Genetics of Zellweger Syndrome: The PXR1 gene has been mapped to chromosome 12; mutations in this gene cause Zellweger syndrome. The PXR1 gene product is a receptor found on the surface of peroxisomes - microbodies found in animal cells, especially liver, kidney and brain cells. The function of peroxisomes is not fully understood, although the enzymes they contain carry out a number of metabolically important reactions. The PXR1 receptor is vital for the import of these enzymes into the peroxisomes: without it functioning properly, the peroxisomes can not use the enzymes to carry out their important functions, such as cellular lipid metabolism and metabolic oxidations. (Source: Genes and Disease by the National Center for Biotechnology)
Inheritance of Zellweger Syndrome refers to whether the condition is inherited from your parents or "runs" in families. The level of inheritance of a condition depends on how important genetics are to the disease. Strongly genetic diseases are usually inherited, partially genetic diseases are sometimes inherited, and non-genetic diseases are not inherited. For general information, see Introduction to Genetics.
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