Methylation Panel
Plasma Whole Blood
Performed by: Genova Diagnostics
Methylation is a biochemical 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. The methylation cycle is dependent on amino acids, vitamin cofactors, and minerals obtained from the diet to ensure adequate function of this biochemical pathway.
The incredibly vast processes in the body that depend upon methylation are what ultimately make functional testing for methylation impairment a valuable clinical tool. Some of these processes include, but are not limited to:
- 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
- immune function
- neurotransmitter production and metabolism
- vascular endothelial function and nitric oxide production
To keep these processes functioning optimally, there is a necessary balance between many different biochemical pathways. What is termed the “methylation cycle” involves an interplay between folate metabolism, methionine metabolism, and homocysteine transsulfuration.
The body continually adapts these interconnected pathways in order to maintain homeostasis.
However, key amino acid deficiencies, a lack of vitamin and mineral cofactors, genetic enzymatic predispositions, and a wide array
of oxidative stressors can impact multiple enzymes leading to a disruption in a patient’s overall methylation status.
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Biomarkers included in this panel:
- Betaine (trimethylglycine) can be used to turn homocysteine back into methionine - Betaine is derived from dietary choline (Meats, eggs, and beets) - Betaine is used for: Methylation / Osmolyte, under cell stress (mainly in kidneys)
Learn moreBetaine and choline can be obtained from the diet or synthesized de novo. Betaine is derived from dietary choline – nuts, cauliflower and broccoli, beets, meats, and eggs. Choline is a lipotrope, in that it helps to mobilize fat from
Learn moreCholine is a nutrient that supports various bodily functions, including cellular growth and metabolism. The body makes some choline, but the majority comes from dietary sources.
Learn moreCysteine is a nonessential sulfur-containing amino acid. It is obtained from the diet and is also endogenously made from cystathionine. Dietary cysteine sources include poultry, eggs, beef, and whole grains. [L]
Learn moreBecause cystathionine is an intermediate of the transsulfuration pathway, elevation of this biomarker may indicate a backup of the transsulfuration pathway. Conversion of cystathionine to glutathione requires necessary cofactors, such as vitamin B6,
Learn moreThe amino acid derivative dimethylglycine (DMG) is produced when betaine (trimethylglycine) donates a methyl group to homocysteine for re-methylation back to methionine. This methyl donation is mediated by the enzyme betaine homocysteine methyltransf
Learn moreGlutathione (GSH) is a tripeptide comprised of three amino acids (cysteine, glycine, and glutamic acid). Glutathione is the body’s most potent intracellular antioxidant. It exists intracellularly in either an oxidized or reduced state. GSH a
Learn moreGlycine is a nonessential amino acid with many important physiologic functions. It is one of three amino acids that make up glutathione. Glycine’s dietary sources include meat, fish, legumes, and gelatins. Glycine is a major collagen and ela
Learn more- Homocysteine is often used as an indicator of methylation status - Clinicians aim for optimal: 2-10μmol/L - Homocysteine must be recycled back into methionine
Learn moreThis calculated ratio is called the ‘Met/Sulf Balance’ and it compares analytes between the methylation pathway and transsulfuration pathways. Biomarker levels are compared proportionately allowing potential insight into which of
Learn moreMethionine is an essential amino acid that plays an important role in the methylation cycle.
Learn moreCompares 8 different biomarkers – 4 biomarkers with a methyl group to give – 4 biomarkers that have had a methyl group removed The clinical utility of the Methylation Balance Ratio is that it represents a potential way to detect subt
Learn moreThe SAM/SAH ratio is commonly referred to as the “Methylation Index” in the literature and has well- documented clinical associations. Global methylation is dependent on two key factors: adequate SAM supply and SAH removal. The SAM/
Learn moreS-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH) is the end-product of methylation reactions in the body. SAM ultimately donates a methyl group for methylation (DNA, detoxification, etc.) resulting in SAH formation. SAH is also the metabolic precursor of all the homocys
Learn more- The methylation cycle is all about making sure there is adequate SAM (S-adenosylmethionine) - SAM is overwhelmingly the body’s main methyl donor - Think of SAM as the body’s methylation currency - SAM can donate a methyl g
Learn moreSarcosine is an amino acid made when SAM is conjugated with glycine by the glycine-N- methyltransferase (GNMT) enzyme. It can also be made by catabolism of DMG. There are many dietary sources of sarcosine including eggs, legumes, nuts, and meats.&nbs
Learn moreSerine is a nonessential amino acid used in protein biosynthesis. In the folate cycle, glycine and serine are interconverted by the enzyme serine hydroxymethyltransferase (SHMT). Glycine accepts a methyl donor from 5-10 MTHF and becomes serine; there
Learn moreTaurine differs from other amino acids because a sulfur group replaces the carboxyl group of what would be the non-essential amino acid, β-alanine. It takes part in biochemical reactions and is not fully incorporated into proteins. In most tissu
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