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HelpTest ID APO2Z Apolipoprotein A-II (APOA2) Gene, Full Gene Analysis
Useful For
Diagnosis of individuals suspected of having apolipoprotein A-II-associated familial amyloidosis
Special Instructions
Method Name
Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Followed by DNA Sequence Analysis
(PCR is utilized pursuant to a license agreement with Roche Molecular Systems, Inc.)
Reporting Name
APOA2 Gene, Full Gene AnalysisSpecimen Type
VariesSpecimen Type: Whole blood
Container/Tube:
Preferred: Lavender top (EDTA) or yellow top (ACD)
Acceptable: Any anticoagulant
Specimen Volume: 3 mL
Collection Instructions:
1. Invert several times to mix blood.
2. Send specimen in original tube.
Additional Information: Specimen preferred to arrive within 96 hours of draw.
Forms:
1. Molecular Genetics: Congenital Inherited Diseases Patient Information (T521) in Special Instructions
2. New York Clients-Informed consent is required. Please document on the request form or electronic order that a copy is on file. An Informed Consent for Genetic Testing (T576) is available in Special Instructions.
3. If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send a Neurology Test Request Form-General (T732) with the specimen (http://www.mayomedicallaboratories.com/it-mmfiles/neurology-request-form.pdf)
Specimen Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Varies | Ambient (preferred) | |
| Frozen | ||
| Refrigerated | ||
Clinical Information
The systemic amyloidoses are a number of disorders of varying etiology characterized by extracellular protein deposition. The most common form is an acquired amyloidosis secondary to multiple myeloma or monoclonal gammopathy of unknown significance (MGUS) in which the amyloid is composed of immunoglobulin light chains. In addition to light chain amyloidosis, there are a number of acquired amyloidoses caused by the misfolding and precipitation of a wide variety of proteins. There are also hereditary forms of amyloidosis.
The hereditary amyloidoses comprise a group of autosomal dominant, late-onset diseases that show variable penetrance. A number of genes have been associated with hereditary forms of amyloidosis, including those that encode transthyretin, apolipoprotein A-I, apolipoprotein A-II, fibrinogen alpha chain, gelsolin, cystatin C, and lysozyme. Apolipoprotein A-I, apolipoprotein A-II, lysozyme, and fibrinogen alpha chain amyloidosis present as non-neuropathic systemic amyloidosis, with renal dysfunction being the most prevalent manifestation. Apolipoprotein A-II amyloidosis typically presents as a very slowly progressive disease. Age of onset is highly variable, ranging from adolescence to the fifth decade. To date, all mutations that have been identified within the APOA2 gene occur within the stop codon and result in a 21-residue C-terminal extension of the apolipoprotein A-II protein.
Due to the clinical overlap between the acquired and hereditary forms, it is imperative to determine the specific type of amyloidosis in order to provide an accurate prognosis and consider appropriate therapeutic interventions. Tissue-based, laser capture tandem mass spectrometry might serve as a useful test preceding gene sequencing to better characterize the etiology of the amyloidosis, particularly in cases that are not clear clinically.
Reference Values
An interpretive report will be provided.
Cautions
A small percentage of individuals who are carriers or have a diagnosis of apolipoprotein A-II (APOA2) associated amyloidosis may have a mutation that is not identified by this method (eg, large genomic deletions, promoter mutations). The absence of a mutation, therefore, does not eliminate the possibility of positive carrier status or the diagnosis of apolipoprotein A-II associated amyloidosis. In some cases, DNA alterations of undetermined significance may be identified.
Rare polymorphisms exist that could lead to false-negative or false-positive results. If results obtained do not match the clinical findings, additional testing should be considered.
A previous bone marrow transplant from an allogenic donor will interfere with testing. Call Mayo Medical Laboratories for instructions for testing patients who have received a bone marrow transplant.
Test results should be interpreted in the context of clinical findings, family history, and other laboratory data. Errors in our interpretation of results may occur if information given is inaccurate or incomplete.
Mutations in other genes, such as those encoding transthyretin, lysozyme, fibrinogen alpha chain, apolipoprotein A-I, gelsolin, and others, have been shown to cause other forms of familial amyloidosis. Abnormalities in these genes are not detected by this assay.
Day(s) Performed
Performed weekly, varies
Report Available
14 daysPerforming Laboratory
Mayo Medical Laboratories in Rochester
Test Classification
This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements. This test has not been cleared or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.CPT Code Information
81479-Unlisted molecular pathology procedure