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CAT gene
URL of this page: https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/gene/cat/

CAT gene

catalase

Normal Function

The CAT gene provides instructions for making pieces (subunits) of an enzyme called catalase. Four identical subunits, each attached (bound) to an iron-containing molecule called a heme group, form the functional enzyme.

Catalase is active in cells and tissues throughout the body, where it breaks down hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) molecules into oxygen (O2) and water (H2O). Hydrogen peroxide is produced through chemical reactions within cells. At low levels, it is involved in several chemical signaling pathways, but at high levels it is toxic to cells. If hydrogen peroxide is not broken down by catalase, additional reactions convert it into compounds called reactive oxygen species that can damage DNA, proteins, and cell membranes.

Health Conditions Related to Genetic Changes

Acatalasemia

At least 13 mutations in the CAT gene have been found to cause acatalasemia, a condition characterized by very low catalase activity. Many people with acatalasemia never have any related health problems, although the condition has occasionally been associated with open sores (ulcers) inside the mouth leading to the death of soft tissue (gangrene). Acatalasemia also appears to increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes (the most common form of diabetes) and is a potential risk factor for other common, complex diseases.

The mutations that cause acatalasemia occur in both copies of the CAT gene in each cell, and they reduce the activity of catalase to less than 10 percent of normal. A shortage of this enzyme can allow hydrogen peroxide to build up to toxic levels in certain cells. For example, hydrogen peroxide produced by bacteria in the mouth may accumulate in and damage soft tissues, leading to mouth ulcers and gangrene. A buildup of hydrogen peroxide may also damage beta cells of the pancreas, which release a hormone called insulin that helps control blood glucose, also called blood sugar . Malfunctioning beta cells are thought to underlie the increased risk of type 2 diabetes in people with acatalasemia. It is unclear why some people have no health problems associated with a shortage of catalase activity.

A related condition called hypocatalasemia occurs when only one of the two copies of the CAT gene in each cell has a mutation. This single mutation reduces the activity of catalase by approximately half. Like acatalasemia, hypocatalasemia usually does not cause any health problems.

More About This Health Condition

Other disorders

Common variations (polymorphisms) in the CAT gene and in regions of DNA that regulate the gene's activity may be associated with the risk of developing certain common, complex diseases. For example, researchers are studying these polymorphisms as potential risk factors for type 2 diabetes and other disorders of blood glucose regulation. CAT gene polymorphisms may also be associated with high blood pressure (hypertension), a skin condition called vitiligo, thinning of the bones (osteoporosis), and elevated levels of cholesterol and other fats (lipids) in the blood, which increase the risk of heart attack and stroke. However, it is unclear how polymorphisms in the CAT gene impact catalase activity, and how changes in the activity of this enzyme might influence a person's risk of developing these diseases. A large number of genetic and lifestyle factors, many of which remain unknown, likely determine the risk of developing most common, complex conditions.

Other Names for This Gene

  • CATA_HUMAN
  • EC 1.11.1.6

Additional Information & Resources

Tests Listed in the Genetic Testing Registry

  • Tests of CAT From the National Institutes of Health

Scientific Articles on PubMed

  • PubMed From the National Institutes of Health

Catalog of Genes and Diseases from OMIM

  • CATALASE; CAT

Gene and Variant Databases

  • NCBI Gene From the National Institutes of Health
  • ClinVar From the National Institutes of Health

References

  • Goth L, Eaton JW. Hereditary catalase deficiencies and increased risk of diabetes. Lancet. 2000 Nov 25;356(9244):1820-1. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(00)03238-4. Citation on PubMed
  • Goth L, Nagy T. Inherited catalase deficiency: is it benign or a factor in various age related disorders? Mutat Res. 2013 Oct-Dec;753(2):147-154. doi: 10.1016/j.mrrev.2013.08.002. Epub 2013 Sep 8. Citation on PubMed
  • Goth L, Rass P, Pay A. Catalase enzyme mutations and their association with diseases. Mol Diagn. 2004;8(3):141-9. doi: 10.1007/BF03260057. Citation on PubMed
  • Hebert-Schuster M, Fabre EE, Nivet-Antoine V. Catalase polymorphisms and metabolic diseases. Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care. 2012 Jul;15(4):397-402. doi: 10.1097/MCO.0b013e328354a326. Citation on PubMed
  • Kirkman HN, Gaetani GF. Mammalian catalase: a venerable enzyme with new mysteries. Trends Biochem Sci. 2007 Jan;32(1):44-50. doi: 10.1016/j.tibs.2006.11.003. Epub 2006 Dec 8. Citation on PubMed
DNA helix

Genomic Location

The CAT gene is found on chromosome 11.

Related Health Topics

  • Genes and Gene Therapy
  • Genetic Disorders

MEDICAL ENCYCLOPEDIA

  • Genes
  • Genetics

Understanding Genetics

  • What is DNA?
  • What is a gene?
  • What is a gene variant and how do variants occur?

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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.

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Last updated September 1, 2014
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