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The official name of this gene is “interleukin 1, alpha.”
IL1A is the gene's official symbol. The IL1A gene is also known by other names, listed below.
The IL1A gene provides instructions for making a protein called interleukin-1 alpha. Interleukins are a group of proteins that are made primarily in immune system cells. They are involved in cell-to-cell communication and have a wide variety of functions within the immune system. Interleukin-1 alpha is described as "pro-inflammatory" because it stimulates the activity of genes involved in inflammation and immunity. This protein plays a critical role in protecting the body from foreign invaders such as bacteria and viruses. It is also involved in bone resorption, the breakdown and removal of bone tissue that is no longer needed.
Interleukin-1 alpha is initially produced as a relatively long protein that is trapped within cells. Another protein, called calpain, cuts (cleaves) this precursor protein to create a shorter, mature version of interleukin-1 alpha. The shorter form of this protein is secreted by immune system cells to influence the functions of other cells.
The IL1A gene belongs to a family of genes called endogenous ligands (endogenous ligands). It also belongs to a family of genes called IL (interleukins and interleukin receptors).
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? (http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/handbook/howgeneswork/genefamilies) in the Handbook.
Several variations (polymorphisms) in the IL1A gene have been found to influence the risk of ankylosing spondylitis. Each of these variations changes a single protein building block (amino acid) in interleukin-1 alpha. It is unclear how these variations alter the protein's function. Studies suggest that the effects of IL1A variations are probably related to the role of interleukin-1 alpha in promoting inflammation. Other genetic and environmental factors, many of which are unknown, also affect the chance of developing ankylosing spondylitis.
Variations in the IL1A gene have been studied as potential risk factors for several other disorders associated with abnormal inflammation. These include chronic gum (periodontal) disease, a progressive bone infection known as chronic osteomyelitis, and an eye disease called open-angle glaucoma.
The most well-studied variation affecting the IL1A gene is a change in a single DNA building block (nucleotide) in a region of regulatory DNA near the start of the gene (written as IL1A-889 C>T). This variation affects the production of interleukin-1 alpha within cells. Researchers have also identified a second common variation in the IL1A gene, written as IL1A+4845 G>T, which changes a single nucleotide in the gene. This variation likely affects the sensitivity of interleukin-1 alpha to cleavage by calpain.
It is unclear how changes in the IL1A gene influence the risk of inflammatory disorders. Studies suggest that the effects of IL1A variations are probably related to the role of interleukin-1 alpha in promoting inflammation. Other genetic and environmental factors also likely affect the chance of developing these complex disorders.
Cytogenetic Location: 2q14
Molecular Location on chromosome 2: base pairs 112,773,914 to 112,785,393
The IL1A gene is located on the long (q) arm of chromosome 2 at position 14.
More precisely, the IL1A gene is located from base pair 112,773,914 to base pair 112,785,393 on chromosome 2.
See How do geneticists indicate the location of a gene? (http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/handbook/howgeneswork/genelocation) in the Handbook.
You and your healthcare professional may find the following resources about IL1A helpful.
You may also be interested in these resources, which are designed for genetics professionals and researchers.
See How are genetic conditions and genes named? (http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/handbook/mutationsanddisorders/naming) in the Handbook.
amino acid ; bacteria ; breakdown ; cell ; chronic ; cytokine ; dendritic cell ; DNA ; gene ; glaucoma ; idiopathic ; immune system ; infection ; inflammation ; macrophage ; monocyte ; nucleotide ; osteomyelitis ; precursor ; Pro ; protein ; risk factors ; sensitivity ; spondylitis ; tissue
You may find definitions for these and many other terms in the Genetics Home Reference Glossary.
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.