WAS gene

The WAS gene provides instructions for making a protein called Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein (WASP), which is crucial for helping immune cells and blood cells function properly. WASP acts like a coordinator inside cells, guiding the shape and movement of the cell's skeleton, known as the actin cytoskeleton. This process is essential for immune responses, blood cell development, and wound healing. Mutations in the WAS gene can disrupt these functions, leading to conditions like Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome, characterized by immune deficiency, bleeding problems, and eczema.