elastin: Major structural protein of tissues such as aorta and nuchal ligament, which must expand rapidly and recover completely. Molecular determinant of the late arterial morphogenesis, stabilizing arterial structure by regulating proliferation and organization of vascular smooth muscle. Defects in ELN are the cause of cutis laxa, autosomal dominant, type 1 (ADCL1). A connective tissue disorder characterized by loose, hyperextensible skin with decreased resilience and elasticity leading to a premature aged appearance. Face, hands, feet, joints, and torso may be differentially affected. Additional variable clinical features are gastrointestinal diverticula, hernia, and genital prolapse. Rare manifestations are pulmonary artery stenosis, aortic aneurysm, bronchiectasis, and emphysema. Defects in ELN are the cause of supravalvular aortic stenosis (SVAS). SVAS is a congenital narrowing of the ascending aorta which can occur sporadically, as an autosomal dominant condition, or as one component of Williams-Beuren syndrome. ELN is located in the Williams-Beuren syndrome (WBS) critical region. WBS results from a hemizygous deletion of several genes on chromosome 7q11.23, thought to arise as a consequence of unequal crossing over between highly homologous low-copy repeat sequences flanking the deleted region. Haploinsufficiency of ELN may be the cause of certain cardiovascular and musculo-skeletal abnormalities observed in the disease. Belongs to the elastin family. 13 isoforms of the human protein are produced by alternative splicing.
Protein type: Secreted; Secreted, signal peptide; Extracellular matrix
Chromosomal Location of Human Ortholog: 7q11.23
Cellular Component: extracellular region; proteinaceous extracellular matrix
Molecular Function: extracellular matrix structural constituent; protein binding
Biological Process: blood circulation; cell proliferation; extracellular matrix disassembly; extracellular matrix organization and biogenesis; organ morphogenesis; respiratory gaseous exchange
Disease: Cutis Laxa, Autosomal Dominant 1; Supravalvular Aortic Stenosis; Williams-beuren Syndrome
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