Genetic basis of neural tube defects. II. Genes correlated with folate and methionine metabolism

J Appl Genet. 2002;43(4):511-24.

Abstract

Effective supplementation with folate, which prevents neural tube defect (NTD) occurrence, and high homocysteine levels in the blood of NTD children's mothers suggest that genes involved in folate and homocysteine metabolism can be involved in NTD aetiology. Genes encoding methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) or methylenetetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase (MTHFD) belong to the first group. Genes encoding methionine synthase (MTR), its regulator - methionine synthase reductase (MTRR) and also cystathionine synthase (CBS) can be included in the second group. We present a current list of the folate and homocysteine metabolism genes that are known to be involved in NTD and pay special attention to primary and secondary NTD prevention.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • 5-Methyltetrahydrofolate-Homocysteine S-Methyltransferase / genetics
  • 5-Methyltetrahydrofolate-Homocysteine S-Methyltransferase / metabolism
  • Animals
  • Carrier Proteins / genetics
  • Carrier Proteins / metabolism
  • Cystathionine beta-Synthase / genetics
  • Cystathionine beta-Synthase / metabolism
  • Ferredoxin-NADP Reductase / genetics
  • Ferredoxin-NADP Reductase / metabolism
  • Folate Receptors, GPI-Anchored
  • Folic Acid / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Methionine / metabolism*
  • Methylenetetrahydrofolate Dehydrogenase (NADP) / genetics
  • Methylenetetrahydrofolate Dehydrogenase (NADP) / metabolism
  • Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase (NADPH2)
  • Mice
  • Multifactorial Inheritance
  • Neural Tube Defects / enzymology
  • Neural Tube Defects / etiology
  • Neural Tube Defects / genetics*
  • Neural Tube Defects / prevention & control
  • Oxidoreductases Acting on CH-NH Group Donors / genetics
  • Oxidoreductases Acting on CH-NH Group Donors / metabolism
  • Receptors, Cell Surface*

Substances

  • Carrier Proteins
  • Folate Receptors, GPI-Anchored
  • Receptors, Cell Surface
  • Folic Acid
  • Methionine
  • methionine synthase reductase
  • Ferredoxin-NADP Reductase
  • Oxidoreductases Acting on CH-NH Group Donors
  • Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase (NADPH2)
  • Methylenetetrahydrofolate Dehydrogenase (NADP)
  • 5-Methyltetrahydrofolate-Homocysteine S-Methyltransferase
  • Cystathionine beta-Synthase