Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 ATR. The exact function of MEN1 and the protein, menin, produced by this gene is not known, but following the inheritance rules of the "two-hit hypothesis" indicates that it acts as a tumor suppressor. In a diagnostic workup individuals with a combination of endocrine neoplasias suggestive of the "MEN1 syndrome" are recommended to have a mutational analysis of the MEN1 gene if additional diagnostic criteria are sufficiently met, mainly including: Multiple endocrine neoplasia or MEN is part of a group of disorders that affect the body's network of hormone-producing glands (the endocrine system). Hormones are chemical messengers that travel through
Development of the endocrine system seven weeks of gestation, the adrenal cells are joined by sympathetic cells that originate from the neural crest to form the adrenal medulla. At the end of the eighth week, the adrenal glands have been encapsulated and have formed a distinct organ above the developing kidneys. At birth, the adrenal glands weight approximately eight to nine grams (twice that of the adult adrenal glands) and are 0.5% of the total body weight. At 25 weeks, the adult adrenal cortex zone develops and is responsible for the primary synthesis of steroids during the early postnatal weeks. The thyroid gland develops from