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The official name of this gene is “branched chain keto acid dehydrogenase E1, beta polypeptide.”
BCKDHB is the gene's official symbol. The BCKDHB gene is also known by other names, listed below.
The BCKDHB gene provides instructions for making one part, the beta subunit, of an enzyme complex (a group of enzymes that work together). This complex is called branched-chain alpha-keto acid dehydrogenase, or BCKD. Two beta subunits connect with two alpha subunits, which are produced from the BCKDHA gene, to form a critical part of the enzyme complex called the E1 component.
The BCKD enzyme complex is responsible for one step in the normal breakdown of three protein building blocks (amino acids). These amino acids—leucine, isoleucine, and valine—are obtained from the diet. They are present in many kinds of food, particularly protein-rich foods such as milk, meat, and eggs. The BCKD enzyme complex is active in mitochondria, which are specialized structures inside cells that serve as energy-producing centers. The breakdown of leucine, isoleucine, and valine produces molecules that can be used for energy.
More than 40 mutations in the BCKDHB gene have been identified in people with maple syrup urine disease, most often in individuals with the severe, classic form of the disorder. Some of these mutations change single amino acids in the beta subunit of the BCKD enzyme complex. A particular mutation is most common in people of Ashkenazi (eastern and central European) Jewish descent; this mutation replaces the amino acid arginine with the amino acid proline at position 183 in the beta subunit (written as Arg183Pro or R183P). Other BCKDHB mutations insert or delete small amounts of DNA in the gene.
Mutations in the BCKDHB gene disrupt the normal function of the BCKD enzyme complex, preventing it from effectively breaking down leucine, isoleucine, and valine. As a result, these amino acids and their byproducts build up in the body. This accumulation is toxic to cells and tissues, particularly in the nervous system. The buildup of these substances can lead to seizures, developmental delay, and the other medical problems associated with maple syrup urine disease.
Cytogenetic Location: 6q14.1
Molecular Location on chromosome 6: base pairs 80,106,626 to 80,346,269
The BCKDHB gene is located on the long (q) arm of chromosome 6 at position 14.1.
More precisely, the BCKDHB gene is located from base pair 80,106,626 to base pair 80,346,269 on chromosome 6.
See How do geneticists indicate the location of a gene? (http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/handbook/howgeneswork/genelocation) in the Handbook.
You and your healthcare professional may find the following resources about BCKDHB helpful.
You may also be interested in these resources, which are designed for genetics professionals and researchers.
See How are genetic conditions and genes named? (http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/handbook/mutationsanddisorders/naming) in the Handbook.
acids ; amino acid ; arginine ; breakdown ; dehydrogenase ; developmental delay ; DNA ; enzyme ; gene ; isoleucine ; leucine ; mitochondria ; mutation ; nervous system ; precursor ; proline ; protein ; subunit ; toxic ; valine
You may find definitions for these and many other terms in the Genetics Home Reference Glossary (http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/glossary).
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? (http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/handbook/consult/findingprofessional) in the Handbook.