MTR Individual Gene-Cell Science Systems Kit:
Note: This is a test kit that will be mailed to you. It can be performed using a swab or a blood draw. Unless we are told otherwise, the swabs will be sent to you. It is your responsibility to arrange for the blood draw for your kit should you choose the blood draw.
Fasting Required: No
Lab: Cell Science Systems
Specimen: Swab (Blood - by request only)
Results: Average processing time 10-15 business days
Note: Result turnaround times are an estimate and are not guaranteed. Our reference lab may need additional time due to weather, holidays, confirmation/repeat testing, or equipment maintenance.
Medication and Supplement Instructions for CSS Testing:
- Testing does not need to be delayed because of medication or supplement use.
- Medications that are part of your daily routine should be continued as they are considered part of your normal physiological state.
- If possible, please avoid taking any oral medications, IV infusions, intramuscular (IM) injections, or oral supplements for 4 hours before blood draw.
- If you are taking medications that may impact white blood cell counts, it is recommended to collect an additional blood tube at the time of your draw.
- For short term medications (such as antibiotics) that will be discontinued, it is best to wait at least 2 weeks after completing the medication before completing your blood draw.
- If you are taking methylene blue, it is recommended to wait at least 72 hours after your last dose before proceeding with your blood draw for the Cellular Nutrition Assay.
- Fasting is not necessary
Description: The MTR gene encodes the methionine synthase (MS) enzyme. MS regenerates methionine from homocysteine using 5-MTHF as a methyl donor and vitamin B12 as the methyl transfer compound. In a first reaction, MS attaches the methyl group from 5-MTHF to vitamin B12, forming a MS-methylcobalamin complex. The MS-methylcobalamin complex then transfers this methyl group to the homocysteine, thus converting it into methionine.
During this process, MS becomes oxidized over time and has to be reduced again to maintain proper function. This step is performed by methionine synthase reductase (MSR) which is encoded by the MTRR gene (see MTRR). MTR gene mutations, C3518T and A2756G, affect function of the enzyme even in the heterozygous form. They are associated with higher homocysteine levels and may lead to hypomethylation. Reported prevalence of A2756G in the Caucasian population is 1.7% in the homozygous form.