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Expanding the genetic and phenotypic spectrum of branched-chain amino acid transferase 2 deficiency.

Lookup NU author(s): Dr Sabrina MackinnonORCiD

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Abstract

The first step in branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) catabolism is catalyzed by the two BCAA transferase isoenzymes, cytoplasmic branched-chain amino acid transferase (BCAT) 1, and mitochondrial BCAT2. Defects in the second step of BCAA catabolism cause maple syrup urine disease (MSUD), a condition which has been far more extensively investigated. Here, we studied the consequences of BCAT2 deficiency, an ultra-rare condition in humans. We present genetic, clinical, and functional data in five individuals from four different families with homozygous or compound heterozygous BCAT2 mutations which were all detected following abnormal biochemical profile results or familial mutation segregation studies. We demonstrate that BCAT2 deficiency has a recognizable biochemical profile with raised plasma BCAAs and, in contrast with MSUD, low-normal branched-chain keto acids (BCKAs) with undetectable l-allo-isoleucine. Interestingly, unlike in MSUD, none of the individuals with BCAT2 deficiency developed acute encephalopathy even with exceptionally high BCAA levels. We observed wide-ranging clinical phenotypes in individuals with BCAT2 deficiency. While one adult was apparently asymptomatic, three individuals had presented with developmental delay and autistic features. We show that the biochemical characteristics of BCAT2 deficiency may be amenable to protein-restricted diet and that early treatment may improve outcome in affected individuals. BCAT2 deficiency is an inborn error of BCAA catabolism. At present, it is unclear whether developmental delay and autism are parts of the variable phenotypic spectrum of this condition or coincidental. Further studies will be required to explore this.

Publication metadata

Author(s): Knerr I, Colombo R, Urquhart J, Morais A, Merinero B, Oyarzabal A, Pérez B, Jones SA, Perveen R, Preece MA, Rogers Y, Treacy EP, Mayne P, Zampino G, MacKinnon S, Wassmer E, Yue WW, Robinson I, Rodríguez-Pombo P, Olpin SE, Banka S

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: Journal of Inherited Metabolic Disease

Year: 2019

Volume: 42

Issue: 5

Pages: 809-817

Print publication date: 11/09/2019

Online publication date: 08/06/2019

Acceptance date: 07/06/2019

ISSN (electronic): 1573-2665

Publisher: Wiley and Sons Ltd

URL: https://doi.org/10.1002/jimd.12135

DOI: 10.1002/jimd.12135

PubMed id: 31177572

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