Werner syndrome helicase

From WikiMD's Food, Medicine & Wellness Encyclopedia

Werner syndrome helicase is a protein that in humans is encoded by the WRN gene. The protein is involved in the maintenance of genome stability. Mutations in this gene are associated with Werner syndrome, a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by premature aging.

Function[edit | edit source]

The Werner syndrome helicase protein is a member of the RecQ helicase family. RecQ helicases are involved in the maintenance of chromosome stability. The Werner syndrome helicase protein has intrinsic 3' to 5' exonuclease activity, and is involved in DNA repair.

Clinical significance[edit | edit source]

Mutations in the WRN gene are associated with Werner syndrome, a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by premature aging. The syndrome is named after the German scientist Otto Werner, who first described the condition in 1904. Symptoms of Werner syndrome include early onset of aging, atherosclerosis, cataracts, osteoporosis, and cancer.

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]


External links[edit | edit source]

Werner syndrome helicase Resources
Doctor showing form.jpg
Wiki.png

Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD


Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. See full disclaimer.

Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.


Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD