# Genetic Cause
Keywords: SMA, SMN1 gene, SMN2 gene, motor neurons, spinal muscular atrophy, functional SMN protein, exon 7

> This page explains the genetic basis of Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), focusing on the roles of the SMN1 and SMN2 genes, their differences, and how mutations or deletions in these genes lead to insufficient production of functional SMN protein, impacting motor neuron health.

## Details
- [The role of SMN1 gene in SMA](#): The SMN1 gene is critical for producing functional, full-length SMN protein, essential for motor neuron survival. Mutations or deletions in this gene lead to SMA.
- [SMN2 gene and its role](#): The SMN2 gene, a near-duplicate of SMN1, produces only about 10% functional SMN protein due to exon 7 exclusion in most transcripts, insufficient to compensate for SMN1 loss.
- [Functional SMN protein necessity](#): Functional SMN protein is vital for maintaining motor neuron health and function, with its deficiency being the primary cause of SMA symptoms.
- [Adverse event reporting](#): Instructions for reporting adverse events in the UK and Ireland, including contact details and online resources.