Reviewed April 2012
What is the official name of the NOG gene?
The official name of this gene is “noggin.”
NOG is the gene's official symbol. The NOG 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 NOG gene?
The NOG gene provides instructions for making a protein called noggin. This protein is involved in the development of many body tissues, including nerve tissue, muscles, and bones. Noggin's role in bone development makes it important for proper joint formation.
Noggin interacts with members of a group of proteins called bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs). These proteins help control the development of bone and other tissues. In order to begin these developmental processes, BMPs attach (bind) to other proteins called receptors, and this binding stimulates specific cellular processes. The noggin protein regulates the activity of certain BMPs by attaching to them and blocking them from binding to the receptor, which leads to a decrease in BMP signaling.
How are changes in the NOG gene related to health conditions?
tarsal-carpal coalition syndrome - caused by mutations in the NOG gene
Several mutations in the NOG gene have been identified in people with a condition called tarsal-carpal coalition syndrome. This condition is characterized by fusion of the individual bones in the wrists (the carpal bones) and in the ankles (the tarsal bones) as well as fusion at the joints between the bones that make up each finger and toe (symphalangism). Symphalangism makes the fingers and toes stiff and difficult to bend.
This condition is caused by mutations in the NOG gene that change single protein building blocks (amino acids) in the noggin protein. These mutations alter the structure or stability of noggin, impair the transport of noggin out of the cell, or reduce the protein's ability to bind to BMPs, resulting in a reduction of functional noggin protein. With decreased noggin function, BMPs abnormally stimulate bone formation in joint areas, where there should be no bone, causing the bone fusions seen in people with tarsal-carpal coalition syndrome.
- other disorders - caused by mutations in the NOG gene
Several other bone-related disorders are caused by mutations in the NOG gene. These gene mutations change single protein building blocks (amino acids) in the noggin protein.
Proximal symphalangism is characterized by fusion at the joints between the bones in the fingers and toes, particularly at the joint at the base of the digit. Other signs and symptoms include abnormally short middle fingers, webbed toes, and hearing loss that is due to fusion of the bones in the ears (stapes fixation).
Multiple synostoses syndrome 1 is characterized by symphalangism and characteristic facial features, such as a broad nose and thin lips. In addition, affected individuals can have fusion of the bones in the hands, feet, hips, and upper part of the spine (cervical vertebrae). People with this condition can have hearing loss due to stapes fixation.
People with stapes ankylosis with broad thumb and toes (also known as Teunissen-Cremers syndrome) have hearing loss due to stapes fixation, farsightedness, and broad thumbs and big toes. Some affected individuals may have fusion of the cervical vertebrae and characteristic facial features like those seen in multiple synostoses syndrome 1.
Brachydactyly type B2 is characterized by short fingers and toes, which occurs because the middle bone of the digit or the bone that forms the tip of the digit is abnormally small or absent. In addition, people with this condition can have symphalangism, fusion of the carpal bones, and connection of the skin between two or more fingers or toes (syndactyly).
As in tarsal-carpal coalition syndrome, the NOG gene mutations that cause these conditions reduce the amount of functional noggin protein. For reasons that are unknown, the same mutations can cause different disorders in different people. Because of a shared genetic cause and overlapping features, researchers have suggested that these conditions, including tarsal-carpal coalition syndrome, represent a spectrum of related conditions referred to as NOG-related-symphalangism spectrum disorder (NOG-SSD).
Where is the NOG gene located?
Cytogenetic Location: 17q22
Molecular Location on chromosome 17: base pairs 56,593,698 to 56,595,589
The NOG gene is located on the long (q) arm of chromosome 17 at position 22.
More precisely, the NOG gene is located from base pair 56,593,698 to base pair 56,595,589 on chromosome 17.
See How do geneticists indicate the location of a gene? in the Handbook.
Where can I find additional information about NOG?
You and your healthcare professional may find the following resources about NOG 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 NOG gene or gene products?
- noggin precursor
- symphalangism 1 (proximal)
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 NOG?
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
See How can I find a genetics professional in my area? in the Handbook.