The GNAS gene (GNAS stands for Guanine Nucleotide-Binding Protein G(S) Subunit Alpha Isoforms Short Complex Locus) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 20q13.32. Several transcript variants encoding different isoforms have been found for this gene.
The GNAS gene encodes the stimulatory G protein alpha subunit. This is a key element of the classical signal transduction pathway linking receptor-ligand interactions with adenylyl cyclase activation and a variety of cellular responses.
The GNAS gene exhibits a highly complex imprinted expression pattern. Evidence is provided for alternative splicing of downstream exons, resulting in different forms of the stimulatory G protein alpha subunit.