What is the official name of the MEN1 gene?

The official name of this gene is “multiple endocrine neoplasia I.”

MEN1 is the gene's official symbol. The MEN1 gene is also known by other names, listed below.

Read more about gene names and symbols on the About page.

What is the normal function of the MEN1 gene?

The MEN1 gene provides instructions for making a protein called menin. This protein acts as a tumor suppressor, which means that it keeps cells from growing and dividing too fast or in an uncontrolled way. Although the exact function of menin is unclear, it is likely involved in several important cell functions. For example, it may play a role in copying and repairing DNA and regulating the controlled self-destruction of cells (apoptosis). The menin protein is present in the nucleus of many different types of cells and appears to be active in all stages of development.

Menin interacts with many other proteins, including several transcription factors. Transcription factors bind to specific areas of DNA and help control whether particular genes are turned on or off. Some of these genes likely play a role in cell growth and division. Researchers are working to identify the proteins that interact with menin and determine its specific role as a tumor suppressor.

How are changes in the MEN1 gene related to health conditions?

familial isolated hyperparathyroidism - caused by mutations in the MEN1 gene

Mutations in the MEN1 gene have been found in some cases of familial isolated hyperparathyroidism, a condition characterized by overactivity of the parathyroid glands (primary hyperparathyroidism). These glands help control the normal balance of calcium in the blood. This balance is disrupted in familial isolated hyperparathyroidism, which can lead to high blood calcium levels (hypercalcemia), kidney stones, thinning of bones, nausea and vomiting, high blood pressure (hypertension), weakness, and fatigue. Primary hyperparathyroidism is the most common sign of another condition called multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (described below); however, familial isolated hyperparathyroidism is diagnosed in people with hyperparathyroidism but not the other features of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1.

Many of the mutations in the MEN1 gene that are associated with familial isolated hyperparathyroidism change single protein building blocks (amino acids) in the menin protein. It is thought that these amino acid changes impair menin's ability to interact with other proteins. Without normal menin function, cells likely divide too frequently, leading to the formation of tumors involving the parathyroid glands. Researchers speculate that the mutations that cause familial isolated hyperparathyroidism have a milder effect on the function of menin than the mutations that cause multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1. Occasionally, individuals with familial isolated hyperparathyroidism later develop features of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1, although most never do. Familial isolated hyperparathyroidism caused by MEN1 gene mutations may be an early or mild form of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1.

multiple endocrine neoplasia - caused by mutations in the MEN1 gene

More than 1,300 mutations in the MEN1 gene have been found to cause multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1. Multiple endocrine neoplasia typically involves the development of tumors in two or more of the body's hormone-producing glands, called endocrine glands. These tumors can be noncancerous or cancerous. The most common endocrine glands affected in multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 are the parathyroid glands, the pituitary gland, and the pancreas, although additional endocrine glands and other organs can also be involved.

Most of the MEN1 gene mutations that cause multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 lead to the production of an abnormally short, inactive version of menin or an unstable protein that is rapidly broken down. As a result of these mutations, one copy of the MEN1 gene in each cell makes no functional protein. If the second copy of the MEN1 gene is also altered, the cell has no working copies of the gene and does not produce any functional menin. For unknown reasons, a second mutation occurs most often in cells of the endocrine glands. Without menin, these cells can divide too frequently and form a tumor. Although menin appears to be necessary for preventing tumor formation, researchers have not determined how a lack of this protein leads to the specific tumors characteristic of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1.

other tumors - associated with the MEN1 gene

Some gene mutations are acquired during a person's lifetime and are present only in certain cells. These changes, which are called somatic mutations, are not inherited. Somatic mutations in the MEN1 gene have been identified in several types of nonhereditary (sporadic) tumors. Specifically, MEN1 gene mutations have been found in a significant percentage of noncancerous tumors of the parathyroid glands (parathyroid adenomas); pancreatic tumors called nonfunctioning neuroendocrine tumors, gastrinomas, and insulinomas; and cancerous tumors of the major airways in the lungs (bronchi) called bronchial carcinoids. Many of these tumor types are also found in people who have multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (described above). As in multiple endocrine neoplasia, tumors occur only when both copies of the MEN1gene are inactivated in certain cells.

Where is the MEN1 gene located?

Cytogenetic Location: 11q13

Molecular Location on chromosome 11: base pairs 64,803,513 to 64,811,293

The MEN1 gene is located on the long (q) arm of chromosome 11 at position 13.

The MEN1 gene is located on the long (q) arm of chromosome 11 at position 13.

More precisely, the MEN1 gene is located from base pair 64,803,513 to base pair 64,811,293 on chromosome 11.

See How do geneticists indicate the location of a gene? in the Handbook.

Where can I find additional information about MEN1?

You and your healthcare professional may find the following resources about MEN1 helpful.

You may also be interested in these resources, which are designed for genetics professionals and researchers.

What other names do people use for the MEN1 gene or gene products?

  • MEAI
  • MEN1_HUMAN
  • menin

Where can I find general information about genes?

The Handbook provides basic information about genetics in clear language.

These links provide additional genetics resources that may be useful.

What glossary definitions help with understanding MEN1?

References (12 links)