Alkaptonuria is an inherited disorder caused by a defect in the gene that encodes homogentisate 1,2-dioxygenase (HGO), an enzyme involved in the metabolism of the amino acids tyrosine and phenylalanine. People with alkaptonuria have two mutated copies of the HGO gene, one inherited from each parent. This defect causes a buildup of homogentisic acid (HGA) in the body, which can lead to a variety of health problems, including joint and heart problems and kidney stones.
Mutations in the HGO Gene
The HGO gene is located on chromosome 3, and contains instructions for making the HGO enzyme. Mutations in this gene are responsible for alkaptonuria. These mutations can be classified as either missense, nonsense, or splice site mutations.
Missense mutations are changes in single nucleotides that result in the substitution of one amino acid for another. These mutations can have a variety of effects, from no effect at all to a complete loss of enzyme activity.
Nonsense mutations are changes in single nucleotides that result in a premature stop codon. This causes the cell to stop making the HGO enzyme, which leads to alkaptonuria.
Splice site mutations are changes in the sequences of nucleotides that surround the sites where the cell splices together pieces of mRNA to make a complete protein. These mutations can result in the production of an abnormal protein that does not function properly.
Other Types of Mutations
In addition to the mutations discussed above, other types of mutations can also cause alkaptonuria. These include large deletions or insertions of DNA, as well as mutations in regulatory regions of the HGO gene that can affect the expression of the gene.
Conclusion
Mutations in the HGO gene are responsible for alkaptonuria. These mutations can be classified as either missense, nonsense, or splice site mutations. In addition, large deletions or insertions of DNA, as well as mutations in regulatory regions of the gene, can also cause the disorder.