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A1298C Mutations – What You Need To Know

In the current state of medical research, studies don’t often differentiate between C677T mutations and A1298C mutations so much of the research applies to both – lumping MTHFR polymorphisms into one category, and “wild-type” genes (the research term for “normal”) into another. Still, we are starting to get a few more specific pieces of information. Let’s go over the technical details first.

A1298C Nomenclature

  • 1298 is the marker for this particular MTHFR gene.
  • The official genetics labeling of this gene is Rs1801131.
  • The A…C stands for the nucleotide bases you actually have. A = adenine, C = cytosine. Essentially A1298C means At location 1298 of this gene there is typically an adenine (A) but there is actually a cytosine (C).
  • The “wild-type” or typical form of this gene is A1298A.
  • You have two possible copies – one from each parent.
  • Two wild-type copies = typical genetics. No polymorphism. (A1298A)
  • One wild-type and one altered (bad) copy = heterozygous. (A1298C)
  • Two altered (bad) copies = homozygous. (this is sometimes just written as A1298C and sometimes as A1298CC. Occasionally I see C1298C, but that is confusing nomenclature and isn’t commonly used.)
  • The A1298C polymorphism results in an amino acid substitution in the final protein of the MTHFR enzyme. This is a glu429-to-ala (E429A) substitution. This means in the MTHFR enzyme that the gene manufactures, there is supposed to be glutamine, but instead, we see an alanine.
  • This substitution happens in the part of the enzyme that is presumed to be the regulatory domain.
MTHFR A1298C mutation nomenclature
Nomenclature of the mutation MTHFR A1298C

So, What Does This Mean?

We can sum it up pretty quickly.

C;C individuals (homozygous) have about 55% of the expected activity of the enzyme. This means ~ 45% compromise.

A;C folks (heterozygous) have about 75% of the expected activity of the enzyme. Meaning ~25% compromise.

It is important to notice that both of these groups have some enzyme activity – this copy of the MTHFR enzyme is still working, it’s just working at a lower capacity because the enzyme “magic chair” is lumpy. If you have no idea what I’m talking about, follow the link to see the simplest possible description of what enzymes do.

Is This Mutation Worse Than Other Mutations?

Honestly, the biggest difference that we know of between the C677T and the A1298C mutation is just the level of enzyme compromise. Because this particular polymorphism is associated with a lesser compromise, less specific research has been done on this polymorphism. It seems like most of the research shows a direct link between enzyme compromise, regardless of cause, and outcome.

What that means is that outside of the degree to which it slows down the enzyme, there isn’t really any difference between C677T and A1298C that we know of. Of course, future research might reveal something, but at this time the degree of compromise in the enzyme activity seems to be the strongest determinant of how much you are affected.

But Amy – That Isn’t What The Internets Say!

I know. I have seen every kind of article claiming that A1298C mutations have more tendency towards neurotransmitter imbalance than C677T, Also, that C677T mutations are more likely to lead to high homocysteine. But as far as I can tell, this started with someone making some kind of conclusion, and then the rest of the internet echoing that same conclusion back to them without bothering to actually do the research.

As far as all of the research I have seen, the thing that matters is how compromised your MTHFR enzyme is, in combination with how much folate you’re getting. As more research is completed this idea might be refined, revised, or even overturned completely, but for now, this is it.

Of course, someone might have a compelling argument why I’m wrong and honestly, I would love to hear it, and even more, I”d love to see the research!

Just for convenience, here is a table with levels of compromise.

Mutation% Enzyme Activity
(Presented as a range because different studies find different values.)
A1298C60 – 92%
A1298CC52 – 60%
C677T51 – 73%
C677TT22 – 32%
Compound Heterozygous36 – 60%

It’s fascinating that we speak with such conviction about things like level of compromise, when in reality there are very few studies, and those studies don’t actually agree with each other. The three that were used for the above ranges are linked below, just in case you’re curious. You will note that the difference between a 36% activity and a 60% activity is almost a factor of two, and yet between two different studies, the range was that broad. So obviously, the research has a long way to go.

As a result of several studies, it has been demonstrated that the MTHFR polymorphism A1298C is associated with strength and speed
Speed and strength athletics are associated with A1298C mutations, but not with C677T, No clue why.

To Clarify – There Probably Are Differences Between C677T and A1298C – We Just Don’t Understand Them Yet.

Because we’re in the early phase of research, the bulk of studies look at wild-type genes vs. polymorphisms as a group and then sometimes pull out smaller data like homozygous vs. heterozygous and detail things like that. Once we’ve built up a more complete body of research, then the smaller questions will start to be explored. I strongly suspect that we will find differences in the challenges faced by both groups and I also suspect that they won’t be nearly so cut and dry as “this group has homocysteine challenges where the other group has a hard time making neurotransmitters.” My suspicion is more along the lines of differences in response to therapeutic interventions and treatments.

One interesting aside, is the research being done on athletic performance. Currently, A1298C is showing as an advantage to the highest level of athletes in activities that combine speed and strength, but C677T is not.

overmethylation vs undermethylation is more useful than C677T vs. A1298C
A comparison of overmethylation versus undermethylation is more useful than one comparing C677T versus A1298C.

Clinically, The Overmethylation vs. Undermethylation Distinction Is Far More Useful Than The Particular Mutation.

The basic state differences actually tell us likely responses to supplements, while the particular mutation does no such thing so clinically it is far more relevant than the particular genetic issue. The one thing that knowing your genetics does tell us, is the actual level of compromise, which can be important (but can also usually be extrapolated from symptoms).

This is part of why I don’t think genetic testing is necessary for all people who suspect they have an MTHFR issue. At the end of the day, the symptoms that you experience are far more telling than the actual polymorphisms.

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MTHFR is a common genetic mutation that can contribute to anxiety, depression, fatigue, chronic pain, infertility, and more serious conditions like breast implant illness, heart attack, stroke, chronic fatigue syndrome, and some types of cancer. If you know or suspect you have an MTHFR variant, schedule a free 15-minute meet-and-greet appointment with MTHFR expert Dr. Amy today.

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Amy Neuzil
Amy Neuzil

Dr. Amy Neuzil, N.D. is a leading expert in MTHFR and epigenetics, and she is passionate about helping people achieve optimal health and wellness for their genetic picture. She has helped thousands of people overcome health challenges using a simple, step-by-step approach that starts with where they are today. Dr. Neuzil's unique approach to wellness has helped countless people improve their energy levels, lose weight, and feel better mentally and emotionally. If you're looking for a way to feel your best, Dr. Amy Neuzil can help. Contact her today to learn more about how she can help you achieve optimal health and wellness.

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