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AASS gene
URL of this page: https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/gene/aass/

AASS gene

aminoadipate-semialdehyde synthase

Normal Function

The AASS gene provides instructions for making an enzyme called aminoadipic semialdehyde synthase. This enzyme is found in most tissues, with the highest amounts found in the liver. Aminoadipic semialdehyde synthase is involved in the breakdown of the amino acid lysine, a building block of most proteins. It is called a bifunctional enzyme because is performs two functions. One function, called lysine-ketoglutarate reductase, breaks down lysine to a molecule called saccharopine. The other function, called saccharopine dehydrogenase, breaks down saccharopine to a molecule called alpha-aminoadipate semialdehyde.

Health Conditions Related to Genetic Changes

Hyperlysinemia

At least five mutations in the AASS gene have been found to cause hyperlysinemia. Most of these mutations change single amino acids in aminoadipic semialdehyde synthase. These mutations are thought to decrease or eliminate enzyme activity, resulting in an inability to break down lysine. Lysine that is not broken down accumulates in the blood, but it typically causes no health problems.

When mutations in the AASS gene impair the breakdown of saccharopine, this molecule builds up in blood and urine. This buildup is sometimes referred to as saccharopinuria, which is considered to be a variant of hyperlysinemia. It is unclear if saccharopinuria causes any symptoms.

More About This Health Condition

Other Names for This Gene

  • AASS_HUMAN
  • alpha-aminoadipate semialdehyde synthase
  • aminoadipic semialdehyde synthase
  • LKR/SDH
  • LKRSDH
  • lysine-2-oxoglutarate reductase
  • lysine-ketoglutarate reductase /saccharopine dehydrogenase

Additional Information & Resources

Tests Listed in the Genetic Testing Registry

Scientific Articles on PubMed

Catalog of Genes and Diseases from OMIM

Gene and Variant Databases

References

  • Markovitz PJ, Chuang DT, Cox RP. Familial hyperlysinemias. Purification and characterization of the bifunctional aminoadipic semialdehyde synthase with lysine-ketoglutarate reductase and saccharopine dehydrogenase activities. J Biol Chem. 1984 Oct 10;259(19):11643-6. Citation on PubMed
  • Sacksteder KA, Biery BJ, Morrell JC, Goodman BK, Geisbrecht BV, Cox RP, Gould SJ, Geraghty MT. Identification of the alpha-aminoadipic semialdehyde synthase gene, which is defective in familial hyperlysinemia. Am J Hum Genet. 2000 Jun;66(6):1736-43. doi: 10.1086/302919. Epub 2000 Apr 20. Citation on PubMed or Free article on PubMed Central
  • Saudubray JM, Rabier D. Biomarkers identified in inborn errors for lysine, arginine, and ornithine. J Nutr. 2007 Jun;137(6 Suppl 2):1669S-1672S. doi: 10.1093/jn/137.6.1669S. Citation on PubMed

The information on this site should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice. Contact a health care provider if you have questions about your health.