ALG12-congenital disorder of glycosylation - Genetics Home Reference

ALG12-congenital disorder of glycosylation - Genetics Home Reference

ALG12-congenital disorder of glycosylation

On this page:

 

• Description 
• Genetic changes 
• Inheritance 
• Diagnosis 
• Additional information
• Other names 
• Glossary definitions

What is ALG12-congenital disorder of glycosylation?

ALG12-congenital disorder of glycosylation (ALG12-CDG, also known as congenital disorder of glycosylation type Ig) is an inherited disorder with varying signs and symptoms that can affect several body systems. Individuals with ALG12-CDG typically develop signs and symptoms of the condition during infancy. They may have problems feeding and difficulty growing and gaining weight at the expected rate (failure to thrive). In addition, affected individuals often have intellectual disability, delayed development, and weak muscle tone (hypotonia), and some develop seizures.

Some people with ALG12-CDG have physical abnormalities such as a small head size (microcephaly) and unusual facial features. These features can include folds of skin that cover the inner corners of the eyes (epicanthal folds), a prominent nasal bridge, and abnormally shaped ears. Some males withALG12-CDG have abnormal genitalia, such as a small penis (micropenis) and undescended testes.

People with ALG12-CDG often produce abnormally low levels of proteins called antibodies (or immunoglobulins), particularly immunoglobulin G (IgG). Antibodies help protect the body against infection by attaching to specific foreign particles and germs, marking them for destruction. A reduction in antibodies can make it difficult for affected individuals to fight infections.

Less common abnormalities seen in people with ALG12-CDG include a weakened heart muscle (cardiomyopathy) and poor bone development, which can lead to skeletal abnormalities.

How common is ALG12-congenital disorder of glycosylation?

ALG12-CDG is a rare condition; its prevalence is unknown. Only a handful of affected individuals have been described in the medical literature.

What genes are related to ALG12-congenital disorder of glycosylation?

Mutations in the ALG12 gene cause ALG12-CDG. This gene provides instructions for making an enzyme that is involved in a process called glycosylation. During this process, complex chains of sugar molecules (oligosaccharides) are added to proteins and fats (lipids). Glycosylation modifies proteins and lipids so they can fully perform their functions. The enzyme produced from the ALG12gene transfers a simple sugar called mannose to growing oligosaccharides at a particular step in the formation of the sugar chain. Once the correct number of sugar molecules are linked together, the oligosaccharide is attached to a protein or lipid.

ALG12 gene mutations lead to the production of an abnormal enzyme with reduced activity. Without a properly functioning enzyme, mannose cannot be added to the chain efficiently, and the resulting oligosaccharides are often incomplete. Although the short oligosaccharides can be transferred to proteins and fats, the process is not as efficient as with the full-length oligosaccharide. As a result, glycosylation is reduced. The wide variety of signs and symptoms in ALG12-CDG are likely due to impaired glycosylation of proteins and lipids that are needed for normal function of many organs and tissues, including the brain.

Read more about the ALG12 gene.

How do people inherit ALG12-congenital disorder of glycosylation?

This condition is inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern, which means both copies of the gene in each cell have mutations. The parents of an individual with an autosomal recessive condition each carry one copy of the mutated gene, but they typically do not show signs and symptoms of the condition.

Where can I find information about diagnosis or management of ALG12-congenital disorder of glycosylation?

These resources address the diagnosis or management of ALG12-congenital disorder of glycosylation and may include treatment providers.

• Gene Review: Congenital Disorders of N-Linked Glycosylation Pathway Overview
• Genetic Testing Registry: Congenital disorder of glycosylation type 1G

You might also find information on the diagnosis or management of ALG12-congenital disorder of glycosylation in Educational resources and Patient support.

General information about the diagnosis and management of genetic conditions is available in the Handbook. Read more about genetic testing, particularly the difference between clinical tests and research tests.

To locate a healthcare provider, see How can I find a genetics professional in my area? in the Handbook.

Where can I find additional information about ALG12-congenital disorder of glycosylation?

You may find the following resources about ALG12-congenital disorder of glycosylation helpful. These materials are written for the general public.

• MedlinePlus - Health information
• Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center - Information about genetic conditions and rare diseases
• Educational resources - Information pages (7 links)
• Patient support - For patients and families (6 links)

You may also be interested in these resources, which are designed for healthcare professionals and researchers.

• Gene Reviews - Clinical summary
• Genetic Testing Registry - Repository of genetic test information (1 link)
• ClinicalTrials.gov - Linking patients to medical research
• PubMed - Recent literature
• OMIM - Genetic disorder catalog

What other names do people use for ALG12-congenital disorder of glycosylation?

• ALG12-CDG
• CDG1G
• CDG Ig
• congenital disorder of glycosylation type 1G
• congenital disorder of glycosylation type Ig

For more information about naming genetic conditions, see the Genetics Home Reference Condition Naming Guidelines and How are genetic conditions and genes named? in the Handbook.

What if I still have specific questions about ALG12-congenital disorder of glycosylation?

Ask the Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center.

Where can I find general information about genetic conditions?

The Handbook provides basic information about genetics in clear language.

• What does it mean if a disorder seems to run in my family?
• What are the different ways in which a genetic condition can be inherited?
• If a genetic disorder runs in my family, what are the chances that my children will have the condition?
• Why are some genetic conditions more common in particular ethnic groups?

These links provide additional genetics resources that may be useful.

• Genetics and Health
• Resources for Patients and Families
• Resources for Health Professionals

What glossary definitions help with understanding ALG12-congenital disorder of glycosylation?

autosomal ; autosomal recessive ; cardiomyopathy ; cell ; congenital ; disability ; enzyme ;failure to thrive ; gene ; genitalia ; glycosylation ; hypotonia ; immunoglobulin ; infection ; inherited ;lipid ; mannose ; microcephaly ; micropenis ; muscle tone ; oligosaccharides ; prevalence ; protein ;recessive ; simple sugar ; testes

You may find definitions for these and many other terms in the Genetics Home Reference Glossary.

See also Understanding Medical Terminology.

References (5 links)

The resources on this site should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice. Users seeking information about a personal genetic disease, syndrome, or condition should consult with a qualified healthcare professional. See How can I find a genetics professional in my area? in the Handbook.