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Genetics Home Reference: your guide to understanding genetic conditions
http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/     A service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine®

RNASEH2A

Reviewed July 2010

What is the official name of the RNASEH2A gene?

The official name of this gene is “ribonuclease H2, subunit A.”

RNASEH2A is the gene's official symbol. The RNASEH2A gene is also known by other names, listed below.

What is the normal function of the RNASEH2A gene?

The RNASEH2A gene provides instructions for making one part (subunit) of a group of proteins called the RNase H2 complex. This complex is a ribonuclease, which means it is an enzyme that helps break down RNA, a chemical cousin of DNA. In particular, the RNase H2 complex helps break down molecules in which one strand of RNA is combined with one strand of DNA (RNA-DNA hybrids). These hybrids are formed during DNA copying (replication) and are found in all cells.

The RNase H2 complex is involved in DNA replication, error repair, and other cellular functions. Researchers believe that these additional functions may include helping to prevent inappropriate immune system activation.

How are changes in the RNASEH2A gene related to health conditions?

Aicardi-Goutieres syndrome - caused by mutations in the RNASEH2A gene

At least nine mutations in the RNASEH2A gene have been identified in people with Aicardi-Goutieres syndrome. These mutations likely result in a dysfunctional RNase H2 complex. The resulting disruption in cellular functions may lead to an accumulation of unneeded DNA and RNA in cells. These DNA and RNA molecules or fragments may be generated during the first stage of protein production (transcription), replication of cells' genetic material in preparation for cell division, DNA repair, cell death, and other processes. The unneeded DNA and RNA may be mistaken by cells for those of viral invaders, triggering immune system reactions that cause severe brain dysfunction (encephalopathy), skin lesions, and other signs and symptoms of Aicardi-Goutieres syndrome.

Where is the RNASEH2A gene located?

Cytogenetic Location: 19p13.2

Molecular Location on chromosome 19: base pairs 12,917,427 to 12,924,461

The RNASEH2A gene is located on the short (p) arm of chromosome 19 at position 13.2.

The RNASEH2A gene is located on the short (p) arm of chromosome 19 at position 13.2.

More precisely, the RNASEH2A gene is located from base pair 12,917,427 to base pair 12,924,461 on chromosome 19.

See How do geneticists indicate the location of a gene? (http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/handbook/howgeneswork/genelocation) in the Handbook.

Where can I find additional information about RNASEH2A?

You and your healthcare professional may find the following resources about RNASEH2A helpful.

  • Gene Reviews - Clinical summary (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/bookshelf/br.fcgi?book=gene&part=ags)
  • Gene Tests - Genetic tests ordered by healthcare professionals (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/GeneTests/lab/clinical_disease_id/288085)

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

  • PubMed - Recent literature (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=(RNASEH2A%5BTIAB%5D)%20OR%20((AGS4%5BTIAB%5D)%20OR%20(RNHL%5BTIAB%5D)%20OR%20(RNASEHI%5BTIAB%5D))%20AND%20((Genes%5BMH%5D)%20OR%20(Genetic%20Phenomena%5BMH%5D))%20AND%20english%5Bla%5D%20AND%20human%5Bmh%5D%20AND%20%22last%203600%20days%22%5Bdp%5D)
  • OMIM - Genetic disorder catalog (http://omim.org/entry/606034)

  • Research Resources - Tools for researchers

    • Entrez Gene (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/gene/10535)
    • GeneCards (http://www.genecards.org/cgi-bin/carddisp.pl?id_type=entrezgene&id=10535)
    • HUGO Gene Nomenclature Committee (http://www.genenames.org/data/hgnc_data.php?hgnc_id=18518)

What other names do people use for the RNASEH2A gene or gene products?

  • AGS4
  • aicardi-Goutieres syndrome 4 protein
  • JUNB
  • ribonuclease H2, large subunit
  • ribonuclease H2 subunit A
  • ribonuclease HI large subunit
  • ribonuclease HI, large subunit
  • ribonuclease HI subunit A
  • RNase H2 subunit A
  • RNase H(35)
  • RNASEHI
  • RNase HI large subunit
  • RNH2A_HUMAN
  • RNHIA
  • RNHL

See How are genetic conditions and genes named? (http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/handbook/mutationsanddisorders/naming) in the Handbook.

What glossary definitions help with understanding RNASEH2A?

cell ; cell division ; DNA ; DNA repair ; DNA replication ; encephalopathy ; enzyme ; gene ; immune system ; lesion ; molecule ; mutation ; protein ; RNA ; sign ; stage ; subunit ; symptom ; syndrome ; transcription

You may find definitions for these and many other terms in the Genetics Home Reference Glossary (http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/glossary).

References

  • Entrez Gene (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/gene/10535)
  • OMIM: RIBONUCLEASE H2, SUBUNIT A (http://omim.org/entry/606034)
  • Perrino FW, Harvey S, Shaban NM, Hollis T. RNaseH2 mutants that cause Aicardi-Goutieres syndrome are active nucleases. J Mol Med (Berl). 2009 Jan;87(1):25-30. doi: 10.1007/s00109-008-0422-3. Epub 2008 Nov 26. (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19034401?dopt=Abstract)
  • Rice G, Patrick T, Parmar R, Taylor CF, Aeby A, Aicardi J, Artuch R, Montalto SA, Bacino CA, Barroso B, Baxter P, Benko WS, Bergmann C, Bertini E, Biancheri R, Blair EM, Blau N, Bonthron DT, Briggs T, Brueton LA, Brunner HG, Burke CJ, Carr IM, Carvalho DR, Chandler KE, Christen HJ, Corry PC, Cowan FM, Cox H, D'Arrigo S, Dean J, De Laet C, De Praeter C, Dery C, Ferrie CD, Flintoff K, Frints SG, Garcia-Cazorla A, Gener B, Goizet C, Goutieres F, Green AJ, Guet A, Hamel BC, Hayward BE, Heiberg A, Hennekam RC, Husson M, Jackson AP, Jayatunga R, Jiang YH, Kant SG, Kao A, King MD, Kingston HM, Klepper J, van der Knaap MS, Kornberg AJ, Kotzot D, Kratzer W, Lacombe D, Lagae L, Landrieu PG, Lanzi G, Leitch A, Lim MJ, Livingston JH, Lourenco CM, Lyall EG, Lynch SA, Lyons MJ, Marom D, McClure JP, McWilliam R, Melancon SB, Mewasingh LD, Moutard ML, Nischal KK, Ostergaard JR, Prendiville J, Rasmussen M, Rogers RC, Roland D, Rosser EM, Rostasy K, Roubertie A, Sanchis A, Schiffmann R, Scholl-Burgi S, Seal S, Shalev SA, Corcoles CS, Sinha GP, Soler D, Spiegel R, Stephenson JB, Tacke U, Tan TY, Till M, Tolmie JL, Tomlin P, Vagnarelli F, Valente EM, Van Coster RN, Van der Aa N, Vanderver A, Vles JS, Voit T, Wassmer E, Weschke B, Whiteford ML, Willemsen MA, Zankl A, Zuberi SM, Orcesi S, Fazzi E, Lebon P, Crow YJ. Clinical and molecular phenotype of Aicardi-Goutieres syndrome. Am J Hum Genet. 2007 Oct;81(4):713-25. Epub 2007 Sep 4. (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17846997?dopt=Abstract)
  • Rigby RE, Leitch A, Jackson AP. Nucleic acid-mediated inflammatory diseases. Bioessays. 2008 Sep;30(9):833-42. doi: 10.1002/bies.20808. Review. (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18693262?dopt=Abstract)
  • Shaban NM, Harvey S, Perrino FW, Hollis T. The structure of the mammalian RNase H2 complex provides insight into RNA.NA hybrid processing to prevent immune dysfunction. J Biol Chem. 2010 Feb 5;285(6):3617-24. doi: 10.1074/jbc.M109.059048. Epub 2009 Nov 18. (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19923215?dopt=Abstract)

 

The resources on this site should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice. Users seeking information about a personal genetic disease, syndrome, or condition should consult with a qualified healthcare professional. See How can I find a genetics professional in my area? (http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/handbook/consult/findingprofessional) in the Handbook.

 
Reviewed: July 2010
Published: February 25, 2013