What Is Pompe Disease?

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What is Pompe Disease? Pompe disease is a genetic disorder which deals with a mutation within a gene called the GAA gene, glucosidase, alpha; acid, and produces an enzyme to produce a buildup of glycogen, a complex sugar, within body cells which cause the lysosomes to not reuse the sugar properly. The name of this enzyme is called alpha-glucosidase, more commonly known as acid maltase. The GAA gene is located on Chromosome 17 on the q arm between the positions 25.2 and 25.3 (GAA, paragraph 4). A GAA gene is used to make normal acid maltase which breaks down the glycogen into glucose, a simple sugar molecule. Lysosomes are used to digest, or break down, proteins and sugars for energy. There are different mutations of this gene which causes the disease of Pompe in people. (GAA, paragraph 3) Some of these mutations consist of the alteration of the protein building block, the destruction or inserting of the genetic information located within the GAA gene. What does Pompe do? Pompe impairs the normal functioning of different tissues, muscle and organs, mostly muscles. Pompe has been known for three forms of classifications. “These types are known as classic infantile-onset, non-classic infantile-onset, and late-onset” (Pompe disease, paragraph 2). Classic infantile-onset is where infants, within a few months of life, obtain this disease. The baby becomes frail and small because of them not gaining weight and under the normal growth level. Some of the symptoms include “muscle weakness (myopathy), poor muscle tone (hypotonia), an enlarged liver (hepatomegaly), and heart defects” (Pompe disease, paragraph 3). If the disease is not treated immediately then death is cause by the failure of the heart. Non-clas... ... middle of paper ... ...Johnson, P., & Blachford, S., Ed. (2010). Pompe disease. In Gale encyclopedia of genetic disorders. Retrieved from Gale Student Resources in Context database. (Accession No. ZHFSNC075777404) NINDS pompe disease information page. (2013, February 20). Retrieved January 14, 2014, from National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke website: http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/pompe/pompe.htm Pompe disease. (2014, January 13). Retrieved January 18, 2014, from Genetics Home Reference website: http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition/pompe-disease The successful effort to develop myozyme® and bring new hope to families affected by pompe disease. (2014). Retrieved January 26, 2014, from Genzyme website: http://www.genzyme.com/promos/pompe-movie.aspx United pompe foundation. (2014). Retrieved January 14, 2014, from United Pompe Foundation website: http://www.unitedpompe.com/

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