Normal Function
The PCCA gene provides instructions for making part of an enzyme called propionyl-CoA carboxylase, specifically, the alpha subunit of this enzyme. Six alpha subunits come together with six beta subunits (produced from the PCCB gene) to form a functioning enzyme. The alpha subunit also includes a region for binding to the B vitamin biotin.
Propionyl-CoA carboxylase plays a role in the normal processing of proteins. It carries out a particular step in the breakdown of several protein building blocks (amino acids) called isoleucine, methionine, threonine, and valine. Propionyl-CoA carboxylase also helps break down certain types of lipids (fats) and cholesterol. First, several chemical reactions convert the amino acids, lipids, or cholesterol to a molecule called propionyl-CoA. Using biotin, propionyl-CoA carboxylase then converts propionyl-CoA to a molecule called methylmalonyl-CoA. Additional enzymes break down methylmalonyl-CoA into other molecules that are used for energy.
Health Conditions Related to Genetic Changes
Propionic acidemia
More than 120 mutations in the PCCA gene have been identified in people with propionic acidemia, a condition that causes severe health problems appearing shortly after birth. These mutations include changes in single DNA building blocks (nucleotides) and insertions or deletions of genetic material in the PCCA gene. PCCA mutations prevent the production of functional propionyl-CoA carboxylase or reduce the enzyme's activity. The altered or missing enzyme is unable to process certain parts of proteins and lipids properly. As a result, propionyl-CoA and other potentially harmful compounds can build up to toxic levels in the body. This buildup damages the brain and nervous system, causing the serious health problems associated with propionic acidemia.
More About This Health ConditionOther Names for This Gene
- PCCA_HUMAN
- PCCase alpha subunit
- propionyl CoA carboxylase, alpha polypeptide
- propionyl Coenzyme A carboxylase, alpha polypeptide
- propionyl-CoA carboxylase alpha subunit
- propionyl-CoA:carbon dioxide ligase alpha subunit
Additional Information & Resources
Tests Listed in the Genetic Testing Registry
Scientific Articles on PubMed
Catalog of Genes and Diseases from OMIM
References
- Desviat LR, Perez B, Perez-Cerda C, Rodriguez-Pombo P, Clavero S, Ugarte M. Propionic acidemia: mutation update and functional and structural effects of the variant alleles. Mol Genet Metab. 2004 Sep-Oct;83(1-2):28-37. doi: 10.1016/j.ymgme.2004.08.001. Citation on PubMed
- Gupta D, Bijarnia-Mahay S, Kohli S, Saxena R, Puri RD, Shigematsu Y, Yamaguchi S, Sakamoto O, Gupta N, Kabra M, Thakur S, Deb R, Verma IC. Seventeen Novel Mutations in PCCA and PCCB Genes in Indian Propionic Acidemia Patients, and Their Outcomes. Genet Test Mol Biomarkers. 2016 Jul;20(7):373-82. doi: 10.1089/gtmb.2016.0017. Epub 2016 May 26. Citation on PubMed
- Kraus JP, Spector E, Venezia S, Estes P, Chiang PW, Creadon-Swindell G, Mullerleile S, de Silva L, Barth M, Walter M, Walter K, Meissner T, Lindner M, Ensenauer R, Santer R, Bodamer OA, Baumgartner MR, Brunner-Krainz M, Karall D, Haase C, Knerr I, Marquardt T, Hennermann JB, Steinfeld R, Beblo S, Koch HG, Konstantopoulou V, Scholl-Burgi S, van Teeffelen-Heithoff A, Suormala T, Ugarte M, Sperl W, Superti-Furga A, Schwab KO, Grunert SC, Sass JO. Mutation analysis in 54 propionic acidemia patients. J Inherit Metab Dis. 2012 Jan;35(1):51-63. doi: 10.1007/s10545-011-9399-0. Epub 2011 Oct 27. Citation on PubMed
- Perez B, Desviat LR, Rodriguez-Pombo P, Clavero S, Navarrete R, Perez-Cerda C, Ugarte M. Propionic acidemia: identification of twenty-four novel mutations in Europe and North America. Mol Genet Metab. 2003 Jan;78(1):59-67. doi: 10.1016/s1096-7192(02)00197-x. Citation on PubMed
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