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Normal Function
The AGL gene provides instructions for making the glycogen debranching enzyme. This enzyme is involved in the breakdown of a complex sugar called glycogen, which is a major source of stored energy in the body. Glycogen is made up of several molecules of a simple sugar called glucose. Some glucose molecules are linked together in a straight line, while others branch off and form side chains. The glycogen debranching enzyme is involved in the breakdown of these side chains. The branched structure of glycogen makes it more compact for storage and allows it to break down more easily when it is needed for fuel.
The AGL gene provides instructions for making several different versions (isoforms) of the glycogen debranching enzyme. These isoforms vary by size and are active (expressed) in different tissues.
Health Conditions Related to Genetic Changes
Glycogen storage disease type III
Approximately 100 variants (also called mutations) in the AGL gene have been found to cause glycogen storage disease type III (also called GSDIII or Cori disease). Most of these variants lead to a premature stop signal in the instructions for making the glycogen debranching enzyme, resulting in a nonfunctional enzyme. As a result, the side chains of glycogen molecules cannot be removed and abnormal, partially broken down glycogen molecules are stored within cells. A buildup of abnormal glycogen damages organs and tissues throughout the body, particularly the liver and muscles, leading to the signs and symptoms of GSDIII.
Variants in the AGL gene can affect different isoforms of the enzyme, depending on where the variants are located in the gene. For example, variants that occur in a part of the AGL gene called exon 3 affect the isoform that is primarily expressed in the liver. These variants almost always lead to GSD type IIIb, which is characterized by liver problems.
More About This Health ConditionOther Names for This Gene
- amylo-1, 6-glucosidase, 4-alpha-glucanotransferase
- GDE
- GDE_HUMAN
- glycogen debrancher
- glycogen debranching enzyme
Additional Information & Resources
Tests Listed in the Genetic Testing Registry
Scientific Articles on PubMed
Catalog of Genes and Diseases from OMIM
References
- Cheng A, Zhang M, Okubo M, Omichi K, Saltiel AR. Distinct mutations in the glycogen debranching enzyme found in glycogen storage disease type III lead to impairment in diverse cellular functions. Hum Mol Genet. 2009 Jun 1;18(11):2045-52. doi: 10.1093/hmg/ddp128. Epub 2009 Mar 19. Citation on PubMed or Free article on PubMed Central
- Endo Y, Horinishi A, Vorgerd M, Aoyama Y, Ebara T, Murase T, Odawara M, Podskarbi T, Shin YS, Okubo M. Molecular analysis of the AGL gene: heterogeneity of mutations in patients with glycogen storage disease type III from Germany, Canada, Afghanistan, Iran, and Turkey. J Hum Genet. 2006;51(11):958-963. doi: 10.1007/s10038-006-0045-x. Epub 2006 Sep 19. Citation on PubMed
- Frisbie JH, O'Connell DJ, Tow DE, Sasahara AA, Belko JS. Autologous radioiodinated fibrinogen, simplified. J Nucl Med. 1975 May;16(5):393-401. Citation on PubMed
- Lucchiari S, Pagliarani S, Salani S, Filocamo M, Di Rocco M, Melis D, Rodolico C, Musumeci O, Toscano A, Bresolin N, Comi GP. Hepatic and neuromuscular forms of glycogenosis type III: nine mutations in AGL. Hum Mutat. 2006 Jun;27(6):600-1. doi: 10.1002/humu.9426. 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.