The WRN gene provides instructions for producing the Werner protein, which plays a critical role in repairing damaged DNA. The Werner protein functions as a type of enzyme called a helicase. Helicase enzymes generally unwind and separate double-stranded DNA. The Werner protein also functions as an enzyme called an exonuclease. Exonucleases trim the broken ends of damaged DNA by removing DNA building blocks (nucleotides). Research suggests that the Werner protein first unwinds the DNA and then removes abnormal DNA structures that have been accidentally generated.
Overall, the Werner protein helps maintain the structure and integrity of a person’s DNA. This protein plays an important role in copying (replicating) DNA before cell division and transferring the information in genes to the cell machinery that makes proteins (transcription). Additionally, recent studies suggest that the Werner protein may be particularly important for maintaining DNA at the ends of chromosomes (telomeres).
Other Names
RECQ3; RECQL2; RECQL3; Werner syndrome; Werner Syndrome helicase; Werner syndrome protein; Werner syndrome, RecQ helicase-like; WRN_HUMAN
Related Genetics Topics
Identifiers
- NCBI Gene: 7486
- OMIM: 604611
Source: MedlinePlus Genetics, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
