DNAH5

Dynein axonemal heavy chain 5 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the DNAH5 gene.

DNAH5 is a protein-coding gene.¹ It provides the instructions for synthesizing a protein that belongs to a microtubule-associated protein complex made of heavy, light and intermediate chains.² DNAH5 is responsible for making the heavy chain 5, found within the outer dynein arms of cilia.¹ It will function as a force generating protein by using ATP, producing the power stroke for cilia.³

During early development, the cilia found on the primitive node will beat in a directional pattern, sending signaling molecules to the left, this process will begin to establish the internal left-right asymmetry.³ Mutations in DNAH5 are linked to primary ciliary dyskinesia, an autosomal recessive disorder.⁴ This X-linked disorder is characterized by recurrent respiratory infections, infertility, and abnormal organ placement.¹ Non-functional DNAH5 proteins have been identified in individuals with primary ciliary dyskinesia and randomized left-right asymmetry.⁴