Phosphoglycerate mutase deficiency is a disorder that primarily affects muscles used for movement (skeletal muscles). Beginning in childhood or adolescence, affected individuals experience muscle aches or cramping following strenuous physical activity. Some people with this condition also have recurrent episodes of myoglobinuria. Myoglobinuria occurs when muscle tissue breaks down abnormally and releases a protein called myoglobin, which is processed by the kidneys and released in the urine. If untreated, myoglobinuria can lead to kidney failure.

In some cases of phosphoglycerate mutase deficiency, microscopic tube-shaped structures called tubular aggregates are seen in muscle fibers. It is unclear how tubular aggregates are associated with the signs and symptoms of the disorder.

Phosphoglycerate mutase deficiency is a rare condition; about 15 affected people have been reported in the medical literature. Most affected individuals have been African American.

Phosphoglycerate mutase deficiency is caused by mutations in the PGAM2 gene. This gene provides instructions for making an enzyme called phosphoglycerate mutase, which is involved in a critical energy-producing process in cells known as glycolysis. During glycolysis, the simple sugar glucose is broken down to produce energy.

The version of phosphoglycerate mutase produced from the PGAM2 gene is found primarily in skeletal muscle cells. Mutations in the PGAM2 gene greatly reduce the activity of phosphoglycerate mutase, which disrupts energy production in these cells. This defect underlies the muscle cramping and myoglobinuria that occur after strenuous exercise in affected individuals.

Genetic Testing Information

• Genetic Testing Registry: Glycogen storage disease type X

Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center

• Glycogen storage disease due to phosphoglycerate mutase deficiency

Patient Support and Advocacy Resources

• National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD)

Clinical Trials

• ClinicalTrials.gov

Catalog of Genes and Diseases from OMIM

• GLYCOGEN STORAGE DISEASE X; GSD10

Scientific Articles on PubMed

• PubMed

• DiMauro S, Miranda AF, Khan S, Gitlin K, Friedman R. Human muscle phosphoglycerate mutase deficiency: newly discovered metabolic myopathy. Science. 1981 Jun 12;212(4500):1277-9. doi: 10.1126/science.6262916. Citation on PubMed
• Joshi PR, Knape M, Zierz S, Deschauer M. Phosphoglycerate mutase deficiency: case report of a manifesting heterozygote with a novel E154K mutation and very late onset. Acta Neuropathol. 2009 Jun;117(6):723-5. doi: 10.1007/s00401-009-0524-1. Epub 2009 Mar 26. No abstract available. Citation on PubMed
• Naini A, Toscano A, Musumeci O, Vissing J, Akman HO, DiMauro S. Muscle phosphoglycerate mutase deficiency revisited. Arch Neurol. 2009 Mar;66(3):394-8. doi: 10.1001/archneurol.2008.584. Citation on PubMed
• Tonin P, Bruno C, Cassandrini D, Savio C, Tavazzi E, Tomelleri G, Piccolo G. Unusual presentation of phosphoglycerate mutase deficiency due to two different mutations in PGAM-M gene. Neuromuscul Disord. 2009 Nov;19(11):776-8. doi: 10.1016/j.nmd.2009.08.007. Epub 2009 Sep 23. Citation on PubMed
• Toscano A, Tsujino S, Vita G, Shanske S, Messina C, Dimauro S. Molecular basis of muscle phosphoglycerate mutase (PGAM-M) deficiency in the Italian kindred. Muscle Nerve. 1996 Sep;19(9):1134-7. doi: 10.1002/(SICI)1097-4598(199609)19:93.0.CO;2-0. Citation on PubMed
• Tsujino S, Shanske S, Sakoda S, Fenichel G, DiMauro S. The molecular genetic basis of muscle phosphoglycerate mutase (PGAM) deficiency. Am J Hum Genet. 1993 Mar;52(3):472-7. Citation on PubMed or Free article on PubMed Central
• Tsujino S, Shanske S, Sakoda S, Toscano A, DiMauro S. Molecular genetic studies in muscle phosphoglycerate mutase (PGAM-M) deficiency. Muscle Nerve Suppl. 1995;3:S50-3. doi: 10.1002/mus.880181412. Citation on PubMed