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Kleynerman A, Rybova J, Faber ML, McKillop WM, Levade T, Medin JA. Acid Ceramidase Deficiency: Bridging Gaps between Clinical Presentation, Mouse Models, and Future Therapeutic Interventions. Biomolecules 2023; 13:biom13020274. [PMID: 36830643 PMCID: PMC9953133 DOI: 10.3390/biom13020274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Farber disease (FD) and spinal muscular atrophy with progressive myoclonic epilepsy (SMA-PME) are ultra-rare, autosomal-recessive, acid ceramidase (ACDase) deficiency disorders caused by ASAH1 gene mutations. Currently, 73 different mutations in the ASAH1 gene have been described in humans. These mutations lead to reduced ACDase activity and ceramide (Cer) accumulation in many tissues. Presenting as divergent clinical phenotypes, the symptoms of FD vary depending on central nervous system (CNS) involvement and severity. Classic signs of FD include, but are not limited to, a hoarse voice, distended joints, and lipogranulomas found subcutaneously and in other tissues. Patients with SMA-PME lack the most prominent clinical signs seen in FD. Instead, they demonstrate muscle weakness, tremors, and myoclonic epilepsy. Several ACDase-deficient mouse models have been developed to help elucidate the complex consequences of Cer accumulation. In this review, we compare clinical reports on FD patients and experimental descriptions of ACDase-deficient mouse models. We also discuss clinical presentations, potential therapeutic strategies, and future directions for the study of FD and SMA-PME.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annie Kleynerman
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Jitka Rybova
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Mary L. Faber
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - William M. McKillop
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Thierry Levade
- Laboratoire de Biochimie Métabolique, CHU Toulouse, and INSERM U1037, Centre de Recherches en Cancérologie de Toulouse, Université Paul Sabatier, 31062 Toulouse, France
| | - Jeffrey A. Medin
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-414-955-4118
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Ehlert K, Levade T, Di Rocco M, Lanino E, Albert MH, Führer M, Jarisch A, Güngör T, Ayuk F, Vormoor J. Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation in Farber disease. J Inherit Metab Dis 2019; 42:286-294. [PMID: 30815900 DOI: 10.1002/jimd.12043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Farber disease (FD) is a rare, lysosomal storage disorder caused by deficient acid ceramidase activity. FD has long been considered a fatal disorder with death in the first three decades of life resulting either from respiratory insufficiency as a consequence of airway involvement or from progressive neurodegeneration because of nervous system involvement. Peripheral symptoms associated with FD, including inflammatory joint disease, have been described to improve relatively rapidly after hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). AIMS To evaluate the disease-specific status and limitations in the long-term follow-up after HCT, investigate genotype/phenotype correlations and the benefit of allogeneic HCT in FD patients with nervous system involvement. PATIENTS AND METHODS Transplant- and disease-related information of ten FD patients was obtained by using a questionnaire, physicians' letters and additional telephone surveys. ASAH1 gene mutations were identified to search for genotype/phenotype correlations. RESULTS After mainly busulfan-based preparative regimens, all patients engrafted with one late graft loss. The inflammatory symptoms resolved completely in all patients. Abnormal neurologic findings were present pre-transplant in 4/10 patients, post-transplant in 6/10 patients. Mutational analyses revealed new mutations in the ASAH1 gene and a broad diversity of phenotypes without a genotype/phenotype correlation. With a median follow-up of 10.4 years, overall survival was 80% with two transplant-related deaths. CONCLUSION Allogeneic HCT leads to complete and persistent resolution of the inflammatory aspects in FD patients. It appears to have no beneficial effect on progression of nervous system involvement. New mutations in the acid ceramidase gene were identified. A genotype/phenotype correlation could not be established.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karoline Ehlert
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Medicine Greifswald, Ferdinand, Sauerbruch-Strasse, D-17475 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Thierry Levade
- Cancer Research Centre of Toulouse, INSERM UMR1037, Toulouse, France
- Laboratoire de Biochimie, Institut Fédératif de Biologie, CHU Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | - Maja Di Rocco
- Department Unit of Rare Diseases, Gaslini Institute, Genoa, Italy
| | - Edoardo Lanino
- Department Unit of Rare Diseases, Gaslini Institute, Genoa, Italy
| | - Michael H Albert
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation, Children's Hospital at Dr von Haunersches Kinderspital, University of München, Munich, Germany
| | - Monika Führer
- Department of Pediatric Palliative Care, Children's Hospital at Dr von Haunersches Kinderspita, University of München, Munich, Germany
| | - Andrea Jarisch
- Department for Children and Adolescents, Division for Stem Cell Transplantation and Immunology, University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Tayfun Güngör
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation, University Children's Hospital Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Francis Ayuk
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation, University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Josef Vormoor
- Northern Institute for Cancer Research, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- Great North Children's Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundations Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
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Goudie C, Alayoubi AM, Tibout P, Duval M, Maranda B, Mitchell D, Mitchell JJ. Hematopoietic stem cell transplant does not prevent neurological deterioration in infants with Farber disease: Case report and literature review. JIMD Rep 2019; 46:46-51. [PMID: 31240154 PMCID: PMC6498832 DOI: 10.1002/jmd2.12008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2018] [Accepted: 12/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Farber disease (FD) is an inherited autosomal recessive disorder of lipid metabolism. The hallmark of the disease is systemic accumulation of ceramide due to lysosomal acid ceramidase deficiency. The involvement of the central nervous system is critical in this disorder leading to rapid deterioration and death within a few years after birth. Efforts to treat patients by hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) have resulted in favorable results in the absence of neurological manifestations. We report the outcomes of HSCT in two patients with FD who received early HSCT and had neurological deterioration posttransplant. We also present a new understanding of the limitations of HSCT in FD management based on our observations of the clinical course of the two patients after therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Goudie
- Division of Hematology‐Oncology, Department of PediatricsMcGill University Health CenterMontrealQuebecCanada
| | - Abdulfatah M. Alayoubi
- Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Human GeneticsMcGill UniversityMontrealQuebecCanada
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, College of Medicine, Taibah UniversityMadinahSaudi Arabia
| | - Pauline Tibout
- Department of PediatricsCHU de Québec—Université LavalQuebecQuébecCanada
| | - Michel Duval
- Division of Hematology‐Oncology, Department of PediatricsCHU Sainte‐Justine, University of MontrealMontrealQuebecCanada
| | - Bruno Maranda
- Division of Genetics, Department of PediatricsUniversité de SherbrookeSherbrookeQuebecCanada
| | - David Mitchell
- Division of Hematology‐Oncology, Department of PediatricsMcGill University Health CenterMontrealQuebecCanada
| | - John J. Mitchell
- Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Human GeneticsMcGill UniversityMontrealQuebecCanada
- Department of PediatricsMcGill UniversityMontrealQuebecCanada
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Yu FPS, Amintas S, Levade T, Medin JA. Acid ceramidase deficiency: Farber disease and SMA-PME. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2018; 13:121. [PMID: 30029679 PMCID: PMC6053731 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-018-0845-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2018] [Accepted: 06/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Acid ceramidase (ACDase) deficiency is a spectrum of disorders that includes a rare lysosomal storage disorder called Farber disease (FD) and a rare epileptic disorder called spinal muscular atrophy with progressive myoclonic epilepsy (SMA-PME). Both disorders are caused by mutations in the ASAH1 gene that encodes the lysosomal hydrolase that breaks down the bioactive lipid ceramide. To date, there have been fewer than 200 reported cases of FD and SMA-PME in the literature. Typical textbook manifestations of classical FD include the formation of subcutaneous nodules, accumulation of joint contractures, and development of a hoarse voice. In reality, however, the clinical presentation is much broader. Patients may develop severe pathologies leading to death in infancy or may develop attenuated forms of the disorder wherein they are often misdiagnosed or not diagnosed until adulthood. A clinical variability also exists for SMA-PME, in which patients develop progressive muscle weakness and seizures. Currently, there is no known cure for FD or for SMA-PME. The main treatment is symptom management. In rare cases, treatment may include surgery or hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Research using disease models has provided insights into the pathology as well as the role of ACDase in the development of these conditions. Recent studies have highlighted possible biomarkers for an effective diagnosis of ACDase deficiency. Ongoing work is being conducted to evaluate the use of recombinant human ACDase (rhACDase) for the treatment of FD. Finally, gene therapy strategies for the treatment of ACDase deficiency are actively being pursued. This review highlights the broad clinical definition and outlines key studies that have improved our understanding of inherited ACDase deficiency-related conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabian P. S. Yu
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON Canada
| | - Samuel Amintas
- Laboratoire de Biochimie Métabolique, Institut Fédératif de Biologie, CHU Purpan, Toulouse, France
| | - Thierry Levade
- Laboratoire de Biochimie Métabolique, Institut Fédératif de Biologie, CHU Purpan, Toulouse, France
- INSERM UMR1037 CRCT, Université de Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | - Jeffrey A. Medin
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON Canada
- Departments of Pediatrics and Biochemistry, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI USA
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Zielonka M, Garbade SF, Kölker S, Hoffmann GF, Ries M. A cross-sectional quantitative analysis of the natural history of Farber disease: an ultra-orphan condition with rheumatologic and neurological cardinal disease features. Genet Med 2017; 20:524-530. [PMID: 29048419 DOI: 10.1038/gim.2017.133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2017] [Accepted: 06/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
PurposeFarber disease (OMIM 22800) is an ultrarare progressive multisystemic neurodevelopmental storage disorder caused by a deficiency of the lysosomal enzyme acid ceramidase (AC). Hard clinical end points for future clinical trials remain to be defined.MethodsWe quantitatively analyzed published cases with Farber disease (N = 96). The main outcome variables were survival and diagnostic delay. As a potential predictor of survival, the influence of residual AC enzyme activity was investigated. The analysis was performed in compliance with STROBE criteria.ResultsThe median survival period of the study population was 3 years. The median age at disease onset was 3 months, and the median age at diagnosis was 17 months. The median diagnostic delay was 13.75 months. Patients with residual AC activity in fibroblasts at more than 5.1% of the normal level survived significantly longer than patients with residual AC activity below this threshold. In addition, higher residual AC activity was associated with a later onset of symptoms.ConclusionFarber disease onset is in infancy. Diagnostic delay is typically substantial. Our data suggest a phenotype-biomarker association with implications for future clinical and therapeutic trials. In the absence of a prospective multicenter natural-history study protocol, we believe that our modeling approach, based on published case descriptions, is the best and most timely approximation for generalizability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Zielonka
- Division of Pediatric Neurology and Metabolic Medicine, Center for Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.,Center for Rare Diseases, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.,Heidelberg Research Center for Molecular Medicine (HRCMM), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Sven F Garbade
- Division of Pediatric Neurology and Metabolic Medicine, Center for Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.,Center for Rare Diseases, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Stefan Kölker
- Division of Pediatric Neurology and Metabolic Medicine, Center for Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.,Center for Rare Diseases, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Georg F Hoffmann
- Division of Pediatric Neurology and Metabolic Medicine, Center for Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.,Center for Rare Diseases, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Markus Ries
- Division of Pediatric Neurology and Metabolic Medicine, Center for Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.,Center for Rare Diseases, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
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Schuchman EH, Mitchell J, Solyom A. Morbidity and mortality associated with Farber disease and prospects for therapy. Expert Opin Orphan Drugs 2017. [DOI: 10.1080/21678707.2017.1359086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Edward H. Schuchman
- Genetic Disease Foundation-Francis Crick Professor, Department of Genetics & Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - John Mitchell
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Montreal Children’s Hospital, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Alex Solyom
- Clinical Research & Patient Affairs, Enzyvant, Basel, Switzerland
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Abstract
Paediatric motor neuron diseases encompass a group of neurodegenerative diseases characterised by the onset of muscle weakness and atrophy before the age of 18 years, attributable to motor neuron loss across various neuronal networks in the brain and spinal cord. While the genetic underpinnings are diverse, advances in next generation sequencing have transformed diagnostic paradigms. This has reinforced the clinical phenotyping and molecular genetic expertise required to navigate the complexities of such diagnoses. In turn, improved genetic technology and subsequent gene identification have enabled further insights into the mechanisms of motor neuron degeneration and how these diseases form part of a neurodegenerative disorder spectrum. Common pathophysiologies include abnormalities in axonal architecture and function, RNA processing, and protein quality control. This review incorporates an overview of the clinical manifestations, genetics, and pathophysiology of inherited paediatric motor neuron disorders beyond classic SMN1-related spinal muscular atrophy and describes recent advances in next generation sequencing and its clinical application. Specific disease-modifying treatment is becoming a clinical reality in some disorders of the motor neuron highlighting the importance of a timely and specific diagnosis.
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Cheng YF, Huang XJ. [Paraplegia after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation]. ZHONGHUA XUE YE XUE ZA ZHI = ZHONGHUA XUEYEXUE ZAZHI 2017; 38:357-360. [PMID: 28468104 PMCID: PMC7342721 DOI: 10.3760/cma.j.issn.0253-2727.2017.04.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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Schuchman EH. Acid ceramidase and the treatment of ceramide diseases: The expanding role of enzyme replacement therapy. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2016; 1862:1459-71. [PMID: 27155573 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2016.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2016] [Revised: 04/18/2016] [Accepted: 05/03/2016] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Ceramides are a diverse group of sphingolipids that play important roles in many biological processes. Acid ceramidase (AC) is one key enzyme that regulates ceramide metabolism. Early research on AC focused on the fact that it is the enzyme deficient in the rare genetic disorder, Farber Lipogranulomatosis. Recent research has revealed that deficiency of the same enzyme is responsible for a rare form of spinal muscular atrophy associated with myoclonic epilepsy (SMA-PME). Due to their diverse role in biology, accumulation of ceramides also has been implicated in the pathobiology of many other common diseases, including infectious lung diseases, diabetes, cancers and others. This has revealed the potential of AC as a therapy for many of these diseases. This review will focus on the biology of AC and the potential role of this enzyme in the treatment of human disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward H Schuchman
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
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Dworski S, Berger A, Furlonger C, Moreau JM, Yoshimitsu M, Trentadue J, Au BCY, Paige CJ, Medin JA. Markedly perturbed hematopoiesis in acid ceramidase deficient mice. Haematologica 2015; 100:e162-5. [PMID: 25682603 DOI: 10.3324/haematol.2014.108530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Makoto Yoshimitsu
- Division of Hematology and Immunology, Center for Chronic Viral Diseases, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima University, Japan
| | | | | | - Christopher J Paige
- University Health Network, Toronto, Canada Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Canada Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Canada
| | - Jeffrey A Medin
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Canada University Health Network, Toronto, Canada Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Canada
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