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Reviewed November 2008

What is the official name of the TREM2 gene?

The official name of this gene is “triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2.”

TREM2 is the gene's official symbol. The TREM2 gene is also known by other names, listed below.

Read more about gene names and symbols on the About page.

What is the normal function of the TREM2 gene?

The TREM2 gene provides instructions for making a protein called triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2. As its name suggests, this protein is made in myeloid cells, which are cells produced in bone marrow. The TREM2 protein is found on the cell surface, where it interacts with the protein produced from the TYROBP gene. The TREM2 and TYROBP proteins form a complex that transmits chemical signals to activate the cell.

The TYROBP-TREM2 complex was first identified in the immune system. This complex is involved in the growth and development of several types of immune cells, particularly dendritic cells. The TYROBP-TREM2 complex activates these cells, triggering an inflammatory response to injury or disease.

The TYROBP-TREM2 complex also activates cells in the skeletal system and in the brain and spinal cord (central nervous system). In the skeletal system, the complex is found in osteoclasts, which are specialized cells that break down and remove (resorb) bone tissue that is no longer needed. These cells are involved in bone remodeling, which is a normal process that replaces old bone tissue with new bone. In the central nervous system, the complex appears to play an important role in immune cells called microglia. These cells protect the brain and spinal cord from foreign invaders and remove dead nerve cells and other debris. Although the TYROBP-TREM2 complex plays a critical role in osteoclasts and microglia, its exact function in these cells is unclear

How are changes in the TREM2 gene related to health conditions?

polycystic lipomembranous osteodysplasia with sclerosing leukoencephalopathy - caused by mutations in the TREM2 gene

At least 10 mutations in the TREM2 gene have been identified in people with polycystic lipomembranous osteodysplasia with sclerosing leukoencephalopathy (commonly known as PLOSL). Some mutations prevent the cell from making any TREM2 protein, while others result in the production of an abnormally short, nonfunctional version of the protein. Still other mutations change the structure of the TREM2 protein, preventing it from reaching the cell surface.

Researchers believe that the signs and symptoms of PLOSL are related to defective TYROBP-TREM2 signaling in osteoclasts and microglia. The bone abnormalities seen with this disorder are probably related to malfunctioning osteoclasts, which are less able to resorb bone tissue during bone remodeling. In the central nervous system, defective signaling through the TYROBP-TREM2 complex causes widespread abnormalities of microglia. Researchers are working to determine how these abnormalities lead to the neurological problems associated with PLOSL.

Where is the TREM2 gene located?

Cytogenetic Location: 6p21.1

Molecular Location on chromosome 6: base pairs 41,158,505 to 41,163,197

The TREM2 gene is located on the short (p) arm of chromosome 6 at position 21.1.


More precisely, the TREM2 gene is located from base pair 41,158,505 to base pair 41,163,197 on chromosome 6.


Where can I find additional information about TREM2?

You and your healthcare professional may find the following resources about TREM2 helpful.


What other names do people use for the TREM2 gene or gene products?

  • TREM-2
  • Trem2a
  • Trem2b
  • Trem2c
  • triggering receptor expressed on monocytes 2
  • triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2a

Where can I find general information about genes?

The Handbook provides basic information about genetics in clear language.

These links provide additional genetics resources that may be useful.

What glossary definitions help with understanding TREM2?

bone marrow ; bone remodeling ; cell ; central nervous system ; expressed ; gene ; immune system ; injury ; leukoencephalopathy ; microglia ; myeloid ; nervous system ; neurological ; protein ; receptor ; tissue


See also Understanding Medical Terminology.

References (12 links)



Reviewed: November 2008
Published: July 27, 2015