EVC (gene)

EVC is a gene associated with Ellis–Van Creveld syndrome. It overlaps with the CRMP1 gene.

EVC is one of two genes (the other being EVC2) that upon mutation give rise to EvC (Ellis-van Creveld) syndrome in humans and is found to act as a positive mediator for three hedgehog (Hh) signaling molecules. Mice with an inactivation of the EVC gene (EVC −/−) were found to exhibit similar physical characteristics as humans, such as shortened limbs and dental impairments. In a study of 65 individuals affected with EvC, mutations in the EVC gene were found in 20 of them, and primarily attributed to a frameshift resulting in a nonsense codon. More mild physical characteristics not completely associated with EvC syndrome, such as those without the expected oral deformities can also be attributed to EVC gene mutations.