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CDAN1

codanin 1

The CDAN1 gene codes for codanin-1, a protein that is crucial for maintaining the nucleus's structure within cells and is implicated in the development of red blood cells. CDAN1 provides instructions for producing the codanin-1 protein.

Chromosome 15q15.2 Polygenic HGNC:1713 Tier C
CDAN1 15q15.2 p arm q arm 15

CDAN1 is located on the long (q) arm of chromosome 15, at band 15q15.2. Arm ratio per GRCh38 - banding schematic.

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Overview

The CDAN1 gene is responsible for producing a protein known as codanin-1. This protein is believed to be essential for maintaining the structural integrity of the cell's nucleus, where the majority of the cell's DNA is stored. Codanin-1 also appears to be involved in the intricate process of red blood cell development and differentiation, although its precise role in this function is still being investigated. Pathogenic changes within the CDAN1 gene are associated with a specific type of inherited blood disorder.

What the gene does

The codanin-1 protein, encoded by the CDAN1 gene, is thought to be involved in the architecture of the cell nucleus. Research indicates that codanin-1 contributes to the assembly of nucleosomes, which are fundamental units that help to compactly package DNA. This tight packaging is important for regulating gene expression. By influencing gene activity, codanin-1 participates in various developmental processes, including cell growth throughout the cell cycle. Furthermore, codanin-1 is implicated in erythropoiesis, the process by which red blood cells differentiate and develop, though its specific mechanism in this pathway is not yet fully understood.

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Chromosome location

The CDAN1 gene is situated on chromosome 15, specifically at position 15q15.2. This location refers to the long (q) arm of chromosome 15, within region 15, band 2. The gene spans a particular segment of the human genome.

Protein structure

The codanin-1 protein is composed of 1227 amino acids. It features a disordered region spanning amino acids 63-294. Additionally, a specific interaction region, crucial for its engagement with ASF1A/B proteins, is located between amino acids 188-208.

Domain map · 1,227 amino acids
Interaction with ASF1A/B (188–208)Interaction with ASF1A188–2081~6141,227
Region - functional region
🧬 Explore 3D structure on AlphaFold
UniProt:Q8IWY9Length:1,227 aaStructure:AlphaFold

Key variants

Genetic variations, often referred to as variants or mutations, within the CDAN1 gene can alter the function of the codanin-1 protein. These changes may disrupt the protein's ability to maintain nuclear structure or properly support red blood cell development, leading to clinical consequences.

The table below shows the top 10 pathogenic or likely-pathogenic variants currently classified in ClinVar for CDAN1.
View all on ClinVar →

Sample of pathogenic variants

10 pathogenic / likely-pathogenic variants from ClinVar, ranked by review status (expert-panel-reviewed first). This is a sample; recurrent founder variants in a specific population may not appear here - see the full ClinVar listing via the link above.

Variant (HGVS) Protein change Classification Evidence Associated condition
c.2015C>T
single nucleotide variant
p.Pro672Leu Pathogenic/Likely pathogenic ★★☆☆ Anemia, congenital dyserythropoietic, type 1a
c.156C>G
single nucleotide variant
p.Phe52Leu Pathogenic/Likely pathogenic ★★☆☆ Anemia, congenital dyserythropoietic, type 1a
c.1596dup
Duplication
p.Met533fs Pathogenic ★★☆☆ Anemia, congenital dyserythropoietic, type 1a
c.1791_1792delinsTCTTGCCCTGGCTTGAAGA
Indel
p.Glu597_Leu598delinsAspLeuAlaLeuAlaTer Pathogenic/Likely pathogenic ★★☆☆ Anemia, congenital dyserythropoietic, type 1a
c.2044C>T
single nucleotide variant
p.Arg682Ter Pathogenic ★★☆☆ Anemia, congenital dyserythropoietic, type 1a
c.2140C>T
single nucleotide variant
p.Arg714Trp Pathogenic/Likely pathogenic ★★☆☆ Anemia, congenital dyserythropoietic, type 1a
c.2852_2853del
Microsatellite
p.Glu951fs Pathogenic ★★☆☆ Anemia, congenital dyserythropoietic, type 1a
c.3024_3025insTT
Insertion
p.Glu1009fs Pathogenic ★★☆☆ not provided
c.3124C>T
single nucleotide variant
p.Arg1042Trp Pathogenic/Likely pathogenic ★★☆☆ Anemia, congenital dyserythropoietic, type 1a
c.3389C>T
single nucleotide variant
p.Pro1130Leu Pathogenic/Likely pathogenic ★★☆☆ Anemia, congenital dyserythropoietic, type 1a

Evidence stars indicate ClinVar review status. Individual variant interpretation should always be performed by a qualified clinical laboratory - many variants remain classified as Variants of Uncertain Significance (VUS) pending more research.

Associated conditions

Variants in the CDAN1 gene are associated with congenital dyserythropoietic anaemia type I. This condition is characterised by a shortage of red blood cells due to abnormal formation, where immature red blood cells fail to develop into functional mature cells, impairing oxygen transport.

No disease links recorded for this gene in our reference set.

UK clinical status

The CDAN1 gene is reviewed by NHS clinical panels in the UK, indicating its relevance in diagnostic testing. It is listed as 'green' on PanelApp for conditions such as Cytopenias and congenital anaemias, Foetal anomalies (R21), Foetal hydrops, and Rare anaemia (R92). A 'green' status indicates that there is sufficient evidence for the gene to be included in diagnostic testing for these conditions.

Frequently asked questions

What is the primary function of the CDAN1 gene?

The CDAN1 gene provides instructions for the codanin-1 protein, which is believed to be important for maintaining the structure of the cell's nucleus and is involved in the formation and maturation of red blood cells.

What health condition is linked to CDAN1 variants?

Variants in the CDAN1 gene are associated with congenital dyserythropoietic anaemia type I, a blood disorder characterised by the improper development of red blood cells, leading to a shortage of mature, functional red blood cells.

Is the CDAN1 gene part of NHS genetic testing panels?

Yes, the CDAN1 gene is listed as 'green' on several NHS PanelApp panels, including those for Cytopenias and congenital anaemias, Foetal anomalies, Foetal hydrops, and Rare anaemia, indicating its use in diagnostic testing for these conditions.

References

  1. Renella R, Wood WG. The congenital dyserythropoietic anemias. Hematology/oncology clinics of North America. 2009. PMID: 19327584
  2. Noy-Lotan S, Dgany O, Lahmi R. Codanin-1, the protein encoded by the gene mutated in congenital dyserythropoietic anemia type I (CDAN1), is cell cycle-regulated. Haematologica. 2009. PMID: 19336738
  3. Ahmed MR, Chehal A, Zahed L. Linkage and mutational analysis of the CDAN1 gene reveals genetic heterogeneity in congenital dyserythropoietic anemia type I. Blood. 2006. PMID: 16754775
  4. Tamary H, Dgany O, Proust A. Clinical and molecular variability in congenital dyserythropoietic anaemia type I. British journal of haematology. 2005. PMID: 16098079
  5. Dgany O, Avidan N, Delaunay J. Congenital dyserythropoietic anemia type I is caused by mutations in codanin-1. American journal of human genetics. 2002. PMID: 12434312
  6. Adam MP, Bick S, Mirzaa GM. Congenital Dyserythropoietic Anemia Type I. 1993. PMID: 20301759
Educational content. This page is not medical or genetic advice, is not individually reviewed by a clinician for each reader, and should not replace a consultation with a qualified healthcare professional or genetic counsellor. If you are considering genetic testing or acting on a test result, book a consultation.
Data sources Last updated 20 September 2026. Content compiled from HGNC · MedlinePlus Genetics · ClinGen · Genomics England PanelApp · NHS National Genomic Test Directory · ClinVar · UniProt · AlphaFold .