Ornithine transcarbamylase (OTC) (E.C. 2.1.3.3) is one of the enzymes in the urea cycle, which involves in a sequence of reactions in the liver cells. During protein assimilation in our body surplus nitrogen is made, this open nitrogen is altered into urea and expelled out of the body by kidneys, in this cycle OTC helps in the conversion of free toxic nitrogen into urea. Ornithine transcarbamyl...

Ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency (OTCD, OMIM# 311250) is an inherited X-linked urea cycle disorder that is characterized by hyperammonemia and orotic aciduria. In this report, we describe a new animal model of OTCD caused by a spontaneous mutation in the mouse Otc gene (c.240T>A, p.K80N). This transversion in exon 3 of ornithine transcarbamylase leads to normal levels of mRNA with low leve...

We have achieved significant improvement of ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency (OTCD) in a mouse model through adenoviral-mediated gene transfer of the human ornithine transcarbamylase cDNA. Substantial reduction in orotic aciduria was observed within 24 h of treatment. Metabolic correction was later associated with phenotypic correction and moderate increase in enzymatic activity. In an eff...

Urea cycle defects (UCDs) typically present with hyperammonemia, the duration and peak levels of which are directly related to the neurologic outcome. Liver transplantation can cure the underlying defect for some conditions, but the preexisting neurologic status is a major factor in the final outcome. Multicenter data indicate that most of the children who receive transplants remain significant...

Although biotin is required for the synthesis of the inducible malic enzyme in Lactobacillus arabinosus 17-5 (I), partially purified preparations of the enzyme do not contain biotin (a), and avidin does not affect the activity of the enzyme (3). The formation of another enzyme, ornithine transcarbamylase, in iStreptococcus Zactis 8039 is also diminished by a biotin deficiency (4), but purified ...