Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency is inherited in families in an autosomal codominant pattern
"Individuals receive one version of a gene, called an allele, from each parent. If the alleles are different, the dominant allele usually will be expressed, while the effect of the other allele, called recessive, is masked. In codominance, .... Codominant"Individuals receive one version of a gene, called an allele, from each parent. If the alleles are different, the dominant allele usually will be expressed, while the effect of the other allele, called recessive, is masked. In codominance, ... inheritance means that two different variants of the gene (alleles) may be expressed, and both versions contribute to the genetic trait. There is no recessive Alpha gene as the term “carrier” would imply.
In order to be classified as having Alpha-1, an individual must inherit at least one abnormal AATalpha-1 antitrypsin genes. Individuals who have one abnormal AATalpha-1 antitrypsin gene and one normal AATalpha-1 antitrypsin gene are sometimes referred to as heterozygotes or “carriersAn Alpha-1 Carrier is a person who has one normal ATT gene (M) and one defective AAT gene (usually S or Z). It does NOT mean you cannot get sick..”
Introduction to Alpha-1 – Big Fat Reference Guide, AlphaNet
Many of the risk factors that can lead to disease in Alphas are known, and the management of these risk factors is one of the most important ways in which individuals with Alpha-1 can directly affect the quality of their lives. Recently, there has been a growing appreciation that individuals who have been identified as carriersAn Alpha-1 Carrier is a person who has one normal ATT gene (M) and one defective AAT gene (usually S or Z). It does NOT mean you cannot get sick. of the Alpha-1 gene also may be at increased risk for disease development. Therefore, limiting exposure to environmental risk factors is important for these individuals as well.
If a person inherits one M gene and one Z gene or one S gene (‘type PiMZ’ or ‘type PiMS’), that person is a carrierAn Alpha-1 Carrier is a person who has one normal ATT gene (M) and one defective AAT gene (usually S or Z). It does NOT mean you cannot get sick. of the disorder. While such a person may not have normal levels of alpha-1 antitrypsin, there should be enough to protect the lungs. However, carriersAn Alpha-1 Carrier is a person who has one normal ATT gene (M) and one defective AAT gene (usually S or Z). It does NOT mean you cannot get sick. with the MZ alleles have an increased risk for lung disease, particularly if they smoke.
Learning About Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency (AATD) – National Human Genome Research Institute
This video is an informational talk by Dr. Sandhaus from 2015. It covers the health risks to carriersAn Alpha-1 Carrier is a person who has one normal ATT gene (M) and one defective AAT gene (usually S or Z). It does NOT mean you cannot get sick., knowledge gaps, and evidence for and against various treatments for carriersAn Alpha-1 Carrier is a person who has one normal ATT gene (M) and one defective AAT gene (usually S or Z). It does NOT mean you cannot get sick..
Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency carriersAn Alpha-1 Carrier is a person who has one normal ATT gene (M) and one defective AAT gene (usually S or Z). It does NOT mean you cannot get sick. (ie, heterozygous individuals) do not normally have severe α1ATD-related diseases, and most of them are not aware of their carrierAn Alpha-1 Carrier is a person who has one normal ATT gene (M) and one defective AAT gene (usually S or Z). It does NOT mean you cannot get sick. status. These carriersAn Alpha-1 Carrier is a person who has one normal ATT gene (M) and one defective AAT gene (usually S or Z). It does NOT mean you cannot get sick. may be more vulnerable to carcinogen-containing tobacco smoke than non-carriers, especially when their α1AT levels are compromised under physiologic stress or they have subclinical lung tissue damage.
Alpha1-Antitrypsin Deficiency Carriers, Tobacco Smoke, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, and Lung Cancer Risk – NCBI
Resources
- Am I an Alpha-1 carrier? – Alpha-1 Foundation