5,10-methenyltetrahydrofolate synthetase deficiency: Difference between revisions

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{{SI}}
{{Infobox medical condition
| name                    = 5,10-Methenyltetrahydrofolate synthetase deficiency
| image                  = [[File:Axial_T1-weighted_MRI_of_the_brain_at_10_months_old_with_MTHFS_deficiency.jpg|250px]]
| caption                = Axial T1-weighted MRI of the brain at 10 months old with MTHFS deficiency
| synonyms                = MTHFS deficiency
| specialty              = [[Medical genetics]]
| symptoms                = [[Developmental delay]], [[seizures]], [[microcephaly]]
| onset                  = [[Infancy]]
| duration                = [[Lifelong]]
| causes                  = [[Genetic mutation]] in the [[MTHFS]] gene
| risks                  = [[Family history]]
| diagnosis              = [[Genetic testing]], [[MRI]]
| differential            = Other [[inborn errors of folate metabolism]]
| treatment              = [[Folate supplementation]], [[symptomatic treatment]]
| prognosis              = Variable, depends on severity
| frequency              = Rare
}}
{{Short description|A rare metabolic disorder affecting folate metabolism}}
{{Short description|A rare metabolic disorder affecting folate metabolism}}
'''5,10-Methenyltetrahydrofolate synthetase deficiency''' is a rare [[metabolic disorder]] that affects the body's ability to process [[folate]], a type of [[B vitamin]] that is crucial for numerous bodily functions, including [[DNA synthesis]] and repair. This condition is caused by mutations in the [[MTHFS gene]], which encodes the enzyme 5,10-methenyltetrahydrofolate synthetase. This enzyme plays a critical role in the [[folate cycle]], which is essential for the production of [[nucleotides]] and the [[methylation]] of [[homocysteine]] to [[methionine]].
'''5,10-Methenyltetrahydrofolate synthetase deficiency''' is a rare [[metabolic disorder]] that affects the body's ability to process [[folate]], a type of [[B vitamin]] that is crucial for numerous bodily functions, including [[DNA synthesis]] and repair. This condition is caused by mutations in the [[MTHFS gene]], which encodes the enzyme 5,10-methenyltetrahydrofolate synthetase. This enzyme plays a critical role in the [[folate cycle]], which is essential for the production of [[nucleotides]] and the [[methylation]] of [[homocysteine]] to [[methionine]].
==Pathophysiology==
==Pathophysiology==
The deficiency of 5,10-methenyltetrahydrofolate synthetase leads to disruptions in the folate cycle. This enzyme is responsible for converting 5-formyltetrahydrofolate (5-formyl-THF) to 5,10-methenyltetrahydrofolate (5,10-methenyl-THF), a critical step in the folate cycle. Without this conversion, there is an accumulation of 5-formyl-THF and a deficiency of 5,10-methenyl-THF, which impairs the synthesis of purines and thymidylate, essential components of [[DNA]].
The deficiency of 5,10-methenyltetrahydrofolate synthetase leads to disruptions in the folate cycle. This enzyme is responsible for converting 5-formyltetrahydrofolate (5-formyl-THF) to 5,10-methenyltetrahydrofolate (5,10-methenyl-THF), a critical step in the folate cycle. Without this conversion, there is an accumulation of 5-formyl-THF and a deficiency of 5,10-methenyl-THF, which impairs the synthesis of purines and thymidylate, essential components of [[DNA]].
==Clinical Presentation==
==Clinical Presentation==
Patients with 5,10-methenyltetrahydrofolate synthetase deficiency typically present with a range of neurological symptoms. These may include developmental delay, [[seizures]], and [[microcephaly]]. The severity of symptoms can vary widely among affected individuals. Some patients may also exhibit [[hypotonia]], [[ataxia]], and [[intellectual disability]].
Patients with 5,10-methenyltetrahydrofolate synthetase deficiency typically present with a range of neurological symptoms. These may include developmental delay, [[seizures]], and [[microcephaly]]. The severity of symptoms can vary widely among affected individuals. Some patients may also exhibit [[hypotonia]], [[ataxia]], and [[intellectual disability]].
==Diagnosis==
==Diagnosis==
The diagnosis of 5,10-methenyltetrahydrofolate synthetase deficiency is based on clinical evaluation, biochemical testing, and genetic analysis. Biochemical tests may reveal elevated levels of 5-formyl-THF in the blood and cerebrospinal fluid. Genetic testing can confirm mutations in the MTHFS gene.
The diagnosis of 5,10-methenyltetrahydrofolate synthetase deficiency is based on clinical evaluation, biochemical testing, and genetic analysis. Biochemical tests may reveal elevated levels of 5-formyl-THF in the blood and cerebrospinal fluid. Genetic testing can confirm mutations in the MTHFS gene.
==Treatment==
==Treatment==
Currently, there is no cure for 5,10-methenyltetrahydrofolate synthetase deficiency. Treatment is primarily supportive and symptomatic. Some patients may benefit from supplementation with folinic acid, which can bypass the metabolic block caused by the enzyme deficiency. Management of seizures and other neurological symptoms is also important.
Currently, there is no cure for 5,10-methenyltetrahydrofolate synthetase deficiency. Treatment is primarily supportive and symptomatic. Some patients may benefit from supplementation with folinic acid, which can bypass the metabolic block caused by the enzyme deficiency. Management of seizures and other neurological symptoms is also important.
==Prognosis==
==Prognosis==
The prognosis for individuals with 5,10-methenyltetrahydrofolate synthetase deficiency varies depending on the severity of the condition and the effectiveness of symptom management. Early diagnosis and intervention can improve outcomes for some patients.
The prognosis for individuals with 5,10-methenyltetrahydrofolate synthetase deficiency varies depending on the severity of the condition and the effectiveness of symptom management. Early diagnosis and intervention can improve outcomes for some patients.
==Genetics==
==Genetics==
[[File:Axial_T1-weighted_MRI_of_the_brain_at_10_months_old_with_MTHFS_deficiency.jpg|Axial T1-weighted MRI of the brain at 10 months old with MTHFS deficiency|thumb|right]]
The MTHFS gene is located on chromosome 15 and encodes the enzyme 5,10-methenyltetrahydrofolate synthetase. Mutations in this gene disrupt the normal function of the enzyme, leading to the accumulation of 5-formyl-THF and a deficiency of 5,10-methenyl-THF. This autosomal recessive disorder requires that an individual inherit two copies of the mutated gene, one from each parent, to manifest the disease.
The MTHFS gene is located on chromosome 15 and encodes the enzyme 5,10-methenyltetrahydrofolate synthetase. Mutations in this gene disrupt the normal function of the enzyme, leading to the accumulation of 5-formyl-THF and a deficiency of 5,10-methenyl-THF. This autosomal recessive disorder requires that an individual inherit two copies of the mutated gene, one from each parent, to manifest the disease.
 
==See also==
==Related pages==
* [[Folate metabolism]]
* [[Folate metabolism]]
* [[Metabolic disorder]]
* [[Metabolic disorder]]
* [[Genetic disorder]]
* [[Genetic disorder]]
* [[Neurological disorder]]
* [[Neurological disorder]]
[[Category:Genetic disorders]]
[[Category:Genetic disorders]]
[[Category:Metabolic disorders]]
[[Category:Metabolic disorders]]
[[Category:Neurological disorders]]
[[Category:Neurological disorders]]

Latest revision as of 22:24, 5 April 2025

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC

5,10-Methenyltetrahydrofolate synthetase deficiency
Synonyms MTHFS deficiency
Pronounce N/A
Specialty Medical genetics
Symptoms Developmental delay, seizures, microcephaly
Complications N/A
Onset Infancy
Duration Lifelong
Types N/A
Causes Genetic mutation in the MTHFS gene
Risks Family history
Diagnosis Genetic testing, MRI
Differential diagnosis Other inborn errors of folate metabolism
Prevention N/A
Treatment Folate supplementation, symptomatic treatment
Medication N/A
Prognosis Variable, depends on severity
Frequency Rare
Deaths N/A


A rare metabolic disorder affecting folate metabolism


5,10-Methenyltetrahydrofolate synthetase deficiency is a rare metabolic disorder that affects the body's ability to process folate, a type of B vitamin that is crucial for numerous bodily functions, including DNA synthesis and repair. This condition is caused by mutations in the MTHFS gene, which encodes the enzyme 5,10-methenyltetrahydrofolate synthetase. This enzyme plays a critical role in the folate cycle, which is essential for the production of nucleotides and the methylation of homocysteine to methionine.

Pathophysiology[edit]

The deficiency of 5,10-methenyltetrahydrofolate synthetase leads to disruptions in the folate cycle. This enzyme is responsible for converting 5-formyltetrahydrofolate (5-formyl-THF) to 5,10-methenyltetrahydrofolate (5,10-methenyl-THF), a critical step in the folate cycle. Without this conversion, there is an accumulation of 5-formyl-THF and a deficiency of 5,10-methenyl-THF, which impairs the synthesis of purines and thymidylate, essential components of DNA.

Clinical Presentation[edit]

Patients with 5,10-methenyltetrahydrofolate synthetase deficiency typically present with a range of neurological symptoms. These may include developmental delay, seizures, and microcephaly. The severity of symptoms can vary widely among affected individuals. Some patients may also exhibit hypotonia, ataxia, and intellectual disability.

Diagnosis[edit]

The diagnosis of 5,10-methenyltetrahydrofolate synthetase deficiency is based on clinical evaluation, biochemical testing, and genetic analysis. Biochemical tests may reveal elevated levels of 5-formyl-THF in the blood and cerebrospinal fluid. Genetic testing can confirm mutations in the MTHFS gene.

Treatment[edit]

Currently, there is no cure for 5,10-methenyltetrahydrofolate synthetase deficiency. Treatment is primarily supportive and symptomatic. Some patients may benefit from supplementation with folinic acid, which can bypass the metabolic block caused by the enzyme deficiency. Management of seizures and other neurological symptoms is also important.

Prognosis[edit]

The prognosis for individuals with 5,10-methenyltetrahydrofolate synthetase deficiency varies depending on the severity of the condition and the effectiveness of symptom management. Early diagnosis and intervention can improve outcomes for some patients.

Genetics[edit]

The MTHFS gene is located on chromosome 15 and encodes the enzyme 5,10-methenyltetrahydrofolate synthetase. Mutations in this gene disrupt the normal function of the enzyme, leading to the accumulation of 5-formyl-THF and a deficiency of 5,10-methenyl-THF. This autosomal recessive disorder requires that an individual inherit two copies of the mutated gene, one from each parent, to manifest the disease.

See also[edit]