Methylation Panel Plus Methylation Genomics

Please note:  This test contains both a blood draw and a buccal swab.  It is your responsibility to contact Genova for a list of blood draw centers they contract with and you will be responsible for any additional fees pertaining to the blood draw that the center charges.

Description: The Methylation Panel is an innovative test designed to offer insight into the critical biochemical methylation pathway. Methylation metabolites are measured in plasma, and genetic single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are analyzed via buccal swab. The results are synthesized on a front-page Interpretation-at-a-Glance (IAAG) graphic for quick methylation status assessment. Within the report, results are shown in a methylation pathway graphic to provide a clear understanding of the biochemistry involved.

Methylation is a chemical process that happens billions of times per second in every cell of the body. Methyl groups are transferred and donated between many different molecules which change their structure and function. Methyl groups act like billions of switches which turn genes on or off, help regulate mood, detoxify hormones, produce energy, and promote healthy aging. Vitamins, minerals, and amino acids from the diet are needed to keep this process running smoothly. There are also genetic factors and oxidative stressors which can affect how well this pathway works. Methylation is needed to create DNA and RNA and regulate gene expression. It helps make creatine, which is needed for skeletal muscle contraction. Methylation is involved in basic energy production, fat metabolism, immune responses, vascular health, and cell membrane repair. It produces and metabolizes neurotransmitters to regulate mood. Methylation also works to neutralize toxins and hormones. Methylation defects have been associated with many clinical conditions including, but not limited to cancer, autism, ADHD, congenital and neural tube defects, cognitive decline, depression, cardiovascular disease, and schizophrenia. Analytes are measured utilizing Liquid Chromatography with tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) except for glutathione which is a colorimetric assay developed for an automated chemistry platform. The genetic SNPs are assessed via pyrosequencing.

Methylation Panel Analytes Reported:

• Betaine
• Betaine/Choline Ratio
• Choline
• Cystathionine
• Cysteine
• Dimethylglycine (DMG)
• Glutathione
• Glycine
• Homocysteine
• Met/Sulf Ratio
• Methionine
• Methylation Balance Ratio
• S-Adenosylhomocysteine (SAH)
• S-Adenosylmethionine (SAM)
• SAM/SAH Ratio
• Sarcosine
• Serine
• Taurine

Methylation Genomics Portion of Test Analytes Reported:

• BHMT G742A
• CBS C699T
• COMT V158M
• GNMT C1289T
• MAT D1877A
• MTHFR C677T/A1298C
• MTR A2756G
• MTRR A66G
• SHMT1 C1420T