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ASL
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ASLOn this page:
Reviewed March 2007
What is the official name of the ASL gene?The official name of this gene is “argininosuccinate lyase.” ASL is the gene's official symbol. The ASL gene is also known by other names, listed below. Read more about gene names and symbols on the About page. What is the normal function of the ASL gene?The ASL gene provides instructions for making the protein argininosuccinate lyase. This enzyme participates in the urea cycle, a series of reactions that occur in liver cells. The urea cycle processes excess nitrogen, generated when protein is used by the body, to make a compound called urea that is excreted by the kidneys. Excreting the excess nitrogen prevents it from accumulating in the form of ammonia. The specific role of the ASL enzyme is to start the reaction in which the amino acid arginine, a building block of proteins, is produced from argininosuccinate, the molecule that carries the waste nitrogen collected earlier in the urea cycle. The arginine is later broken down into urea, which is excreted, and ornithine, which restarts the urea cycle. How are changes in the ASL gene related to health conditions?
Where is the ASL gene located?Cytogenetic Location: 7q11.21 Molecular Location on chromosome 7: base pairs 65,540,775 to 65,558,329 The ASL gene is located on the long (q) arm of chromosome 7 at position 11.21. More precisely, the ASL gene is located from base pair 65,540,775 to base pair 65,558,329 on chromosome 7. See How do geneticists indicate the location of a gene? in the Handbook. Where can I find additional information about ASL?You and your healthcare professional may find the following resources about ASL helpful.
You may also be interested in these resources, which are designed for genetics professionals and researchers.
What other names do people use for the ASL gene or gene products?
See How are genetic conditions and genes named? in the Handbook. Where can I find general information about genes?The Handbook provides basic information about genetics in clear language.
These links provide additional genetics resources that may be useful. What glossary definitions help with understanding ASL?acids ; aciduria ; amino acid ; ammonia ; cell ; compound ; DNA ; enzyme ; excretion ; gene ; kidney ; molecule ; mutation ; nervous system ; neurological ; protein ; sign ; symptom ; toxic ; urea You may find definitions for these and many other terms in the Genetics Home Reference Glossary. See also Understanding Medical Terminology.
References (11 links)
The resources on this site should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice. Users seeking information about a personal genetic disease, syndrome, or condition should consult with a qualified healthcare professional. See How can I find a genetics professional in my area? in the Handbook. |