. Plasma and cellular fibronectin: distinct and independent functions during tissue repair. Fibrogenesis Tissue Repair. 2011 Sep 16;4:21. doi: 10.1186/1755-1536-4-21. Citation on PubMed or Free article on PubMed Central
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