The ROBO3 gene provides instructions for making a protein that is critical for the normal development of the nervous system. The protein is active in the developing spinal cord and in the brain (central nervous system). In particular, the ROBO3 protein is active in the brainstem, which connects the upper parts of the brain to the spinal cord. In the brainstem, the ROBO3 protein helps direct nerve cells (neurons) to their proper positions in a process called neuronal migration. The protein also helps guide the growth of axons, which are specialized extensions of neurons that transmit nerve impulses throughout the nervous system. Some axons are very long and connect neurons in the brain to those in the spinal cord and elsewhere in the body.
For the brain and body to communicate effectively, certain bundles of axons must cross from one side of the body to the other in the brainstem. These bundles include the axons of motor neurons, which transmit information about voluntary muscle movement, and the axons of sensory neurons, which transmit information about sensory input (such as touch, pain, and temperature). The ROBO3 protein plays a critical role during brain development to ensure that this crossing over occurs.
Other Names
HGPPS1; HGPS; RBIG1 (retinoblastoma inhibiting gene 1); RIG1; Roundabout homolog 3
Related Genetics Topics
Identifiers
- NCBI Gene: 64221
- OMIM: 608630
Source: MedlinePlus Genetics, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
