The pyruvate carboxylase (PC) gene is a nuclear-encoded mitochondrial enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of pyruvate to oxaloacetate. It is a key regulatory enzyme in gluconeogenesis, lipogenesis, and maintenance of the tricarboxylic acid cycle through anapleurosis. Human PC is a tetramer composed of identical subunits. Mutations in this gene (PC) have been associated with pyruvate carboxylase deficiency. PC deficiency has been clinically categorized into three major phenotypic subgroups, although there are other variants: Group A (“North American”, or moderate severity) has lactic acidemia and psychomotor retardation. Group B (“European”, or severe infantile form) has a more complex biochemical phenotype, frequently presenting with hypoglycemia, lactic acidosis, ketosis, hyperammonemia, and elevated citrulline, as well as an intracellular redox disturbance. Patients in group B have decreased survival compared to group A, and usually do not survive beyond 3 months of age. Group C may have the biochemical features of pyruvate carboxylase deficiency but have a relatively benign clinical course.
For patients with suspected PC deficiency, PC gene sequence analysis is recommended as the first step in mutation identification. PC Known Familial Mutation Analysis is available for family members when a mutation is identified through analysis performed in this laboratory. PC Prenatal Diagnosis is also available for families who have had a mutation identified through analysis performed in this laboratory or by special arrangement in advance with the director.
Indications for Testing:
- Confirmation of a clinical/biochemical diagnosis of pyruvate carboxylase deficiency.
- Targeted mutation analysis for known familial mutations
- Prenatal diagnosis for families with previously identified severe mutations *
OMIM # 266150
Sample requirements:
- Infants: 3-5 mL whole blood in purple top EDTA tube
- Children (>2 years) and Adults: 6-8 mL whole blood in purple top EDTA tube
Cultured skin fibroblasts and frozen tissue remaining from a fresh liver biopsy performed for enzyme analysis may also be used for DNA analysis. Cell Line Build-up is available as is DNA Extract and Store. Enzyme analysis may be arranged directly with the Center for Inherited Disorders of Metabolism (CIDEM).
Sample Handling: Blood samples stored overnight should be refrigerated or kept cold. Blood samples should never be frozen. Specimens being sent from outside facilities should be packaged with a cold pack according to standard medical safety practices. The specimen should be shipped by overnight priority [scheduled to arrive by Friday AM at the latest].
Shipping Address: Center for Human Genetics Laboratory
10524 Euclid Ave, 6th Floor
Cleveland, OH 44106
216-983-1134
For local samples, please call the Center for Human Genetics Laboratory (216-983-1134) to arrange for sample pick-up.
Turn around time: 4 weeks
List price/CPT codes: $3791.42 / 83890, 83894 (x20),83898 (x20), 83904 (x40), 83909 (x40), 83912