Introducing Genova’s Innovative Methylation Panel - LiveGDX Aug. 2019

Introducing Genova’s Innovative Methylation Panel

Presented by Doctor Michael Chapman

Methylation is a complex process in which methyl groups (CH3) are transferred or donated between molecules, thereby changing their structure and function. This happens billions of times per second in every cell throughout the body.1 The methylation cycle is dependent on amino acids, vitamin cofactors, and minerals obtained from the diet to facilitate adequate function of this complex biochemical pathway.2

Proper methylation is crucial to an enormous number of systemic biological processes, including creatine production for skeletal muscle contraction, DNA and RNA synthesis, gene regulation (epigenetics), hormone regulation and detoxification, energy production, cell membrane repair, fat metabolism, myelination, and immune function.3-7 However, key amino acid deficiencies, lack of vitamin and mineral cofactors, genetic enzymatic predispositions, and a wide array of oxidative stressors can affect each of these pathways and a patient’s overall methylation status.8-10

The webinar will introduce the innovative Methylation Panel, offering insight into the critical biochemical methylation pathway. By measuring analytes involved in the methylation cycle, as well as testing genetic predispositions for altered enzymatic activity, this profile can help clinicians design more targeted treatment strategies to optimize patient outcomes.

Learning Objectives:
1. Review the methylation and transsulfuration pathways
2. Discuss the interpretation and application of laboratory test results
3. Apply nutritional and lifestyle therapies to support methylation status

References:
1. Baric I, Staufner C, Augoustides-Savvopoulou P, et al. Consensus recommendations for the diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of inherited methylation disorders. Journal of inherited metabolic disease. 2017;40(1):5-20.
2. Locasale JW. Serine, glycine and one-carbon units: cancer metabolism in full circle. Nature reviews Cancer. 2013;13(8):572.
3. Moore LD, Le T, Fan G. DNA methylation and its basic function. Neuropsychopharmacology. 2013;38(1):23.
4. Brosnan JT, Jacobs RL, Stead LM, Brosnan ME. Methylation demand: a key determinant of homocysteine metabolism. ACTA BIOCHIMICA POLONICA-ENGLISH EDITION-. 2004;51:405-414.
5. Smazal AL. Oral S-adenosyl methionine (SAM) mediates disruptions in methyl group metabolism due to retinoic acid therapy and alters neurotransmitter metabolism: Implications for major depressive disorder, Iowa State University; 2013.
6. Lawson BR, Eleftheriadis T, Tardif V, et al. Transmethylation in immunity and autoimmunity. Clinical Immunology. 2012;143(1):8-21.
7. Abu-Lebdeh HS, Barazzoni R, Meek SE, Bigelow ML, Persson X-MT, Nair KS. Effects of insulin deprivation and treatment on homocysteine metabolism in people with type 1 diabetes. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. 2006;91(9):3344-3348.
8. Anderson OS, Sant KE, Dolinoy DC. Nutrition and epigenetics: an interplay of dietary methyl donors, one-carbon metabolism and DNA methylation. The Journal of nutritional biochemistry. 2012;23(8):853-859.
9. Ho V, Massey TE, King WD. Effects of methionine synthase and methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene polymorphisms on markers of one-carbon metabolism. Genes Nutr. 2013;8(6):571-580.
10. Cuskelly GJ, Stacpoole PW, Williamson J, Baumgartner TG, Gregory III JF. Deficiencies of folate and vitamin B6 exert distinct effects on homocysteine, serine, and methionine kinetics. American Journal of Physiology-Endocrinology And Metabolism. 2001;281(6):E1182-E1190.