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Normal Function
The XDH gene provides instructions for making an enzyme called xanthine dehydrogenase. This enzyme is involved in the normal breakdown of purines, which are building blocks of DNA and its chemical cousin, RNA. Specifically, it carries out the final two steps in the process: the conversion of a molecule called hypoxanthine to another molecule called xanthine, and the conversion of xanthine to uric acid, a waste product that is normally excreted in urine and feces.
Xanthine dehydrogenase has been studied extensively because it can be involved in the production of molecules called superoxide radicals. Specifically, xanthine dehydrogenase is sometimes converted to another form called xanthine oxidase, which produces superoxide radicals. These molecules are byproducts of normal cell processes, and they must be broken down regularly to avoid damaging cells. Superoxide radicals are thought to play a role in many diseases, including heart disease and high blood pressure (hypertension).
Researchers suspect that xanthine dehydrogenase plays a role in milk production (lactation) in women. However, the enzyme's role in lactation is unclear.
Health Conditions Related to Genetic Changes
Hereditary xanthinuria
At least 12 mutations in the XDH gene have been found to cause hereditary xanthinuria type I, a condition that most often affects the kidneys. These mutations reduce or eliminate the activity of xanthine dehydrogenase. As a result, the enzyme is not available to carry out the last two steps of purine breakdown. Because xanthine is not converted to uric acid, affected individuals have high levels of xanthine and very low levels of uric acid in their blood and urine.
The excess xanthine can accumulate in the kidneys and other tissues. In the kidneys, xanthine forms tiny crystals that occasionally build up to create kidney stones. These stones can impair kidney function and ultimately cause kidney failure. Less commonly, xanthine crystals build up in the muscles, causing pain and cramping. In some people with hereditary xanthinuria, the condition does not cause any health problems.
More About This Health ConditionOther Names for This Gene
- xanthine dehydrogenase/oxidase
- xanthine oxidoreductase
- XO
- XOR
Additional Information & Resources
Tests Listed in the Genetic Testing Registry
Scientific Articles on PubMed
Catalog of Genes and Diseases from OMIM
References
- Ichida K, Amaya Y, Kamatani N, Nishino T, Hosoya T, Sakai O. Identification of two mutations in human xanthine dehydrogenase gene responsible for classical type I xanthinuria. J Clin Invest. 1997 May 15;99(10):2391-7. doi: 10.1172/JCI119421. Citation on PubMed or Free article on PubMed Central
- Ichida K, Amaya Y, Noda K, Minoshima S, Hosoya T, Sakai O, Shimizu N, Nishino T. Cloning of the cDNA encoding human xanthine dehydrogenase (oxidase): structural analysis of the protein and chromosomal location of the gene. Gene. 1993 Nov 15;133(2):279-84. doi: 10.1016/0378-1119(93)90652-j. Citation on PubMed
- Ichida K, Amaya Y, Okamoto K, Nishino T. Mutations associated with functional disorder of xanthine oxidoreductase and hereditary xanthinuria in humans. Int J Mol Sci. 2012 Nov 21;13(11):15475-95. doi: 10.3390/ijms131115475. Citation on PubMed or Free article on PubMed Central
- Sakamoto N, Yamamoto T, Moriwaki Y, Teranishi T, Toyoda M, Onishi Y, Kuroda S, Sakaguchi K, Fujisawa T, Maeda M, Hada T. Identification of a new point mutation in the human xanthine dehydrogenase gene responsible for a case of classical type I xanthinuria. Hum Genet. 2001 Apr;108(4):279-83. doi: 10.1007/s004390100477. Citation on PubMed
- Xu P, Huecksteadt TP, Hoidal JR. Molecular cloning and characterization of the human xanthine dehydrogenase gene (XDH). Genomics. 1996 Jun 1;34(2):173-80. doi: 10.1006/geno.1996.0262. Citation on PubMed
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