Galactosemia: GALT Gene Deletion/Duplication
Condition Description
Galactosemia is an autosomal recessive disorder of galactose metabolism that often presents in the newborn period with poor suck, vomiting, diarrhea, bleeding diathesis, lethargy, jaundice, and sepsis. If left untreated, an individual may progress to irreversible liver disease and mental retardation. The prevalence of galactosemia is approximately 1 in 30,000 newborns. Most often galactosemia is caused by a deficiency of the galactose-1-phosphate uridyltransferase (GALT) enzyme, which catalyzes the conversion of the galactose-1-phosphate to glucose-1-phosphate. This is a critical step in the metabolism of galactose to glucose.
The GALT gene is encoded by 11 exons on chromosome 9p13. Galactosemia caused by mutations in the GALT gene is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner.
Family members of individuals with galactosemia are at risk to be carriers of the disorder. Biochemical and molecular screening is available to family members or partners of individuals with galactosemia using a combination of mutation analysis and enzyme activity.
Refer to the comprehensive galactosemia panel (GS) for a disease overview. Refer to the galactosemia carrier panel (GR).
Visit www.ThinkGenetic.com for patient-friendly information on galactosemia.
References:
Genes (1)
Indications
This test is indicated for individuals with biochemical diagnosis of a galactosemia or carrier status and a negative or unknown result from mutation analysis for common GALT gene mutations. This test is NOT recommended for galactosemia screening or diagnosis in persons with a positive newborn screen. Please refer to the Comprehensive Galactosemia Panel .
Methodology
DNA isolated from peripheral blood is hybridized to a CGH array to detect deletions and duplications. The targeted CGH array has overlapping probes which cover the entire genomic region.
Detection
Detection is limited to duplications and deletions. Array CGH will not detect point mutations or intronic mutations. Results of molecular analysis must be interpreted in the context of the patient's clinical and/or biochemical phenotype.
Specimen Requirements
3µg
Isolation using the Perkin Elmer™Chemagen™ Chemagen™ Automated Extraction method or Qiagen™ Puregene kit for DNA extraction is recommended.
Infants and Young Children (<2 years of age): 2-3 ml
Children > 2 years of age to 10 years old: 3-5 ml
Older Children & Adults: 5-10 ml
Autopsy: 2-3 ml unclotted cord or cardiac blood
Special Instructions
Related Tests
- Comprehensive GALT Analysis is the standard galactosemia test offered by EGL and includes GALT enzyme activity, isozyme pattern (phenotyping), and gal-1-p level.
- Carrier Testing for Galactosemia is accomplished by looking at GALT and isozyme.
- Prenatal testing may be available to couples who are confirmed carriers of galactosemia by molecular and biochemical analysis. Please contact the laboratory genetic counselor to determine the availability of prenatal testing.