Test ID G6ST N-Acetylgalactosamine-6-Sulfate Sulfatase, Fibroblasts
Useful For
Assisting in the diagnosis of Morquio A disease
Additional Tests
Test ID | Reporting Name | Available Separately | Always Performed |
---|---|---|---|
FIBR | Fibroblast Culture | Yes | Yes |
CRYOB | Cryopreserve for Biochem Studies | No | Yes |
Testing Algorithm
When this test is ordered, a fibroblast culture and cryopreservation for biochemical studies will always be performed at an additional charge. However, for multiple lysosomal enzyme assays on a patient utilizing fibroblast culture, only 1 culture is required regardless of the number of enzyme assays ordered. If viable cells are not obtained within 10 days, client will be notified.
Special Instructions
Method Name
G6ST: Fluorometric
FIBR: Cultivated from Biopsy as Monolayer
CRYOB: Fibroblast Subculture Followed by Cryopreservation and Storage
Reporting Name
N-Acetylgalactosamine 6 Slft, FibroSpecimen Type
TissueThis test is not recommended for prenatal testing.
Forms: 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 (Supply T576) is available in Special Instructions.
Submit only 1 of the following specimens:
Specimen Type: Cultured fibroblasts
Container/Tube: T-75 or T-25 flask
Specimen Volume: 1 Full T-75 flask or 2 full T-25 flasks
Specimen Stability Information: Ambient (preferred)/Refrigerated <24 hours
Specimen Type: Skin biopsy
Container/Tube: Sterile container with any standard cell culture media (eg, minimal essential media, RPMI 1640). The solution should be supplemented with 1% penicillin and streptomycin. Tubes can be supplied upon request (Eagle's minimum essential medium with 1% penicillin and streptomycin [Supply T115]).
Specimen Volume: 4-mm punch
Specimen Stability Information: Refrigerated (preferred)/Ambient
Specimen Minimum Volume
NA
Specimen Stability Information
Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
---|---|---|
Tissue | Varies |
Clinical Information
Mucopolysaccharidosis IVA, (MPS IVA, Morquio A syndrome) is an autosomal recessive mucopolysaccharidosis caused by reduced or absent N-acetylgalactosamine-6-sulfate sulfatase (GALNS) enzyme activity. The mucopolysaccharidoses are a group of disorders caused by the deficiency of any of the enzymes involved in the stepwise degradation of dermatan sulfate, heparan sulfate, keratan sulfate, or chondroitin sulfate (glycosaminoglycans, GAGs). Accumulation of GAGs (previously called mucopolysaccharides) in lysosomes interferes with normal functioning of cells, tissues, and organs.
Clinical features and severity of symptoms of MPS IVA are widely variable and affect multiple body systems. Clinical features may include skeletal dysplasia, short stature, dental anomalies, corneal clouding, respiratory insufficiency, and cardiac disease. Intelligence is usually normal. Treatment options are mostly limited to symptom management, however, more recently available enzyme replacement therapy has shown to be effective in improving some function and quality of life for individuals with Morquio A. Estimates of the incidence of Morquio A syndrome range from 1 in 200,000 to 1 in 300,000 live births.
A diagnostic workup in an individual with MPS IVA typically demonstrates elevated levels of urinary GAGs and increased keratan sulfate and chondroitin-6-sulfate detected via quantitative and qualitative liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis of the specific sulfates. Morquio B is a genetically distinct disorder caused by a deficiency of beta-galactosidase and has a significant number of overlapping clinical features with Morquio A. Enzyme analysis is necessary to distinguish between the 2 types. Reduced or absent activity of N-acetylgalactosamine-6-sulfate sulfatase enzyme in leukocytes or fibroblasts can confirm a diagnosis of MPS IVA. Sequencing of the GALNS gene allows for detection of disease-causing mutations in affected patients and identification of familial mutations allows for testing of at-risk family members.
Reference Values
≥163 nmol/17 hour/mg protein
Cautions
The test cannot be used to establish carrier status for Morquio A disease.
Day(s) Performed
Varies
Report Available
30-60 days depending on rapidity of growthPerforming Laboratory

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
82657-N-Acetylgalactosamine-6-sulfate sulfatase
88233-Fibroblast culture
88240-Cryopreservation for biochemical studies