Haemochromatosis: an inherited metal and toxicity syndrome.
A newly-identified major histocompatibility Class I-like gene, HFE (originally HLA-H) located approximately 3.5 Mb telomeric to the Class I cluster on chromosome 6p 21.3 harbours mutations in haemochromatosis. Two of these, Cys282Tyr (C282Y) and His63Asp (H63D, a minor determinant) have diagnostic utility as approximately 90% of adults are homozygous or compound heterozygotes for these alleles. The pathophysiological role of HFE is unclear: it is expressed as a surface molecule on many cells and the C282Y mutation disrupts interactions with beta 2-microglobulin, thus preventing surface expression. Lately, there has been experimental evidence that HFE protein interacts with the transferrin-receptor, affecting receptor turnover or its affinity for ligand.
Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke's Hospital, UK.
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D000818:Animals; D006680:HLA Antigens / Q000235:genetics; D006432:Hemochromatosis / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D000071020:Hemochromatosis Protein; D015395:Histocompatibility Antigens Class I / Q000235:genetics; D006801:Humans; D008565:Membrane Proteins; D019216:Metals, Heavy / Q000378:metabolism; D009154:Mutation; D011990:Receptors, Transferrin / Q000378:metabolism
C103673:HFE protein, human; D006680:HLA Antigens; D000071020:Hemochromatosis Protein; D015395:Histocompatibility Antigens Class I; D008565:Membrane Proteins; D019216:Metals, Heavy; D011990:Receptors, Transferrin