What is the normal function of the NCF1 gene?
The NCF1 gene provides instructions for making a protein called neutrophil cytosolic factor 1 (also known as p47-phox). This protein is one part (subunit) of a group of proteins that forms an enzyme complex called NADPH oxidase, which plays an essential role in the immune system. NADPH oxidase is primarily active in immune system cells called phagocytes. How are changes in the NCF1 gene related to health conditions?
chronic granulomatous disease - caused by mutations in the NCF1 gene
Mutations in the NCF1 gene account for about 25 percent of cases of chronic granulomatous disease. People with this disorder are at increased risk of developing recurrent episodes of infection and inflammation due to a weakened immune system. The mutations that cause this disorder occur in both copies of the NCF1 gene in each cell. Ninety-five percent of affected individuals have a mutation known as delta GT that deletes two DNA building blocks from the NCF1 gene in an area called exon 2 (written as 75_76delGT). This genetic change leads to the production of an abnormally short, nonfunctional version of neutrophil cytosolic factor 1. Other, less common mutations also disrupt the function or production of neutrophil cytosolic factor 1. Without this protein, NADPH oxidase cannot assemble or function properly. As a result, phagocytes are unable to produce reactive oxygen species to kill foreign invaders and neutrophil activity is not regulated. A lack of NADPH oxidase leaves affected individuals vulnerable to many types of infection and excessive inflammation.