PGx MALIGNANT HYPERTHERMIA

Scientifically reviewed | Last updated
For more information see our editorial policy

CACNA1S, RYR1

Malignant hyperthermia (MH) is a genetic disorder affecting Ca²⁺ regulation in skeletal muscle. In genetically predisposed individuals, the administration of volatile anesthetics (fluranes) and depolarizing muscle relaxants (e.g., succinylcholine) can lead to a potentially life-threatening hypermetabolic crisis. Symptoms are highly variable, ranging from mild manifestations to a fulminant MH crisis.

 

Pathogenic variants in the ryanodine receptor 1 (RYR1) and the dihydropyridine receptor (voltage-dependent L-type calcium channel, CACNA1S) are associated with a predisposition to MH. The inheritance pattern is autosomal dominant with incomplete penetrance. Variants in one of these genes have been identified in approximately 75% of MH families. Detecting a causative variant allows for targeted screening of at-risk family members. However, only about 50 variants have currently been classified as causative by the European Malignant Hyperthermia Group (EMHG).

 

Moreover, not all affected patients in studies showed detectable variants in RYR1 or CACNA1S, meaning a negative molecular genetic result does not rule out MH. Therefore, when MH is suspected and the genetic test is negative—or when variants of uncertain significance are found—the in vitro contracture test (IVCT) should be performed to confirm the diagnosis.

 

A list from the EMHG with variants considered to be clearly pathogenic can be found here.

 

References

Gonsalves et al., Clin Pharmacol Ther. 2018 Nov 30. doi: 10.1002/cpt.1319

 

 

GENES
CACNA1S, RYR1
HOW CAN YOU GET TESTED?
Step 1: Visit healthcare professional
Step 2: Sample collection (blood or buccal swab)
Step 3: Sequencing performed at our accredited laboratory
Step 4: Medical report
Step 5: Genetic counselling
FAQ

How can pharmacogenomic analysis help identify patients at risk for MH?

How long does it take to receive PGx Malignant Hyperthermia test results?

How do pharmacogenomic insights support personalized treatment decisions?

CONTACT US

Please get in touch with us for any questions, inquiries, feedback or with any comments you might have.

LATEST ARTICLES

The Human Genome Project, created to determine the sequence of the human genome, was one of the most important biomedical research projects of the 20...

Read more

The endometrial microbiome is increasingly recognized as a factor in reproductive health, and imbalances in microbial composition have been linked to...

Read more

Spinal muscular atrophy is a rare genetic condition that weakens muscles by affecting the motor nerve cells in the spinal cord. It is a leading genet...

Read more

Summer encourages people to spend more time outdoors, soaking in the sun and enjoying the season’s warm weather. While sunlight can have beneficial...

Read more

We're thrilled to share the results of Medicover Genetics essay competition for high school students as well as the two winning essays. This competit...

Read more

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a life-threatening, progressive, inherited condition that causes severe damage to the body, primarily affecting the organs of...

Read more

Down syndrome is a genetic condition caused by the presence of an extra copy of chromosome 21. It affects physical growth, facial features, and cogni...

Read more

Every year on April 25th, DNA Day celebrates the discovery of DNA’s double helix and the advances we’ve made in understanding genetics. D...

Read more

Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) have diverse genetic origins, making diagnosis challenging. A new study analyzing over 1,100 pediatric patients f...

Read more

Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains one of the most prevalent and deadly cancers worldwide, with a significant number of cases presenting at an advanced ...

Read more