Definition

A gene that makes a protein involved in protecting telomeres (the ends of chromosomes), which help keep chromosomes from sticking together or breaking down. The protein also helps stabilize a type of RNA involved in making proteins in the cell. Mutations (changes) in the NHP2 gene may lead to abnormal cell growth and cancer. NHP2 gene mutations have been found in a rare, inherited condition called dyskeratosis congenita, which causes abnormal changes in the skin and nails and white patches inside the mouth. People with this condition have an increased risk of bone marrow failure (a condition in which the bone marrow does not make enough blood cells), myelodysplastic syndrome, pulmonary fibrosis (scarring of the lungs), and certain types of cancer.