Health Topics

Skip navigation

Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock ( Lock Locked padlock icon ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

You Are Here:
Home →
Genetics →
Genes →
DCXR gene
URL of this page: https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/gene/dcxr/

DCXR gene

dicarbonyl and L-xylulose reductase

Normal Function

The DCXR gene provides instructions for making a protein called dicarbonyl and L-xylulose reductase (DCXR), which plays multiple roles in the body. One of its functions is to perform a chemical reaction that converts a sugar called L-xylulose to a molecule called xylitol. This reaction is one step in a process by which the body can use sugars for energy. There are two versions of L-xylulose reductase in the body, known as the major isoform and the minor isoform. The DCXR gene provides instructions for making the major isoform, which converts L-xylulose more efficiently than the minor isoform. It is unclear if the minor isoform is produced from the DCXR gene or another gene.

Another function of the DCXR protein is to break down toxic compounds called alpha-dicarbonyl compounds. These compounds, which are byproducts of certain cellular processes or are found in foods in the diet, must be broken down so they do not damage cells.

The DCXR protein is also one of several proteins that get attached to the surface of sperm cells as they mature. DCXR is involved in the interaction of a sperm cell with an egg cell during fertilization.

Health Conditions Related to Genetic Changes

Essential pentosuria

At least two mutations in the DCXR gene cause a condition called essential pentosuria, which is found almost exclusively in individuals with Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry. Affected individuals have high levels of L-xylulose in their urine, but they have no associated health problems. The gene mutations involved in this condition lead to the production of altered DCXR proteins that are quickly broken down. Without this protein, L-xylulose is not efficiently converted to xylitol, and the excess sugar is released in the urine. Only the major isoform of L-xylulose reductase is affected by these mutations, but the minor isoform cannot compensate for the loss of DCXR's function in breaking down L-xylulose. It is thought that other processes are able to break down toxic alpha-dicarbonyl compounds, likely accounting for the lack of symptoms in people with essential pentosuria.

Males with essential pentosuria appear to have normal reproductive function, despite studies that show that a shortage of DCXR protein attached to sperm cells can be associated with the inability to have biological children (infertility).

More About This Health Condition

Other Names for This Gene

  • carbonyl reductase 2
  • carbonyl reductase II
  • DCR
  • dicarbonyl/L-xylulose reductase
  • HCR2
  • HCRII
  • KIDCR
  • kidney dicarbonyl reductase
  • L-xylulose reductase
  • L-xylulose reductase isoform 1
  • L-xylulose reductase isoform 2
  • P34H
  • SDR20C1
  • short chain dehydrogenase/reductase family 20C, member 1
  • sperm surface protein P34H
  • XR

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

  • Boue F, Blais J, Sullivan R. Surface localization of P34H an epididymal protein, during maturation, capacitation, and acrosome reaction of human spermatozoa. Biol Reprod. 1996 May;54(5):1009-17. doi: 10.1095/biolreprod54.5.1009. Citation on PubMed
  • Ebert B, Kisiela M, Maser E. Human DCXR - another 'moonlighting protein' involved in sugar metabolism, carbonyl detoxification, cell adhesion and male fertility? Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc. 2015 Feb;90(1):254-78. doi: 10.1111/brv.12108. Epub 2014 Apr 10. Citation on PubMed
  • Lane AB. On the nature of L-xylulose reductase deficiency in essential pentosuria. Biochem Genet. 1985 Feb;23(1-2):61-72. doi: 10.1007/BF00499113. Citation on PubMed
  • Lee SK, Son le T, Choi HJ, Ahnn J. Dicarbonyl/l-xylulose reductase (DCXR): The multifunctional pentosuria enzyme. Int J Biochem Cell Biol. 2013 Nov;45(11):2563-7. doi: 10.1016/j.biocel.2013.08.010. Epub 2013 Aug 27. Citation on PubMed
  • Nakagawa J, Ishikura S, Asami J, Isaji T, Usami N, Hara A, Sakurai T, Tsuritani K, Oda K, Takahashi M, Yoshimoto M, Otsuka N, Kitamura K. Molecular characterization of mammalian dicarbonyl/L-xylulose reductase and its localization in kidney. J Biol Chem. 2002 May 17;277(20):17883-91. doi: 10.1074/jbc.M110703200. Epub 2002 Mar 6. Citation on PubMed
  • Pierce SB, Spurrell CH, Mandell JB, Lee MK, Zeligson S, Bereman MS, Stray SM, Fokstuen S, MacCoss MJ, Levy-Lahad E, King MC, Motulsky AG. Garrod's fourth inborn error of metabolism solved by the identification of mutations causing pentosuria. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2011 Nov 8;108(45):18313-7. doi: 10.1073/pnas.1115888108. Epub 2011 Oct 31. Citation on PubMed or Free article on PubMed Central

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.