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URL of this page: https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/gene/mmaa/

MMAA gene

metabolism of cobalamin associated A

Normal Function

The MMAA gene provides instructions for making a protein that is involved in the formation of a compound called adenosylcobalamin (AdoCbl). AdoCbl, which is derived from vitamin B12 (also called cobalamin), is necessary for the normal function of an enzyme known as methylmalonyl CoA mutase. This enzyme helps break down certain proteins, fats (lipids), and cholesterol.

Research indicates that the MMAA protein may play a role in one of the last steps in AdoCbl formation, the transport of vitamin B12 into mitochondria (specialized structures inside cells that serve as energy-producing centers). Additional chemical reactions then convert vitamin B12 into AdoCbl. Other studies suggest that the MMAA protein may help stabilize methylmalonyl CoA mutase and protect the enzyme from being turned off (inactivated).

Health Conditions Related to Genetic Changes

Methylmalonic acidemia

More than 25 mutations in the MMAA gene have been found to cause methylmalonic acidemia, a condition characterized by feeding difficulties, developmental delay, and long term health problems. Some of these mutations add, delete, or duplicate a small amount of genetic material in the gene. Other mutations change a single protein building block (amino acid) used to make the MMAA protein. These mutations can lead to the production of an unstable MMAA protein or an abnormally small, nonfunctional version of the protein. It is unclear how the abnormal MMAA protein leads to the serious medical problems associated with methylmalonic acidemia. Studies suggest that without the activity of this protein, AdoCbl may not be made properly. A lack of AdoCbl impairs the function of methylmalonyl CoA mutase, which results in the incomplete break down of certain proteins and lipids. This defect allows toxic compounds to build up in the body's organs and tissues. Research suggests that a lack of AdoCbl leading to impaired methylmalonyl CoA mutase function causes the signs and symptoms of methylmalonic acidemia.

More About This Health Condition

Other Names for This Gene

  • cblA
  • methylmalonic aciduria (cobalamin deficiency) cblA type
  • methylmalonic aciduria (cobalamin deficiency) type A
  • methylmalonic aciduria type A
  • MMAA_HUMAN

Additional Information & Resources

Tests Listed in the Genetic Testing Registry

Scientific Articles on PubMed

Catalog of Genes and Diseases from OMIM

Gene and Variant Databases

References

  • Chandler RJ, Venditti CP. Genetic and genomic systems to study methylmalonic acidemia. Mol Genet Metab. 2005 Sep-Oct;86(1-2):34-43. doi: 10.1016/j.ymgme.2005.07.020. Epub 2005 Sep 22. Citation on PubMed or Free article on PubMed Central
  • Dobson CM, Wai T, Leclerc D, Wilson A, Wu X, Dore C, Hudson T, Rosenblatt DS, Gravel RA. Identification of the gene responsible for the cblA complementation group of vitamin B12-responsive methylmalonic acidemia based on analysis of prokaryotic gene arrangements. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2002 Nov 26;99(24):15554-9. doi: 10.1073/pnas.242614799. Epub 2002 Nov 15. Citation on PubMed or Free article on PubMed Central
  • Froese DS, Kochan G, Muniz JR, Wu X, Gileadi C, Ugochukwu E, Krysztofinska E, Gravel RA, Oppermann U, Yue WW. Structures of the human GTPase MMAA and vitamin B12-dependent methylmalonyl-CoA mutase and insight into their complex formation. J Biol Chem. 2010 Dec 3;285(49):38204-13. doi: 10.1074/jbc.M110.177717. Epub 2010 Sep 28. Citation on PubMed or Free article on PubMed Central
  • Horster F, Baumgartner MR, Viardot C, Suormala T, Burgard P, Fowler B, Hoffmann GF, Garbade SF, Kolker S, Baumgartner ER. Long-term outcome in methylmalonic acidurias is influenced by the underlying defect (mut0, mut-, cblA, cblB). Pediatr Res. 2007 Aug;62(2):225-30. doi: 10.1203/PDR.0b013e3180a0325f. Citation on PubMed
  • Korotkova N, Lidstrom ME. MeaB is a component of the methylmalonyl-CoA mutase complex required for protection of the enzyme from inactivation. J Biol Chem. 2004 Apr 2;279(14):13652-8. doi: 10.1074/jbc.M312852200. Epub 2004 Jan 20. Citation on PubMed
  • Lerner-Ellis JP, Dobson CM, Wai T, Watkins D, Tirone JC, Leclerc D, Dore C, Lepage P, Gravel RA, Rosenblatt DS. Mutations in the MMAA gene in patients with the cblA disorder of vitamin B12 metabolism. Hum Mutat. 2004 Dec;24(6):509-16. doi: 10.1002/humu.20104. Erratum In: Hum Mutat. 2005 Mar;25(3):317. Citation on PubMed
  • Manoli I, Sloan JL, Venditti CP. Isolated Methylmalonic Acidemia. 2005 Aug 16 [updated 2022 Sep 8]. In: Adam MP, Feldman J, Mirzaa GM, Pagon RA, Wallace SE, Amemiya A, editors. GeneReviews(R) [Internet]. Seattle (WA): University of Washington, Seattle; 1993-2024. Available from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK1231/ Citation on PubMed
  • Yang X, Sakamoto O, Matsubara Y, Kure S, Suzuki Y, Aoki Y, Suzuki Y, Sakura N, Takayanagi M, Iinuma K, Ohura T. Mutation analysis of the MMAA and MMAB genes in Japanese patients with vitamin B(12)-responsive methylmalonic acidemia: identification of a prevalent MMAA mutation. Mol Genet Metab. 2004 Aug;82(4):329-33. doi: 10.1016/j.ymgme.2004.05.002. Citation on PubMed

The information on this site should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice. Contact a health care provider if you have questions about your health.