MEN1 Gene

The MEN1 gene (Menin 1 stands for Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia I) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 11q13. The MEN1 gene encodes the protein "Menin 1", a scaffold protein that plays a role in histone modification and epigenetic gene regulation. It is thought to regulate various pathways and processes by altering chromatin structure through histone modification.

MEN1 is an essential component of the MLL/SET1 histone methyltransferase (HMT) complex, a complex that specifically methylates 'Lys-4' of histone H3 (H3K4). MEN1 functions as a transcriptional regulator. Binds to the TERT promoter and represses telomerase expression. Plays a role in TGFB1-mediated inhibition of cell proliferation and possibly regulates the transcriptional activity of SMAD3. Positively regulates gene expression of HOXC8 and HOXC6. MEN1 may be involved in normal hematopoiesis through activation of HOXA9 expression

Diseases associated with MEN1 include.

• Multiple endocrine neoplasia, type I (MEN type I/Wermer syndrome)
• and
• Pituitary Adenoma 1, Multiple Types.

1. Heppner C et al. (2001)The tumor suppressor protein menin interacts with NF-kappaB proteins and inhibits NF-kappaB-mediated transactivation. Oncogene 20:4917-4925
2. Kaji H et al. (2001) Inactivation of menin, a Smad3-interacting protein, blocks transforming growth factor type beta signaling.Proc Natl Acad Sci 98:3837-3842.
3. Lin SY et al.(2003)Multiple tumor suppressor pathways negatively regulate telomerase. Cell 113:881-889.