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HelpTest ID DRPL Dentatorubral-Pallidoluysian Atrophy (DRPLA) Gene Analysis
Useful For
Molecular confirmation of a diagnosis of dentatorubral-pallidoluysian atrophy (DRPLA) for symptomatic patients
Predictive testing for individuals with a family history of DRPLA and a documented expansion in the ATN1 gene in an affected family member
Special Instructions
Method Name
Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)
(PCR is utilized pursuant to a license agreement with Roche Molecular Systems, Inc.)
Reporting Name
DRPLA 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 Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Varies | Ambient (preferred) | |
| Frozen | ||
| Refrigerated | ||
Clinical Information
Dentatorubral-pallidoluysian atrophy (DRPLA) is a rare autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disorder characterized by ataxia, choreoathetosis, dementia, and psychiatric disturbance in adults and ataxia, myoclonus, seizures, and progressive intellectual deterioration in children. Characteristic neuropathologic observations include degeneration of the dentatorubral and pallidoluysian systems of the central nervous system.
The prevalence of DRPLA depends on the geographic and ethnic origin of the population being studied. DRPLA was first described in a European individual without a family history; however, it is predominantly found as an inherited condition and is most prevalent in Japan (0.2-0.7 per 100,000). Although rare, DRPLA has been identified in other populations including Europe and North America.
DRPLA is caused by an expansion of the CAG trinucleotide repeat in the ATN1 (DRPLA) gene. This trinucleotide repeat is polymorphic in the general population, with the number of repeats ranging from 7 to 35. In affected individuals the CAG expansion ranges from 48 to 93 repeats. As with other trinucleotide repeat disorders, anticipation is frequently observed, and larger CAG expansions are associated with earlier onset and a more severe and rapid clinical course. In DRPLA, the observed anticipation appears to be significantly greater in paternal transmissions.
Reference Values
Normal alleles: 7-35 CAG repeats
Abnormal alleles: 49-93 CAG repeats
An interpretive report will be provided.
Cautions
For predictive testing, it is important to first document the presence of CAG-repeat amplification in the ATN1 gene in an affected family member to confirm that molecular expansion is the underlying mechanism of disease in the family.
We strongly recommend that patients undergoing predictive testing receive genetic counseling both prior to testing and after results are available.
Predictive testing of an asymptomatic child is not recommended.
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.
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.
The absence of an expansion in the ATN1 gene does not eliminate the diagnosis of other inherited neurodegenerative disorders that have overlapping clinical features with DRPLA, such as Huntington disease or spinocerebellar ataxias.
Day(s) Performed
Tuesday; 2 p.m.
Report Available
5 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
81401-ATN1 (atrophin 1) (eg, denatorubral-pallidoluysian atrophy), evaluation to detect abnormal (eg, expanded) alleles