WAS

The WAS gene provides instructions for making a protein called WASP. This protein is found in all blood cells. WASP is involved in relaying signals from the surface of blood cells to the actin cytoskeleton, which is a network of fibers that make up the cell's structural framework. WASP signaling activates the cell when it is needed and triggers its movement (motility) and attachment to other cells and tissues (adhesion). In white blood cells, which protect the body from infection, this signaling allows the actin cytoskeleton to establish the interaction between cells and the foreign invaders that they target (immune synapse).

Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome - caused by mutations in the WAS gene

More than 350 mutations in the WAS gene have been found to cause Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome, a condition characterized by a reduced ability to form blood clots and abnormal immune system function (immune deficiency). Most of these mutations lead to the production of an abnormally short, nonfunctional version of WASP or prevent the production of any WASP. As a result, WASP cannot relay signals, which disrupts the function of the actin cytoskeleton in developing blood cells. White blood cells that lack WASP have a decreased ability to respond to their environment and form immune synapses. As a result, white blood cells are less able to respond to foreign invaders, causing many of the immune problems related to Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome. Similarly, when cells that aid blood clot formation (platelets) lack functional WASP, their development is impaired, leading to a reduction in platelet size and early cell death. The impairments of white blood cells and platelets are largely responsible for the immune deficiency and bleeding problems characteristic of Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome.

X-linked thrombocytopenia - caused by mutations in the WAS gene

More than 60 mutations in the WAS gene have been found to cause X-linked thrombocytopenia, a blood disorder characterized by a decrease in the amount and size of platelets, leading to prolonged bleeding episodes. Immune problems such as an increased susceptibility to infections may also occur. Most of these WAS gene mutations change single protein building blocks (amino acids) in WASP. Mutations typically lead to the production of an altered protein that cannot efficiently relay signals from the cell membrane to the actin cytoskeleton. In people with X-linked thrombocytopenia, these signaling problems primarily affect the development of platelets. In some cases, white blood cells are affected. When WASP function is impaired in white blood cells, these cells are less able to respond to foreign invaders and immune disorders are more likely to occur.

Some WAS gene mutations cause X-linked thrombocytopenia in some individuals and a related condition called Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome (described above) in others. These mutations usually prevent the production of any WASP. It is unknown why some people with these mutations have the relatively mild features of X-linked thrombocytopenia and others have the severe symptoms of Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome.

other disorders - caused by mutations in the WAS gene

Mutations in the WAS gene can cause a condition called severe congenital neutropenia, which is characterized by low levels of white blood cells (neutropenia) and decreased survival of hematopoietic stem cells. People with this condition tend to have immune deficiency resulting in recurrent infections. WAS gene mutations that cause severe congenital neutropenia lead to a change in a region of WASP known as the Cdc42 binding site. This site must attach (bind) to a protein called Cdc42 in order to turn on (activate) WASP. The mutations that cause severe congenital neutropenia lead to a WASP that is always active (constitutively active), even in the absence of the Cdc42 protein. It is not fully understood how a constitutively active WASP leads to the signs and symptoms of severe congenital neutropenia.

Genetics Home Reference provides information about severe congenital neutropenia, which is also associated with changes in the WAS gene.