FLG

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What is the official name of the FLG gene?

The official name of this gene is “filaggrin.”

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

The FLG gene provides instructions for making a large protein called profilaggrin, which is found in cells that make up the outermost layer of skin (the epidermis). Profilaggrin is cut (cleaved) to produce multiple copies of the filaggrin protein, which is involved in creating the structure of the outermost skin cells. The profilaggrin molecule can contain 10, 11, or 12 copies of the filaggrin protein, depending on the genetics of the individual. Further processing of the filaggrin protein produces other molecules that play a role in hydration of the skin.

The epidermis acts as a barrier to help minimize water loss and protect the body from foreign substances, including toxins, bacteria, and substances that can cause allergic reactions (allergens), such as pollen and dust. Filaggrin plays an important role in the skin's barrier function. It brings together structural proteins in the outermost skin cells to form tight bundles, flattening and strengthening the cells to create a strong barrier. In addition, processing of filaggrin proteins leads to production of molecules that are part of the skin's "natural moisturizing factor," which helps maintain hydration of the skin. These molecules also maintain the correct acid level (pH) of the skin, which is another important aspect of the barrier.

Does the FLG gene share characteristics with other genes?

The FLG gene belongs to a family of genes called EF-hand domain containing (EF-hand domain containing).

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 FLG gene related to health conditions?

atopic dermatitis - associated with the FLG gene: Mutations in the FLG gene are strongly associated with a skin disorder called atopic dermatitis (also known as atopic eczema).This condition is characterized by dry, itchy skin and red rashes. Twenty to 30 percent of people with atopic dermatitis have an FLG gene mutation compared with 8 to 10 percent of the general population. However, having a mutation in this gene only increases the risk of developing atopic dermatitis. Not everyone with an FLG gene mutation will develop the disorder. Other genes and environmental factors contribute to atopic dermatitis. Individuals with a mutation in both copies of the FLG gene are at greater risk of developing atopic dermatitis than those with a mutation in only one copy of the gene. The condition is typically more severe in people with two mutated copies.
In addition to FLG gene mutations, the number of filaggrin proteins produced from each profilaggrin molecule is associated with development of atopic dermatitis; individuals with genetic instructions for only 10 copies are at greater risk of developing the disorder than those with 11 or 12 copies.
Approximately 36 mutations in the FLG gene have been identified in people with atopic dermatitis. These mutations lead to production of an abnormally short profilaggrin molecule that cannot be cleaved to produce filaggrin proteins. The resulting shortage of filaggrin impairs the barrier function of the skin. Further, a lack of filaggrin leads to a shortage of natural moisturizing factor, which allows excess water to be lost through the skin and causes dry skin in affected individuals.
Research shows that the impairment of the skin's barrier function caused by a shortage of filaggrin contributes to development of allergic disorders. An allergic reaction occurs when the body mistakenly recognizes a harmless substance, such as pollen, as a danger and stimulates an immune response to it. Research suggests that without a properly functioning barrier, allergens are able to get into the body through the skin. For unknown reasons, in susceptible individuals the body reacts as if the allergen is harmful and produces immune proteins called IgE antibodies specific to the allergen. Upon later encounters with the allergen, IgE antibodies recognize it, which stimulates an immune response, causing the symptoms of allergies, such as itchy, watery eyes or breathing difficulty. Although atopic dermatitis is not initially caused by an allergic reaction, flare-ups of the rashes can be triggered by allergens. In addition, people with atopic dermatitis have an increased likelihood of developing other allergic disorders, including asthma, hay fever, and food allergies. (The tendency to develop allergic disorders is known as atopy.)
other disorders - caused by mutations in the FLG gene: More than 40 FLG gene mutations have been found to cause a common skin disorder called ichthyosis vulgaris, which is characterized by dry, scaly skin, particularly during the winter when humidity in the air is low. Affected individuals can also have unusually prominent creases on the palms of their hands and soles of their feet (palmar and plantar hyperlinearity) and an increased risk of allergic disorders, including atopic dermatitis (described above). Typically, individuals with a mutation in one copy of the FLG gene are mildly affected; they may have symptoms only seasonally, or they may never have obvious skin problems. Individuals with two mutated copies of the gene have more severe symptoms that may be present year-round.
Some of the mutations associated with atopic dermatitis are also found in people with ichthyosis vulgaris. As in atopic dermatitis, the mutations lead to production of an abnormally short profilaggrin molecule that cannot be cleaved to produce filaggrin proteins. A lack of filaggrin and the molecules produced from its processing lead to the dry, scaly skin characteristic of ichthyosis vulgaris. Impairment of the skin's barrier function likely contributes to the development of allergic diseases in some people with ichthyosis vulgaris. Individuals with FLG gene mutations have an increased risk of developing asthma, but only if they also have atopic dermatitis. FLG gene mutations also increase the risk of hay fever, food allergies, and skin sensitivity to nickel, regardless of whether the person has atopic dermatitis. Additional factors, such as owning a cat and smoking tobacco products, may increase the risk of atopic dermatitis and asthma, respectively, in people with ichthyosis vulgaris.

Where is the FLG gene located?

Cytogenetic Location: 1q21.3

Molecular Location on chromosome 1: base pairs 152,302,162 to 152,325,256

The FLG gene is located on the long (q) arm of chromosome 1 at position 21.3.

More precisely, the FLG gene is located from base pair 152,302,162 to base pair 152,325,256 on chromosome 1.

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

Where can I find additional information about FLG?

You and your healthcare professional may find the following resources about FLG 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 (2 links)
Research Resources - Tools for researchers (4 links)

What other names do people use for the FLG gene or gene products?

ATOD2
epidermal filaggrin

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 FLG?

bacteria ; cell ; eczema ; epidermis ; fever ; gene ; genetics ; ichthyosis ; immune response ; keratin ;molecule ; mutation ; pH ; population ; protein ; sensitivity

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

References (9 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