Mutations in PPCS, Encoding Phosphopantothenoylcystein Synthetase, Cause Autosomal-Recessive Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Coenzyme A (CoA) is an essential metabolic cofactor used by around 4% of cellular enzymes. Its role is to carry and transfer acetyl and acyl groups to other molecules. Cells can synthesize CoA de novo from vitamin B5 (pantothenate) through five consecutive enzymatic steps. Phosphopantothenoylcystein synthetase (PPCS) catalyzes the second step of the pathway during which phosphopantothenate reacts with ATP and cysteine to form phosphopantothenoylcystein. Inborn errors of CoA biosynthesis have been implicated in neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation (NBIA), a group of rare neurological disorders characterized by accumulation of iron in the basal ganglia and progressive neurodegeneration.
Source: The American Journal of Human Genetics - Category: Genetics & Stem Cells Authors: Tags: Article Source Type: research