Hyperphenylalaninemia Panel
Summary and Pricing
Test Method
Sequencing and CNV Detection via NextGen Sequencing using PG-Select Capture ProbesTest Code | Test Copy Genes | Panel CPT Code | Gene CPT Codes Copy CPT Code | Base Price | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
3403 | Genes x (6) | 81479 | 81405(x1), 81406(x1), 81479(x10) | $990 | Order Options and Pricing |
Pricing Comments
Testing run on PG-select capture probes includes CNV analysis for the gene(s) on the panel but does not permit the optional add on of exome-wide CNV analysis. Any of the NGS platforms allow reflex to other clinically relevant genes, up to whole exome or whole genome sequencing depending upon the base platform selected for the initial test.
An additional 25% charge will be applied to STAT orders. STAT orders are prioritized throughout the testing process.
This test is also offered via a custom panel (click here) on our exome or genome backbone which permits the optional add on of exome-wide CNV or genome-wide SV analysis.
Turnaround Time
3 weeks on average for standard orders or 2 weeks on average for STAT orders.
Please note: Once the testing process begins, an Estimated Report Date (ERD) range will be displayed in the portal. This is the most accurate prediction of when your report will be complete and may differ from the average TAT published on our website. About 85% of our tests will be reported within or before the ERD range. We will notify you of significant delays or holds which will impact the ERD. Learn more about turnaround times here.
Targeted Testing
For ordering sequencing of targeted known variants, go to our Targeted Variants page.
Clinical Features and Genetics
Clinical Features
Hyperphenylalaninemia can be caused by defects in any one of six proteins, and is often detected by newborn screening programs in early infancy (Regier and Greene. 2017. PubMed ID: 20301677). Correct and early diagnosis is important to ensure that the proper treatment is administered, leading to the best possible outcome for the patient (Leuzzi et al. 2010. PubMed ID: 20059486; Regier and Greene. 2017. PubMed ID: 20301677).
The primary genetic cause of hyperphenylalaninemia is a defect in the phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH) enzyme, which is responsible for the enzymatic conversion of phenylalanine to tyrosine and accounts for ~98% of hyperphenylalaninemia cases (Regier and Greene. 2017. PubMed ID: 20301677). Individuals with PAH deficiency range from those with only mildly increased phenylalanine levels, who are generally clinically asymptomatic, to those with markedly increased phenylalanine levels and a diagnosis of classical phenylketonuria (PKU) (Camp et al. 2014. PubMed ID: 24667081). In untreated individuals with mild, moderate or classic PKU, the high levels of phenylalanine interfere with normal brain development and can lead to profound mental retardation, microcephaly, epilepsy and behavioral problems (Regier and Greene. 2017. PubMed ID: 20301677).
Secondary hyperphenylalaninemia can arise due to defects in genes encoding enzymes involved in the biosynthesis or regeneration of tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) (Blau et al. 2014). The phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan hydroxylases all require BH4 as a cofactor, and lack of this cofactor results in secondary hyperphenylalaninemia and, in some disorders, depletion of the neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin (Blau et al. 2014). Urinary pterin profiles and CSF neurotransmitter levels may be helpful in determining which gene in the tetrahydrobiopterin biosynthetic pathway has been disrupted (Blau et al. 2014). Patients with defects in these genes may be only mildly or transiently affected (as in pterin-4 α-carbinolamine dehydratase (PCD) deficiency) or may be quite severely affected (as in dihydropteridine reductase (DHPR) deficiency). In the more severely affected patients, symptoms are mainly neurologic and can include progressive hypotonia, EEG abnormalities, psychomotor retardation, delayed development, tonal abnormalities, seizures, dystonia, microcephaly, abnormal thermogenesis and swallowing difficulties (Blau et al. 2014). More recently, the DNAJC12 protein, a member of a heat shock co-chaperone family, was shown to interact with the phenylalanine, tyrosine and tryptophan hydroxylases (Anikster et al. 2017. PubMed ID: 28132689). Defects in this protein have also been shown to lead to hyperphenylalaninemia. Clinically, patients with hyperphenylalaninemia due to DNAJC12 defects have presented with a movement disorder and additional biochemical disturbances, including deficiencies of dopamin and serotonin in the cerebrospinal fluid and and elevated homovanillic acid/5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (HVA/HIAA) ratio (Anikster et al. 2017. PubMed ID: 28132689).
More detail about these disorders can be found on the individual gene test pages for the DNAJC12, GCH1, PAH, PCBD1, PTS and QDPR genes. The SPR gene is also involved in BH4 biosynthesis, but patients with SPR defects do not present with hyperphenylalaninemia and thus the SPR gene is not included in this sequencing panel.
Genetics
All of the hyperphenylalaninemias are inherited in an autosomal recessive manner, and are caused by defects in the DNAJC12, GCH1, PAH, PCBD1, PTS or QDPR genes. Defects in the GCH1 gene can also lead to DOPA-Responsive Dystonia (DRD), although this is an autosomal dominant disorder. See individual gene test descriptions for information on molecular biology of the gene products and mutation spectra.
Clinical Sensitivity - Sequencing with CNV PG-Select
The vast majority (~98%) of cases of hyperphenylalaninemia are caused by defects in the PAH gene, and only ~2% are due to defects in tetrahydrobiopterin deficiency caused by pathogenic variants in the GCH1, PCBD1, PTS or QDPR genes (Regier and Greene. 2017. PubMed ID: 20301677). The hyperphenylalaninemias caused by tetrahydrobiopterin deficiency are mainly a result of defects in the PTS gene (~65%), followed by QDPR (~25%), GCH1 and PCBD1 (~3% each) (BioDEF database, located at http://www.biopku.org/home/home.asp). Nearly all reported variants in these five genes are detectable via direct sequencing. It is difficult to estimate the proportion of hyperphenylalaninemia cases caused by defects in DNAJC12 as only a small number of patients have been reported.
Defects in the PAH gene are reported to account for ~98% of hyperphenylalaninemia cases, and gross deletions or duplications may account for up to ~3% of pathogenic variants in the PAH gene (Gable et al. 2003. PubMed ID: 12655547; Kozak et al. 2006. PubMed ID: 16931086). Many large deletions or duplications have been reported in the GCH1 gene, but to date, none of them have been associated with hyperphenylalaninemia (Human Gene Mutation Database). Gross deletions appear to be a somewhat common cause of hyperphenylalaninemia due to defects in DNAJC12. Thus far, no pathogenic gross deletions or duplications have been reported in the PCBD1 or QDPR genes. A few gross deletions affecting PTS have been reported, though large copy number variants in PTS appear to be relatively uncommon.
Testing Strategy
This panel typically provides 100% coverage of all coding exons of the genes listed, plus ~10 bases of flanking noncoding DNA. We define coverage as ≥20X NGS reads or Sanger sequencing.
In addition to the regions described above, this testing includes coverage of the following variants that reside in untranslated or deep intronic regions: In PAH c.169-13T>G, c.509+15_509+18del, c.1065+39G>T, c.1066-11G>A, c.1066-13T>G, c.1066-14C>G, c.1199+17G>A, c.1199+20G>C, and c.*144A>G; in GCH1 c.-22C>T; in PTS c.84-323A>T, c.84-291A>G, c.163+696_163+750del, and c.164-716A>T; and in QDPR c.436+2552A>G.
Indications for Test
Individuals with hyperphenylalaninemia are good candidates for this test, as are those with clinical symptoms of a hyperphenylalaninemia disorder.
Individuals with hyperphenylalaninemia are good candidates for this test, as are those with clinical symptoms of a hyperphenylalaninemia disorder.
Genes
Official Gene Symbol | OMIM ID |
---|---|
DNAJC12 | 606060 |
GCH1 | 600225 |
PAH | 612349 |
PCBD1 | 126090 |
PTS | 612719 |
QDPR | 612676 |
Inheritance | Abbreviation |
---|---|
Autosomal Dominant | AD |
Autosomal Recessive | AR |
X-Linked | XL |
Mitochondrial | MT |
Diseases
Related Test
Name |
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PGxome® |
Citations
- Anikster et al. 2017. PubMed ID: 28132689
- BioDEF Database: http://www.biopku.org/home/home.asp.
- Blau.et al. 2014. Disorders of Tetrahydrobiopterin and Related Biogenic Amines. Online Metabolic & Molecular Bases of Inherited Disease, New York, NY: McGraw-Hill.
- Camp et al. 2014. PubMed ID: 24667081
- Gable et al. 2003. PubMed ID: 12655547
- Human Gene Mutation Database (Bio-base).
- Kozak et al. 2006. PubMed ID: 16931086
- Leuzzi et al. 2010. PubMed ID: 20059486
- Regier and Greene. 2017. PubMed ID: 20301677
Ordering/Specimens
Ordering Options
We offer several options when ordering sequencing tests. For more information on these options, see our Ordering Instructions page. To view available options, click on the Order Options button within the test description.
myPrevent - Online Ordering
- The test can be added to your online orders in the Summary and Pricing section.
- Once the test has been added log in to myPrevent to fill out an online requisition form.
- PGnome sequencing panels can be ordered via the myPrevent portal only at this time.
Requisition Form
- A completed requisition form must accompany all specimens.
- Billing information along with specimen and shipping instructions are within the requisition form.
- All testing must be ordered by a qualified healthcare provider.
For Requisition Forms, visit our Forms page
If ordering a Duo or Trio test, the proband and all comparator samples are required to initiate testing. If we do not receive all required samples for the test ordered within 21 days, we will convert the order to the most effective testing strategy with the samples available. Prior authorization and/or billing in place may be impacted by a change in test code.
Specimen Types
ORDER OPTIONS
View Ordering Instructions1) Select Test Type
2) Select Additional Test Options
No Additional Test Options are available for this test.