GPC3

The GPC3 gene provides instructions for making a protein called glypican 3. This protein is one of several glypicans in humans, each of which consists of a core protein attached to long sugar molecules called heparan sulfate chains. Glypicans are anchored to the cell membrane, where they interact with a variety of other proteins outside the cell. Glypicans appear to play important roles in development before birth. These proteins are involved in numerous cell functions including regulating cell growth and division (cell proliferation), cell survival, cell movement (migration), and the process by which cells mature to carry out specific functions (differentiation).

Several studies have found that glypican 3 interacts with other proteins at the surface of cells to restrain cell proliferation. Researchers believe that in some cell types, glypican 3 may act as a tumor suppressor, which is a protein that prevents cells from growing and dividing in an uncontrolled way to form a cancerous tumor. Glypican 3 may also cause some types of cells to self-destruct (undergo apoptosis) when they are no longer needed, which can help keep growth in check.

Although glypican 3 is known primarily as an inhibitor of cell growth and cell division, in some tissues it appears to have the opposite effect. Research suggests that in certain types of cells, such as cells in the liver, glypican 3 may interact with proteins called growth factors to promote cell growth and cell division.

Simpson-Golabi-Behmel syndrome - caused by mutations in the GPC3 gene

More than 40 mutations in the GPC3 gene have been identified in people with Simpson-Golabi-Behmel syndrome. Some of these mutations delete part or all of the gene, which prevents cells from producing functional glypican 3. Other mutations insert or delete a small amount of genetic material in the GPC3 gene, or change one or a few protein building blocks (amino acids) used to make glypican 3. These mutations change the structure of the protein.

Mutations in the GPC3 gene prevent glypican 3 from performing its usual functions, which may contribute to an increased rate of cell proliferation starting before birth. It is unclear, however, how a shortage of functional glypican 3 leads to overgrowth of the entire body and the other abnormalities characteristic of Simpson-Golabi-Behmel syndrome.

cancers - associated with the GPC3 gene

Changes in the activity (expression) of the GPC3 gene have been associated with several forms of cancer. In particular, this gene is abnormally active (overexpressed) in a form of liver cancer called hepatocellular carcinoma. The increased gene expression may lead to uncontrolled cell growth and cell division in liver cells, which can result in the development of a cancerous tumor. On the other hand, a decrease in GPC3 gene expression has been found in some ovarian cancers, breast cancers, colon cancers, and mesotheliomas (cancerous tumors that arise in the lining of the chest or abdomen).