3-Methylcrotonyl-CoA carboxylase deficiency

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3-Methylcrotonyl-CoA carboxylase deficiency
Classifications and external resources
OMIM 210200 210210
DiseasesDB 32207
methylcrotonoyl-Coenzyme A carboxylase 1 (alpha)
Identifiers
Symbol(s) MCCC1
Entrez 56922
OMIM 609010
RefSeq NM_020166
UniProt Q96RQ3
Other data
EC number 6.4.1.4
Locus Chr. 3 q27.1
methylcrotonoyl-Coenzyme A carboxylase 2 (beta)
Identifiers
Symbol(s) MCCC2
Entrez 64087
OMIM 609014
RefSeq NM_022132
UniProt Q9HCC0
Other data
EC number 6.4.1.4
Locus Chr. 5 q12-q13

3-Methylcrotonyl-CoA carboxylase deficiency is an inherited disorder in which the body is unable to process certain proteins properly. People with this disorder have inadequate levels of an enzyme that helps break down proteins containing the amino acid leucine.This condition affects an estimated 1 in 50,000 individuals worldwide.

Infants with this disorder appear normal at birth but usually develop signs and symptoms during the first year of life or in early childhood. The characteristic features of this condition, which can range from mild to life-threatening, include feeding difficulties, recurrent episodes of vomiting and diarrhea, excessive tiredness (lethargy), and weak muscle tone (hypotonia). If untreated, this disorder can lead to delayed development, seizures, and coma. Early detection and lifelong management (following a low-protein diet and using appropriate supplements) may prevent many of these complications. In some cases, people with gene mutations that cause 3-methylcrotonyl-CoA carboxylase deficiency never experience any signs or symptoms of the disorder.

The characteristic features of this condition are similar to those of Reye syndrome, a severe disorder that develops in children while they appear to be recovering from viral infections such as chicken pox or flu. Most cases of Reye syndrome are associated with the use of aspirin during these viral infections.

The MCCC1 and MCCC2 genes make protein subunits that come together to form an enzyme called 3-methylcrotonyl-CoA carboxylase. This enzyme plays an essential role in breaking down proteins from the diet. Specifically, the enzyme is responsible for the fourth step in processing leucine. If a mutation in the MCCC1 or MCCC2 gene reduces or eliminates the activity of 3-methylcrotonyl-CoA carboxylase, the body is unable to process leucine properly. As a result, toxic byproducts of leucine processing build up to harmful levels, damaging the brain and nervous system. This condition is inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern.

It is one of the 29 conditions currently recommended for newborn screening by the American College of Medical Genetics.

This article incorporates public domain text from The U.S. National Library of Medicine

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