FAS

On this page:

Name
Normal function
Gene families
Genetic changes
Gene location
Additional information
Other names
About genes
Glossary definitions

Reviewed January 2011

What is the official name of the FAS gene?

The official name of this gene is “Fas cell surface death receptor.”

FAS is the gene's official symbol. The FAS 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 FAS gene?

The FAS gene provides instructions for making a protein involved in signaling that initiates a process called a caspase cascade. The caspase cascade results in the self-destruction of cells (apoptosis). Three FAS proteins group together to form a structure called a trimer. This trimer then interacts with other molecules to perform its signaling function.

Does the FAS gene share characteristics with other genes?

The FAS gene belongs to a family of genes called CD (CD molecules). It also belongs to a family of genes called TNFRSF (tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily).

A gene family is a group of genes that share important characteristics. Classifying individual genes into families helps researchers describe how genes are related to each other. For more information, see What are gene families? in the Handbook.

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

autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome - caused by mutations in the FAS gene: At least 62 mutations in the FAS gene have been identified in people with a disorder of the immune system called autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome (ALPS). When the immune system is activated to fight an infection, large numbers of immune cells (lymphocytes) are produced. Normally, these lymphocytes are destroyed by apoptosis when they are no longer required, so that they do not attack the body's own tissues. FAS gene mutations result in an abnormal trimer that interferes with the initiation of apoptosis. Excess lymphocytes accumulate in the body's tissues and organs, causing the signs and symptoms of ALPS. Interference with apoptosis allows cells to multiply out of control, leading to the lymphomas and other cancers that occur in people with this disorder.
cancers - increased risk from variations of the FAS gene: Studies have associated certain FAS gene variations with increased risk of developing cancer, including cancers of the lung, breast, and esophagus. Researchers believe that these variations may affect the signaling that initiates apoptosis, increasing the risk that cells will multiply out of control and result in cancer.

Where is the FAS gene located?

Cytogenetic Location: 10q24.1

Molecular Location on chromosome 10: base pairs 90,750,287 to 90,775,541

The FAS gene is located on the long (q) arm of chromosome 10 at position 24.1.

More precisely, the FAS gene is located from base pair 90,750,287 to base pair 90,775,541 on chromosome 10.

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

Where can I find additional information about FAS?

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

Educational resources - Information pages (2 links)
Gene Reviews - Clinical summary
Genetic Testing Registry - Repository of genetic test information (1 link)

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

PubMed - Recent literature
OMIM - Genetic disorder catalog
Research Resources - Tools for researchers (5 links)

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

APO-1
apo-1 antigen
APO-1 cell surface antigen
apoptosis antigen 1
apoptosis-mediating surface antigen FAS
APT1
CD95
CD95 antigen
FAS1
Fas AMA
Fas antigen
FASLG receptor
Fas (TNF receptor superfamily, member 6)
TNFRSF6
TNR6_HUMAN
tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily member 6

See How are genetic conditions and genes named? in the Handbook.

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 FAS?

apoptosis ; autoimmune ; cancer ; caspase ; cell ; esophagus ; FAS ; gene ; immune system ; infection ; mediating ; necrosis ; protein ; receptor ; syndrome ; tumor

You may find definitions for these and many other terms in the Genetics Home Reference Glossary.

References (15 links)

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? in the Handbook.