Reviewed June 2007
What is the official name of the ALDH4A1 gene?
The official name of this gene is “aldehyde dehydrogenase 4 family, member A1.”
ALDH4A1 is the gene's official symbol. The ALDH4A1 gene is also known by other names, listed below.
What is the normal function of the ALDH4A1 gene?
The ALDH4A1 gene provides instructions for producing the enzyme pyrroline-5-carboxylate dehydrogenase, which is found in tissues throughout the body. Within the cells of these tissues, this enzyme functions in energy-producing structures called mitochondria.
Pyrroline-5-carboxylate dehydrogenase starts the second step in the process that breaks down the protein building block (amino acid) proline. This step converts pyrroline-5-carboxylate, which is produced in the first step, to the amino acid glutamate. The conversion between proline and glutamate is important in maintaining a supply of the amino acids needed for protein production, and for energy transfer within the cell.
Does the ALDH4A1 gene share characteristics with other genes?
The ALDH4A1 gene belongs to a family of genes called ALDH (aldehyde dehydrogenases).
A gene family is a group of genes that share important characteristics. Classifying individual genes into families helps researchers describe how genes are related to each other. For more information, see What are gene families? in the Handbook.
How are changes in the ALDH4A1 gene related to health conditions?
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hyperprolinemia - caused by mutations in the ALDH4A1 gene
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Researchers have identified three mutations in the ALDH4A1 gene that eliminate the function of the pyrroline-5-carboxylate dehydrogenase enzyme, causing hyperprolinemia type II. Two of these mutations add or delete a DNA building block (nucleotide), which introduces a premature stop signal that results in an abnormally shortened enzyme. The third mutation results in the substitution of the amino acid leucine for the amino acid serine at position 352 (written as Ser352Leu or S352L) in the pyrroline-5-carboxylate dehydrogenase enzyme. Nonfunctional pyrroline-5-carboxylate dehydrogenase leads to elevated levels of proline and a buildup of the intermediate breakdown product pyrroline-5-carboxylate, causing the signs and symptoms of hyperprolinemia type II.
Where is the ALDH4A1 gene located?
Cytogenetic Location: 1p36
Molecular Location on chromosome 1: base pairs 19,070,512 to 19,101,658
The ALDH4A1 gene is located on the short (p) arm of chromosome 1 at position 36.
More precisely, the ALDH4A1 gene is located from base pair 19,070,512 to base pair 19,101,658 on chromosome 1.
See How do geneticists indicate the location of a gene? in the Handbook.
Where can I find additional information about ALDH4A1?
You and your healthcare professional may find the following resources about ALDH4A1 helpful.
- Educational resources - Information pages
You may also be interested in these resources, which are designed for genetics professionals and researchers.
- PubMed - Recent literature
- OMIM - Genetic disorder catalog
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What other names do people use for the ALDH4A1 gene or gene products?
- AL4H1_HUMAN
- aldehyde dehydrogenase 4A1
- ALDH4
- mitochondrial delta-1-pyrroline 5-carboxylate dehydrogenase
- P5CD
- P5C dehydrogenase
- P5CDh
- P5CDhL
- P5CDhS
Where can I find general information about genes?
The Handbook provides basic information about genetics in clear language.
These links provide additional genetics resources that may be useful.
What glossary definitions help with understanding ALDH4A1?
The resources on this site should not be used as a substitute for
professional medical care or advice. Users seeking information about
a personal genetic disease, syndrome, or condition should consult with a qualified
healthcare professional.
See How can I find a genetics professional in my area? in the Handbook.