PTCH1

More than 225 mutations in the PTCH1 gene have been found to cause Gorlin syndrome (also known as nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome), a condition that affects many areas of the body and increases the risk of developing various cancerous and noncancerous tumors. Mutations in this gene prevent the production of patched-1 or lead to the production of an abnormal version of the receptor. An altered or missing patched-1 receptor cannot effectively suppress cell growth and division. As a result, cells proliferate uncontrollably to form the tumors that are characteristic of Gorlin syndrome. It is less clear how PTCH1 gene mutations cause the other signs and symptoms related to this condition, including small depressions (pits) in the skin of the palms of the hands and soles of the feet, an unusually large head size (macrocephaly), and skeletal abnormalities.

The PTCH1 gene is located in a region of chromosome 9 that is deleted in people with a 9q22.3 microdeletion. As a result of this deletion, affected individuals are missing one copy of the PTCH1 gene in each cell. Researchers believe that many of the features associated with 9q22.3 microdeletions, particularly the signs and symptoms of Gorlin syndrome (described above), result from a loss of the PTCH1 gene. When this gene is missing, patched-1 is not available to suppress cell proliferation. As a result, cells divide uncontrollably to form the tumors that are characteristic of Gorlin syndrome. Other signs and symptoms related to 9q22.3 microdeletions (such as delayed development, intellectual disability, overgrowth of the body, and other physical abnormalities) may result from the loss of additional genes in the deleted region of chromosome 9.

At least seven mutations in the PTCH1 gene have been found to cause nonsyndromic holoprosencephaly. This condition occurs when the brain fails to divide into two halves during early development. PTCH1 gene mutations are a rare cause of this condition. These mutations prevent the signaling that is necessary for normal brain cell patterning. The signs and symptoms of nonsyndromic holoprosencephaly are caused by abnormal development of the brain and face.

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At least seven mutations in the PTCH1 gene have been found to cause nonsyndromic holoprosencephaly. This condition occurs when the brain fails to divide into two halves during early development. PTCH1 gene mutations are a rare cause of nonsyndromic holoprosencephaly. These mutations prevent the signaling that is necessary for normal brain cell patterning. The signs and symptoms of nonsyndromic holoprosencephaly are caused by abnormal development of the brain and face.

Some mutations are acquired during a person's lifetime and are present only in certain cells. These genetic changes, called somatic mutations, are not inherited. Somatic mutations in both copies of the PTCH1 gene are associated with a non-hereditary (sporadic) type of skin cancer called basal cell carcinoma. Other sporadic types of cancer may be associated with somatic mutations in the PTCH1 gene, including some forms of skin cancer, a childhood brain tumor called medulloblastoma, breast cancer, and colon cancer. A noncancerous (benign) jaw tumor called a keratocystic odontogenic tumor can also be associated with somatic PTCH1 gene mutations.