3-methylcrotonyl-CoA carboxylase deficiency

Synonyms

6

Overview

3-methylcrotonyl-CoA carboxylase deficiency is an inherited condition in which the body is unable to breakdown the amino acid, leucine (a building block of protein). Some children with 3-MCC deficiency will begin developing signs and symptoms during infancy or early childhood; however, more recent studies suggest that many affected babies identified through newborn screening will never experience symptoms of the condition. 3-MCC deficiency may be associated with episodes of "metabolic crisis" in which affected people experience poor appetite, lack of energy, irritability, weakness, nausea and/or vomiting. If metabolic crises are untreated, the condition can lead to developmental delay, seizures, coma, and even death.  

Symptoms

Infants with this disorder appear normal at birth but usually develop signs and symptoms during the first year of life or in early childhood. The characteristic features of this condition, which can range from mild to life-threatening, include feeding difficulties, recurrent episodes of vomiting and diarrhea, excessive tiredness (lethargy), and weak muscle tone (hypotonia). If untreated, this disorder can lead to delayed development, seizures, and coma. Early detection and lifelong management (following a low-protein diet and using appropriate supplements) may prevent many of these complications. In some cases, people with gene mutations that cause 3-methylcrotonyl-CoA carboxylase deficiency never experience any signs or symptoms of the disorder.

The characteristic features of this condition are similar to those of Reye syndrome, a severe disorder that develops in children while they appear to be recovering from viral infections such as chicken pox or flu. Most cases of Reye syndrome are associated with the use of aspirin during these viral infections.

Causes

3-MCC deficiency is caused by changes (mutations) in MCCC1 or MCCC2 gene and is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner. The MCCC1 and MCCC2 genes make protein subunits that come together to form an enzyme called 3-methylcrotonyl-CoA carboxylase. This enzyme plays an essential role in breaking down proteins from the diet. Specifically, the enzyme is responsible for the fourth step in processing leucine. If a mutation in the MCCC1 or MCCC2 gene reduces or eliminates the activity of 3-methylcrotonyl-CoA carboxylase, the body is unable to process leucine properly. As a result, toxic byproducts of leucine processing build up to harmful levels, damaging the brain and nervous system. This condition is inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern.

Treatment

Treatment may include a low-leucine diet and appropriate supplements. Symptoms can be reduced through avoidance of leucine, an amino acid. Leucine is a component of most protein-rich foods; therefore, a low-protein diet is recommended. Some isolated cases of this disorder have responded to supplemental biotin; this is not altogether surprising, consider that other biotin-related genetic disorders (such as biotinidase deficiency and holocarboxylase synthetase deficiency) can be treated solely with biotin. Individuals with these multiple carboxylase disorders have the same problem with leucine catabolism as those with 3-methylcrotonyl-CoA carboxylase deficiency.

Resources

• NIH