Molecular,Biochem,Cellular Basis of Genetics (Ch.12) Flashcards
What are the 2 classes of proteins?
- Housekeeping Proteins
- Tissue-Specific Specialty Proteins
What are houskeeping proteins?
They are fundamental to maintenance of structure and function
What are tissue-specific specialty proteins?
have unique functions
Where do tissue-specific specialty proteins get made?
In 1 or different cells
Where do we find houskeeping genes?
in every cell
What are the two broad generalizations that can be made about the site of a disease and the site of a proteins expression?
- A mutation in a tissue-specific protein produces a disease restricted to that tissue
- housekeeping genes are in all cells; but a mutation in one will not cause all others to express pathologically.
What are the 2 reasons why clinical effects of mutations in housekeeping proteins are frequently limited to one or a few tissues?
- Genetic redundancy
- A specific tissue may be affected because the protein in question is expressed abundantly there and serves a specialty function
How do you explain clinical heterogeneity of genetic disease using genetic variation?
- allelic heterogeneity-mutation:
* different alleles of a single gene can be compared with phenotypes of variable severity - locus heterogeneity-mutation:
* A mutation in a different gene can cause a similar but distinguishible phenotype. - Modifier genes:
* mutations in a separate gene causes the same mutation in another gene to have different effects.
What is Phenylketonuria (PKU)?
Is an inherited error in metabolism caused by deficiency in Phenylalanine hydroxase (PAH). (Phenylalanine builds up)
What symptoms can be seen in loss of Phenylalanine hydroxylase?
- mental retardation
- organ damage
- unusual posture
- Musky odor in diaper from Phenylpyruvic Acid
Classic PKU is what kind of inheritance?
Autosoma Recessive
How many alleles are mutated in the PAH gene in PKU?
both alleles are mutated in chromosome 12
the one with more milder phenotype predominates
What does Phenylalanine hydroxylase do in the body?
converts phenylalanine to tyrosine by hydroxilating the phenolic ring
What is the mild form of PKU?
hyperphenylalanemia
Apart from PAH, what do the other 4 genes that cause PKU do?
production or recycling of tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4)
What is the normal plasma level of phenylalanine?
<1 mM (1 mg/dl)
What does BH4 do with PAH?
Its a cofactor for:
Tyrosine —–> Cathecolamine ——-> NE & Epinephrin
Tryptophan ——-> 5-HT (Serotonin)
What do BH4-deficient patients develop?
profound neurological problems
What is BH4 used for?
it is a cofactor for PAH
it is a cofactor for Tryptophan hydroxylase and tyrosene hydroxilase
Tyrosine————–>Catecholaminas————-> NE & E
Tryptophan —————–> 5-HT(Serotonin)
True of False
Patients with PKU are usually homozygotes?
False - compound heterozygotes
What are the Clinical Features of PKU?
- developmental delay in infancy
- microcephaly
- seizures
- hyperactivity
- behavioral disturbances
- musky smell in diaper (phenylalanine metabolized to phenylperuvic acid which is peed)
How do you treat PKU?
phenylalanine diets (avoid proteins, dairy & eggs) and supplements of BH4
What happens if PKU is left untreated?
Severe Mental Retardation
What is Maternal Phenylketonuria?
It is a type of PKU that affects the unborn child
It attacks the developing CNS
What are the symptoms of Maternal Phenylketonuria?
- microcephaly
- mental retardation
- heart malformations
- growth impairment
What type of inheritance do most of the Lysosomal diseases have?
Autosomal Recessive