MTHFR and the Methylation Genes

Do we need to test all the methylation genes, or is MTHFR enough?

MTHFR (methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase) is an enzyme that converts folate into 5-MTHF.  This vital conversion takes place early in the methylation cycle.   

A SNP (single nucleotide polymorphism) is a variation in a gene sequence that can result in the under functioning of a gene.

MTHFR can have a SNP in the coding which correlates to under functioning of the methylation cycle.  In fact it can have two SNP's MTHFR 677 and MTHFR 1298.  Depending on the combination of these SNP's, this under functioning could be significant.

However, there are also other points within the methylation cycle and its off-shoots that can be compromised by SNP's. These include MTR, MTRR, MTHFD1, DHFR, CBS, COMT, FUT2 and TCN2.

The point to make here, without getting any more complex, is that Methylation is a cycle.  It goes through a number of processes to reach its end goal.  To understand the efficacy of this process, we need to assess all the genes involved.    

There is no doubt that MTHFR has a significant impact and is a well researched gene.  If we just test for this, we are getting very useful information.  However, if we wish to understand and optimize methylation, then we need a complete picture.  This involves  testing all the clinically relevant genes that we know have an impact on methylation function.

This understanding of the inter-connectedness of methylation genes can now be expanded out further.  Methylation impacts every other system within the body.  When we assess complete functional genetic profiles such as the myDNA Comprehensive Health Report, we begin to see these web-like fingers that branch out to affect other organs and systems.  Which in turn can be impacted by their own specific SNP's.  

Only the SNP's that meet the threshold for clinical relevance are included in these profiles.  In summary, my suggestion is that you get the most comprehensive DNA test that is currently available in order to understand and optimize your health.

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