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URL of this page: https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/gene/letm1/

LETM1 gene

leucine zipper and EF-hand containing transmembrane protein 1

Normal Function

The LETM1 gene provides instructions for making a protein whose function is not well understood. This protein is active in mitochondria, which are structures within cells that convert the energy from food into a form that cells can use. The LETM1 protein may be involved in the transport of charged calcium atoms (calcium ions) across membranes within mitochondria. Researchers suspect that the protein also plays a role in determining the shape and volume of mitochondria.

Health Conditions Related to Genetic Changes

Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome

The LETM1 gene is located in a region of chromosome 4 that is deleted in people with the typical features of Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome. The features of this condition include a characteristic facial appearance, delayed growth and development, intellectual disability, and seizures.

As a result of this deletion in chromosome 4, affected individuals are missing one copy of the LETM1 gene in each cell. Studies suggest that a loss of this gene alters the structure of mitochondria; however, it is unclear how this abnormality is related to the signs and symptoms of Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome. The deletion of the LETM1 gene and other nearby genes can cause seizures or other abnormal electrical activity in the brain.

More About This Health Condition

Other Names for This Gene

  • LETM1_HUMAN
  • leucine zipper-EF-hand containing transmembrane protein 1

Additional Information & Resources

Tests Listed in the Genetic Testing Registry

Scientific Articles on PubMed

Catalog of Genes and Diseases from OMIM

Gene and Variant Databases

References

  • Dimmer KS, Navoni F, Casarin A, Trevisson E, Endele S, Winterpacht A, Salviati L, Scorrano L. LETM1, deleted in Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome is required for normal mitochondrial morphology and cellular viability. Hum Mol Genet. 2008 Jan 15;17(2):201-14. doi: 10.1093/hmg/ddm297. Epub 2007 Oct 9. Citation on PubMed
  • Endele S, Fuhry M, Pak SJ, Zabel BU, Winterpacht A. LETM1, a novel gene encoding a putative EF-hand Ca(2+)-binding protein, flanks the Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome (WHS) critical region and is deleted in most WHS patients. Genomics. 1999 Sep 1;60(2):218-25. doi: 10.1006/geno.1999.5881. Citation on PubMed
  • Nowikovsky K, Froschauer EM, Zsurka G, Samaj J, Reipert S, Kolisek M, Wiesenberger G, Schweyen RJ. The LETM1/YOL027 gene family encodes a factor of the mitochondrial K+ homeostasis with a potential role in the Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome. J Biol Chem. 2004 Jul 16;279(29):30307-15. doi: 10.1074/jbc.M403607200. Epub 2004 May 11. Citation on PubMed
  • Schlickum S, Moghekar A, Simpson JC, Steglich C, O'Brien RJ, Winterpacht A, Endele SU. LETM1, a gene deleted in Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome, encodes an evolutionarily conserved mitochondrial protein. Genomics. 2004 Feb;83(2):254-61. doi: 10.1016/j.ygeno.2003.08.013. Citation on PubMed
  • South ST, Bleyl SB, Carey JC. Two unique patients with novel microdeletions in 4p16.3 that exclude the WHS critical regions: implications for critical region designation. Am J Med Genet A. 2007 Sep 15;143A(18):2137-42. doi: 10.1002/ajmg.a.31900. Citation on PubMed
  • Tamai S, Iida H, Yokota S, Sayano T, Kiguchiya S, Ishihara N, Hayashi J, Mihara K, Oka T. Characterization of the mitochondrial protein LETM1, which maintains the mitochondrial tubular shapes and interacts with the AAA-ATPase BCS1L. J Cell Sci. 2008 Aug 1;121(Pt 15):2588-600. doi: 10.1242/jcs.026625. Epub 2008 Jul 15. Citation on PubMed
  • Zollino M, Orteschi D, Ruiter M, Pfundt R, Steindl K, Cafiero C, Ricciardi S, Contaldo I, Chieffo D, Ranalli D, Acquafondata C, Murdolo M, Marangi G, Asaro A, Battaglia D. Unusual 4p16.3 deletions suggest an additional chromosome region for the Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome-associated seizures disorder. Epilepsia. 2014 Jun;55(6):849-57. doi: 10.1111/epi.12617. Epub 2014 Apr 16. Citation on PubMed

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