DYNC2H1

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What is the official name of the DYNC2H1 gene?

The official name of this gene is “dynein, cytoplasmic 2, heavy chain 1.”

DYNC2H1 is the gene's official symbol. The DYNC2H1 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 DYNC2H1 gene?

The DYNC2H1 gene provides instructions for making a protein that is part of a group (complex) of proteins called dynein-2. The dynein-2 complex is found in cell structures known as cilia. Cilia are microscopic, finger-like projections that stick out from the surface of cells. Dynein-2 is involved in a process called intraflagellar transport (IFT), by which materials are carried within cilia. Specifically, dynein-2 is a motor that uses energy from the molecule ATP to power the transport of materials from the tip of cilia to the base.

IFT is essential for the assembly and maintenance of cilia. These cell structures play central roles in many different chemical signaling pathways, including a series of reactions called the Sonic Hedgehog pathway. These pathways are important for the growth and division (proliferation) and maturation (differentiation) of cells. In particular, Sonic Hedgehog appears to be essential for the proliferation and differentiation of cells that ultimately give rise to cartilage and bone.

Does the DYNC2H1 gene share characteristics with other genes?

The DYNC2H1 gene belongs to a family of genes called DYN (cytoplasmic dyneins).

A gene family is a group of genes that share important characteristics. Classifying individual genes into families helps researchers describe how genes are related to each other. For more information, see What are gene families? in the Handbook.

How are changes in the DYNC2H1 gene related to health conditions?

asphyxiating thoracic dystrophy - caused by mutations in the DYNC2H1 gene: More than 50 mutations in the DYNC2H1 gene have been identified in people with asphyxiating thoracic dystrophy, an inherited disorder of bone growth characterized by a small chest, short ribs, and shortened bones in the arms and legs. Mutations in this gene account for up to half of all cases of this condition. Most of the known mutations change single protein building blocks (amino acids) in the DYNC2H1 protein. The dynein-2 complex made with the altered protein cannot function normally, which disrupts IFT from the tip of cilia to the base and causes a buildup of materials at the tip. Researchers speculate that these changes in IFT alter certain signaling pathways, including the Sonic Hedgehog pathway, which may underlie the abnormalities of bone growth characteristic of asphyxiating thoracic dystrophy.

In some affected individuals, asphyxiating thoracic dystrophy is also associated with abnormalities of the kidneys, liver, retinas, and other tissues. However, when the disorder results from DYNC2H1 gene mutations, its features are usually limited to problems with bone growth. The reasons for this difference are unknown.
other disorders - caused by mutations in the DYNC2H1 gene: Mutations in the DYNC2H1 gene have also been found to cause two other disorders of bone growth: short-rib polydactyly syndrome type II (SRPS type II), also known as Majewski syndrome, and short-rib polydactyly syndrome type III (SRPS type III), also known as Verma-Naumoff syndrome or Saldino-Noonan syndrome. These disorders have signs and symptoms similar to those of asphyxiating thoracic dystrophy, including a narrow chest and short ribs. However, SRPS type II and type III tend to be more severe than asphyxiating thoracic dystrophy, and affected individuals usually die before or shortly after birth.

About 10 DYNC2H1 gene mutations have been identified in people with SRPS type II, and at least 4 mutations have been found in people with SRPS type III. Like the mutations that cause asphyxiating thoracic dystrophy, these genetic changes impair the function of the dynein-2 complex and disrupt IFT within cilia. Although the mechanisms seem to be similar, it is unclear why the effects of some DYNC2H1 gene mutations are more severe than others. The mutations that cause SRPS type II and type III may impact protein function more severely than those that cause asphyxiating thoracic dystrophy.

Where is the DYNC2H1 gene located?

Cytogenetic Location: 11q21-q22.1

Molecular Location on chromosome 11: base pairs 103,109,430 to 103,479,862

The DYNC2H1 gene is located on the long (q) arm of chromosome 11 between positions 21 and 22.1.

More precisely, the DYNC2H1 gene is located from base pair 103,109,430 to base pair 103,479,862 on chromosome 11.

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

Where can I find additional information about DYNC2H1?

You and your healthcare professional may find the following resources about DYNC2H1 helpful.

Educational resources - Information pages (2 links)
Genetic Testing Registry - Repository of genetic test information (1 link)

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 DYNC2H1 gene or gene products?

DHC1b
DHC2
DYH1B
hdhc11

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.

These links provide additional genetics resources that may be useful.

What glossary definitions help with understanding DYNC2H1?

acids ; ATP ; cartilage ; cell ; differentiation ; gene ; inherited ; molecule ; motor ; osteoblast ;polydactyly ; proliferation ; protein ; syndrome

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

References (7 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