Mutant alpha-galactosidase A enzymes identified in Fabry disease patients with residual enzyme activity: biochemical characterization and restoration of normal intracellular processing by 1-deoxygalactonojirimycin

Human in vitro models for Fabry disease: new paths for unravelling disease mechanisms and therapies

Fabry disease is a multi-organ disease, caused by mutations in the GLA gene and leading to a progressive accumulation of glycosphingolipids due to enzymatic absence or malfunction of the encoded alpha-galactosidase A. Since pathomechanisms are not yet fully understood and available treatments are not efficient for all mutation types and tissues, further research is highly needed. This research involves many different model types, with significant effort towards the establishment of an in vivo model. However, these models did not replicate the variety of symptoms observed in patients. As an alternative strategy, patient-derived somatic cells as well as patient-independent cell lines were used to model specific aspects of the disease in vitro. Fabry disease patients present different phenotypes according to the mutation and the level of residual enzyme activity, pointing to the necessity of personalized disease modeling. With the advent of induced pluripotent stem cells, the derivation of a multitude of disease-affected cell types became possible, even in a patient-specific and mutation-specific manner. Only recently, three-dimensional Fabry disease models were established that even more closely resemble the native tissue of investigated organs and will bring research closer to the in vivo situation. This review provides an overview of human in vitro models and their achievements in unravelling the Fabry disease pathomechanism as well as in elucidating current and future treatment strategies.

Fabry disease Enzyme Enhancement on migalastat Study: FEES

BACKGROUND

There is limited information on the α-galactosidase A (α-Gal-A) in vivo response in Fabry patients receiving migalastat. In this single centre study, we evaluated changes from baseline in α-Gal A activity, lyso-Gb3 and other assessments in patients on migalastat.

RESULTS

79 patients were recruited (48 M:31F; median duration receiving migalastat 3.8 years [range = 0.4-14.9 years]). N215S was the commonest genotype in males (67 %) and females (29 %). Leukocyte α-Gal-A showed a positive change from baseline in males (n = 4; median = 20.05); females (n = 8; median = 26). Of these, 3 males and 1 female had N215S (median = 16.7), while 7 females and 1 male had other genotypes (median = 26). No significant changes observed in plasma α-Gal-A. Cross-sectional analysis of post-baseline data confirmed leukocyte α-Gal-A enhancement in males (n = 47; median = 20); females (n = 30; median = 72); N215S (n = 41; median = 29) and other genotypes (n = 36; median = 36.5). Plasma and dried blood spot (DBS) lyso-Gb3 correlated at baseline and post-baseline (r = 0.77 and r = 0.96; p=<0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

In the 12 patients with paired data, there was a median enzyme enhancement of 17.4 (relative change = 2.54) and 33 (relative change = 0.87) in males and in females, respectively. The cross-sectional post-baseline data in 47 patients corroborated leukocyte α-Gal-A enhancement on migalastat. Plasma and DBS lyso-Gb3 correlated well supporting DBS utility for disease monitoring.

A review and recommendations for oral chaperone therapy in adult patients with Fabry disease

Fabry disease (FD) is a rare, X-linked lysosomal storage disorder affecting both males and females caused by genetic abnormalities in the gene encoding the enzyme α-galactosidase A. FD-affected patients represent a highly variable clinical course with first symptoms already appearing in young age. The disease causes a progressive multiple organ dysfunction affecting mostly the heart, kidneys and nervous system, eventually leading to premature death. Disease-specific management of FD includes enzyme replacement therapy with agalsidase α and β or pharmacological oral chaperone migalastat. Migalastat is a low-molecular-mass iminosugar, that reversibly binds to active site of amenable enzyme variants, stabilizing their molecular structure and improving trafficking to the lysosome. Migalastat was approved in the EU in 2016 and is an effective therapy in the estimated 35-50% of all patients with FD with amenable GLA gene variants. This position statement is the first comprehensive review in Central and Eastern Europe of the current role of migalastat in the treatment of FD. The statement provides an overview of the pharmacology of migalastat and summarizes the current evidence from the clinical trial program regarding the safety and efficacy of the drug and its effects on organs typically involved in FD. The position paper also includes a practical guide for clinicians on the optimal selection of patients with FD who will benefit from migalastat treatment, recommendations on the optimal selection of diagnostic tests and the use of tools to identify patients with amenable GLA mutations. Areas for future migalastat clinical research have also been identified.

A theoretical study on binding and stabilization of galactose and novel galactose analogues to the human α-galactosidase A variant causing Fabry disease

α-galactosidase A (α-Gal A) catalyzes the hydrolysis of terminal α-galactosyl moieties from globotriaosylceramide, and mutations in this enzyme lead to the lipid metabolism disorder "Fabry disease". Mutation in α-Gal A possibly causes the protein misfolding, which reduces catalytic activity and stability of the enzyme. A recent study demonstrated that the binding of galactose on the α-Gal A catalytic site significantly increases its stability. Herein, the effect of mutation on secondary structure, structural energy, and galactose affinity of α-Gal A (wild type and A143T variant) was investigated using molecular dynamics simulations and free energy calculations based on MM/GBSA method. The results showed that A143T mutation caused the formation of unusual H-bonds that induced the change in secondary structure and binding affinities toward galactose. The amino acid residues involved in galactose binding were identified. The molecular binding mechanism obtained from this study could be helpful for optimizations and designs of new galactose analogs as pharmacological chaperones against Fabry disease.

Identification of dual active sites in Caenorhabditis elegans GANA-1 protein: an ortholog of the human α-GAL a and α-NAGA enzymes

Fabry disease (FD) is caused by a defective α-galactosidase A (α-GAL A) enzyme responsible for breaking down globotriaosylceramide (Gb₃). To develop affordable therapeutics, more effort is needed to obtain insights into the underlying mechanism of FD and understanding human α-GAL A structure and function in related animal models. We adopted C. elegans as a model to elucidate the sequence and 3D structure of its GANA-1 enzyme and compared it to human α-GAL A. We constructed GANA-1 3D structure by homology modelling and validated the quality of the predicted GANA-1 structure, followed by computational docking of human ligands. The GANA-1 protein shared sequence similarities up to 42.1% with the human α-GAL A in silico and had dual active sites. GANA-1 homology modelling showed that 11 out of 13 amino acids in the first active site of GANA-1 protein overlapped with the human α-GAL A active site, indicating the prospect for substrate cross-reaction. Computational molecular docking using human ligands like Gb₃ (first pocket)_, 4-nitrophenyl-α-D-galactopyranoside (second pocket), α-galactose (second pocket), and N-acetyl-D-galactosamine (second pocket) showed negative binding energy. This revealed that the ligands were able to bind within both GANA-1 active sites, mimicking the human α-GAL A and α-NAGA enzymes. We identified human compounds with adequate docking scores, predicting robust interactions with the GANA-1 active site. Our data suggested that the C. elegans GANA-1 enzyme may possess structural and functional similarities to human α-GAL A, including an intrinsic capability to metabolize Gb₃ deposits.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

The Heart in Fabry Disease: Mechanisms Beyond Storage and Forthcoming Therapies

In patients with Fabry disease (FD), cardiovascular involvement is the main cause of death and reduction of quality of life. Left ventricular hypertrophy mimicking hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is the main feature of FD cardiac involvement although glycolipid storage occurs in all cardiac cellular types. Accumulation of lysosomal globotriasylceramide represents the main mechanism of cardiac damage in early stages, but secondary pathways of cellular and tissue damage, triggered by lysosomal storage, and including altered energy production, inflammation and cell death, contribute to cardiac damage and disease progression. These mechanisms appear prominent in more advanced stages, hampering and reducing the efficacy of FD-specific treatments. Therefore, additional cardiovascular therapies are important to manage cardiovascular symptoms and reduce cardiovascular events. Although new therapies targeting lysosomal storage are in development, a better definition and comprehension of the complex pathophysiology of cardiac damage in FD, may lead to identify new therapeutic targets beyond storage and new therapeutic strategies.

Drug Repositioning for Fabry Disease: Acetylsalicylic Acid Potentiates the Stabilization of Lysosomal Alpha-Galactosidase by Pharmacological Chaperones

Fabry disease is caused by a deficiency of lysosomal alpha galactosidase and has a very large genotypic and phenotypic spectrum. Some patients who carry hypomorphic mutations can benefit from oral therapy with a pharmacological chaperone. The drug requires a very precise regimen because it is a reversible inhibitor of alpha-galactosidase. We looked for molecules that can potentiate this pharmacological chaperone, among drugs that have already been approved for other diseases. We tested candidate molecules in fibroblasts derived from a patient carrying a large deletion in the gene GLA, which were stably transfected with a plasmid expressing hypomorphic mutants. In our cell model, three drugs were able to potentiate the action of the pharmacological chaperone. We focused our attention on one of them, acetylsalicylic acid. We expect that acetylsalicylic acid can be used in synergy with the Fabry disease pharmacological chaperone and prolong its stabilizing effect on alpha-galactosidase.

Fabry disease and kidney involvement: starting from childhood to understand the future

The accumulation of globotriaosylceramide (Gb-3) in multiple organs, such as the heart, kidney, and nervous system, due to mutations in the galactosidase alpha (GLA) gene, represents the key point of Fabry disease (FD). The common symptoms appear in childhood or adolescence, including neuropathic pain, angiokeratoma, acroparesthesia, and corneal opacities. A multi-organ involvement induces a significant deterioration in the quality of life with high mortality in adulthood. The accumulation of Gb-3 involves all types of kidney cells beginning at fetal development, many years before clinical manifestations. A decline in the glomerular filtration rate is rare in children, but it can occur during adolescence. Pediatric patients rarely undergo kidney biopsy that could assess the efficacy of enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) behind its diagnostic role. To date, diagnosis is achieved by detecting reduced α-Gal-A activity in leukocytes and plasma, allowing for the early start of ERT. This review focuses on pediatric kidney involvement in FD, analyzing in depth its diagnostic processes and treatment options.

Migalastat Treatment in a Kidney-Transplanted Patient with Fabry Disease and N215S Mutation: The First Case Report

Fabry disease is a rare X-linked lysosomal storage disorder caused by mutations in the GLA gene, leading to deficient α-galactosidase A activity and, consequently, to glycosphingolipid accumulation in a wide variety of cells. Fabry disease due to N215S (c.644A>G, p.Asn215Ser) missense mutation usually results in a late-onset phenotype presenting with isolated cardiac involvement. We herein present the case of a patient with N215S mutation with cardiac involvement, namely left ventricular hypertrophy and ventricular arrhythmias, and end-stage renal disease requiring kidney transplantation. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of a kidney-transplanted Fabry patient treated with oral pharmacologic chaperone migalastat.

Loss of Function of Mutant IDS Due to Endoplasmic Reticulum-Associated Degradation: New Therapeutic Opportunities for Mucopolysaccharidosis Type II

Mucopolysaccharidosis type II (MPS II) results from the dysfunction of a lysosomal enzyme, iduronate-2-sulfatase (IDS). Dysfunction of IDS triggers the lysosomal accumulation of its substrates, glycosaminoglycans, leading to mental retardation and systemic symptoms including skeletal deformities and valvular heart disease. Most patients with severe types of MPS II die before the age of 20. The administration of recombinant IDS and transplantation of hematopoietic stem cells are performed as therapies for MPS II. However, these therapies either cannot improve functions of the central nervous system or cause severe side effects, respectively. To date, 729 pathogenetic variants in the IDS gene have been reported. Most of these potentially cause misfolding of the encoded IDS protein. The misfolded IDS mutants accumulate in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), followed by degradation via ER-associated degradation (ERAD). Inhibition of the ERAD pathway or refolding of IDS mutants by a molecular chaperone enables recovery of the lysosomal localization and enzyme activity of IDS mutants. In this review, we explain the IDS structure and mechanism of activation, and current findings about the mechanism of degradation-dependent loss of function caused by pathogenetic IDS mutation. We also provide a potential therapeutic approach for MPS II based on this loss-of-function mechanism.

Long-term follow-up of renal function in patients treated with migalastat for Fabry disease

The effect of migalastat on long-term renal outcomes in enzyme replacement therapy (ERT)-naive and ERT-experienced patients with Fabry disease is not well defined. An integrated posthoc analysis of the phase 3 clinical trials and open-label extension studies was conducted to evaluate long-term changes in renal function in patients with Fabry disease and amenable GLA variants who were treated with migalastat for ≥2 years during these studies. The analysis included ERT-naive (n = 36 [23 females]; mean age 45 years; mean baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), 91.4 mL/min/mL/1.73 m²) and ERT-experienced (n = 42 [24 females]; mean age, 50 years; mean baseline eGFR, 89.2 mL/min/1.73m²) patients with amenable variants who received migalastat 123 mg every other day for ≥2 years. The annualized rate of change from baseline to last observation in estimated glomerular filtration rate using the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration equation (eGFR_CKD-EPI) was calculated by both simple linear regression and a random coefficient model. In ERT-naive patients, mean annualized rates of change from baseline in eGFR_CKD-EPI were - 1.6 mL/min/1.73 m² overall and - 1.8 mL/min/1.73 m² and - 1.4 mL/min/1.73 m² in male and female patients, respectively, as estimated by simple linear regression. In ERT-experienced patients, mean annualized rates of change from baseline in eGFR_CKD-EPI were - 1.6 mL/min/1.73 m² overall and - 2.6 mL/min/1.73 m² and - 0.8 mL/min/1.73 m² in male and female patients, respectively. Mean annualized rate of change in eGFR_CKD-EPI in ERT-naive patients with the classic phenotype (defined by white blood cell alpha galactosidase A [α-Gal A] activity of <3% of normal and multiorgan system involvement) was -1.7 mL/min/1.73 m². When calculated using the random coefficient model, which adjusted for sex, age, and baseline renal function, the annualized eGFR_CKD-EPI change was minimal (mean: -0.1 and 0.1 mL/min/1.73 m² in ERT-naive and ERT-experienced patients, respectively). In conclusion, patients with Fabry disease and amenable GLA variants receiving long-term migalastat treatment (≤8.6 years) maintained renal function irrespective of treatment status, sex, or phenotype.

Human α-Galactosidase A Mutants: Priceless Tools to Develop Novel Therapies for Fabry Disease

Fabry disease (FD) is a lysosomal storage disease caused by mutations in the gene for the α-galactosidase A (GLA) enzyme. The absence of the enzyme or its activity results in the accumulation of glycosphingolipids, mainly globotriaosylceramide (Gb3), in different tissues, leading to a wide range of clinical manifestations. More than 1000 natural variants have been described in the GLA gene, most of them affecting proper protein folding and enzymatic activity. Currently, FD is treated by enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) or pharmacological chaperone therapy (PCT). However, as both approaches show specific drawbacks, new strategies (such as new forms of ERT, organ/cell transplant, substrate reduction therapy, or gene therapy) are under extensive study. In this review, we summarize GLA mutants described so far and discuss their putative application for the development of novel drugs for the treatment of FD. Unfavorable mutants with lower activities and stabilities than wild-type enzymes could serve as tools for the development of new pharmacological chaperones. On the other hand, GLA mutants showing improved enzymatic activity have been identified and produced in vitro. Such mutants could overcome several complications associated with current ERT, as lower-dose infusions of these mutants could achieve a therapeutic effect equivalent to that of the wild-type enzyme.

Sudden onset of nephrotic syndrome in an asymptomatic Fabry patient: a case report

Background

Fabry disease (FD) is an X-linked lysosomal storage disorder caused by the mutation of the GLA gene, encoding the α-galactosidase, which is responsible for the catabolism of neutral glycosphingolipids. Microalbuminuria or low-grade proteinuria, and continuously progressive renal failure are common manifestations in FD males. However, sudden onset of nephrotic syndrome in FD, is rarely reported.

Case report

A 32-year-old Chinese man was admitted to our hospital because of sudden onset of generalized edema due to nephrotic syndrome. He denied hypohidrosis, nocturia, and any history of episodic hand or foot pain. A few scattered angiokeratoma can be found on the low back skin on examination. Except for the similar locating pattern of angiokeratoma, no evident abnormality was found in the laboratory work up and physical examination of his younger brother. The patient was diagnosed with FD companying with minimal change disease by renal biopsy. Genetic analysis on our patient and his sibling revealed a nonsense GLA gene variant (c.707G > A, p.Trp236*), which has been previously reported in FD. Immunotherapy alone (steroids and tacrolimus), but without enzyme replacement therapy, much improved the massive proteinuria. Follow up to date, his 24-h urine protein is stable at about 0.5 g, and renal function keeps normal.

Conclusion

Sudden onset of nephrotic syndrome, although rare, may occur in FD, even as the primary renal manifestation, but this usually suggests additional renal disease. Immunosuppressive treatment should be considered in such FD patient companying with nephrotic syndrome.

Enzyme Replacement Therapy for Genetic Disorders Associated with Enzyme Deficiency

Mutations in human genes might lead to loss of functional proteins, causing diseases. Among these genetic disorders, a large class is associated with the deficiency in metabolic enzymes, resulting in both an increase in the concentration of substrates and a loss in the metabolites produced by the catalyzed reactions. The identification of therapeutic actions based on small molecules represents a challenge to medicinal chemists because the target is missing. Alternative approaches are biology-based, ranging from gene and stem cell therapy, CRISPR/Cas9 technology, distinct types of RNAs, and enzyme replacement therapy (ERT). This review will focus on the latter approach that since the 1990s has been successfully applied to cure many rare diseases, most of them being lysosomal storage diseases or metabolic diseases. So far, a dozen enzymes have been approved by FDA/EMA for lysosome storage disorders and only a few for metabolic diseases. Enzymes for replacement therapy are mainly produced in mammalian cells and some in plant cells and yeasts and are further processed to obtain active, highly bioavailable, less degradable products. Issues still under investigation for the increase in ERT efficacy are the optimization of enzymes interaction with cell membrane and internalization, the reduction in immunogenicity, and the overcoming of blood-brain barrier limitations when neuronal cells need to be targeted. Overall, ERT has demonstrated its efficacy and safety in the treatment of many genetic rare diseases, both saving newborn lives and improving patients' life quality, and represents a very successful example of targeted biologics.

[Chaperone molecules: The example of Fabry disease]

Fabry disease is due to mutations in the GLA gene that cause a deficiency of the activity of the lysosomal enzyme alpha-galactosidase A (α-gal A) resulting in intra-tissue accumulation of globotriaosylceramide. Recently, a novel therapeutic approach based on the pharmacological chaperone migalastat has been developed. It binds, in a specific and reversible manner, to the catalytic site of α-gal A mutants, to prevent their degradation by the quality control system of the endoplasmic reticulum and allow them to catabolize globotriaosylceramide in the lysosomes. This treatment concerns approximately 35% of the GLA gene mutations recognized as sensitive to migalastat according to an in vitro pharmacogenetic test. Two pivotal Phase III studies, FACETS: migalastat vs. placebo and ATTRACT: migalastat vs. enzyme replacement therapy analyzed the in vivo effects of migalastat. Despite some methodological limitations, promising results were found. Migalastat seems to be more effective than enzyme replacement therapy in reducing left ventricular mass index in case of cardiac hypertrophy and has comparable renal effects. This oral treatment is the first personalized treatment, based on the genetic profile of Fabry patients and opens a new era in the management of conformational diseases.

Fabry Disease: Molecular Basis, Pathophysiology, Diagnostics and Potential Therapeutic Directions

Fabry disease (FD) is a lysosomal storage disorder (LSD) characterized by the deficiency of α-galactosidase A (α-GalA) and the consequent accumulation of toxic metabolites such as globotriaosylceramide (Gb3) and globotriaosylsphingosine (lysoGb3). Early diagnosis and appropriate timely treatment of FD patients are crucial to prevent tissue damage and organ failure which no treatment can reverse. LSDs might profit from four main therapeutic strategies, but hitherto there is no cure. Among the therapeutic possibilities are intravenous administered enzyme replacement therapy (ERT), oral pharmacological chaperone therapy (PCT) or enzyme stabilizers, substrate reduction therapy (SRT) and the more recent gene/RNA therapy. Unfortunately, FD patients can only benefit from ERT and, since 2016, PCT, both always combined with supportive adjunctive and preventive therapies to clinically manage FD-related chronic renal, cardiac and neurological complications. Gene therapy for FD is currently studied and further strategies such as substrate reduction therapy (SRT) and novel PCTs are under investigation. In this review, we discuss the molecular basis of FD, the pathophysiology and diagnostic procedures, together with the current treatments and potential therapeutic avenues that FD patients could benefit from in the future.

Misfolding of Lysosomal α-Galactosidase a in a Fly Model and Its Alleviation by the Pharmacological Chaperone Migalastat

Fabry disease, an X-linked recessive lysosomal disease, results from mutations in the GLA gene encoding lysosomal α-galactosidase A (α-Gal A). Due to these mutations, there is accumulation of globotriaosylceramide (GL-3) in plasma and in a wide range of cells throughout the body. Like other lysosomal enzymes, α-Gal A is synthesized on endoplasmic reticulum (ER) bound polyribosomes, and upon entry into the ER it undergoes glycosylation and folding. It was previously suggested that α-Gal A variants are recognized as misfolded in the ER and undergo ER-associated degradation (ERAD). In the present study, we used Drosophila melanogaster to model misfolding of α-Gal A mutants. We did so by creating transgenic flies expressing mutant α-Gal A variants and assessing development of ER stress, activation of the ER stress response and their relief with a known α-Gal A chaperone, migalastat. Our results showed that the A156V and the A285D α-Gal A mutants underwent ER retention, which led to activation of unfolded protein response (UPR) and ERAD. UPR could be alleviated by migalastat. When expressed in the fly’s dopaminergic cells, misfolding of α-Gal A and UPR activation led to death of these cells and to a shorter life span, which could be improved, in a mutation-dependent manner, by migalastat.

Long-term efficacy and safety of migalastat treatment in Fabry disease: 30-month results from the open-label extension of the randomized, phase 3 ATTRACT study

Results from the 18-month randomized treatment period of the phase 3 ATTRACT study demonstrated the efficacy and safety of oral migalastat compared with enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) in patients with Fabry disease who previously received ERT. Here, we report data from the subsequent 12-month, migalastat-only, open-label extension (OLE) period. ATTRACT (Study AT1001-012; NCT01218659) was a randomized, open-label, active-controlled study in patients aged 16-74 years with Fabry disease, an amenable GLA variant, and an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ≥30 mL/min/1.73 m². During the OLE, patients who received migalastat 150 mg every other day (QOD) during the randomized period continued receiving migalastat (Group 1 [MM]); patients who received ERT every other week discontinued ERT and started migalastat treatment (Group 2 [EM]). Outcome measures included eGFR, left ventricular mass index (LVMi), composite clinical outcome (renal, cardiac or cerebrovascular events), and safety. Forty-six patients who completed the randomized treatment period continued into the OLE (Group 1 [MM], n = 31; Group 2 [EM], n = 15). eGFR remained stable in both treatment groups. LVMi decreased from baseline at month 30 in Group 1 (MM) in patients with left ventricular hypertrophy at baseline. Only 10% of patients experienced a new composite clinical event with migalastat treatment during the OLE. No new safety concerns were reported. In conclusion, in patients with Fabry disease and amenable GLA variants, migalastat 150 mg QOD was well tolerated and demonstrated durable, long-term stability of renal function and reduction in LVMi.

Proteostasis regulators modulate proteasomal activity and gene expression to attenuate multiple phenotypes in Fabry disease

The lysosomal storage disorder Fabry disease is characterized by a deficiency of the lysosomal enzyme α-Galactosidase A. The observation that missense variants in the encoding GLA gene often lead to structural destabilization, endoplasmic reticulum retention and proteasomal degradation of the misfolded, but otherwise catalytically functional enzyme has resulted in the exploration of alternative therapeutic approaches. In this context, we have investigated proteostasis regulators (PRs) for their potential to increase cellular enzyme activity, and to reduce the disease-specific accumulation of the biomarker globotriaosylsphingosine in patient-derived cell culture. The PRs also acted synergistically with the clinically approved 1-deoxygalactonojirimycine, demonstrating the potential of combination treatment in a therapeutic application. Extensive characterization of the effective PRs revealed inhibition of the proteasome and elevation of GLA gene expression as paramount effects. Further analysis of transcriptional patterns of the PRs exposed a variety of genes involved in proteostasis as potential modulators. We propose that addressing proteostasis is an effective approach to discover new therapeutic targets for diseases involving folding and trafficking-deficient protein mutants.

Rapid Clathrin-Mediated Uptake of Recombinant α-Gal-A to Lysosome Activates Autophagy

Enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) with recombinant alpha-galactosidase A (rh-α-Gal A) is the standard treatment for Fabry disease (FD). ERT has shown a significant impact on patients; however, there is still morbidity and mortality in FD, resulting in progressive cardiac, renal, and cerebrovascular pathology. The main pathway for delivery of rh-α-Gal A to lysosome is cation-independent mannose-6-phosphate receptor (CI-M6PR) endocytosis, also known as insulin-like growth factor 2 receptor (IGF2R) endocytosis. This study aims to investigate the mechanisms of uptake of rh-α-Gal-A in different cell types, with the exploration of clathrin-dependent and caveolin assisted receptor-mediated endocytosis and the dynamics of autophagy-lysosomal functions. rh-α-Gal-A uptake was evaluated in primary fibroblasts, urine originated kidney epithelial cells, and peripheral blood mononuclear cells derived from Fabry patients and healthy controls, and in cell lines HEK293, HTP1, and HUVEC. Uptake of rh-α-Gal-A was more efficient in the cells with the lowest endogenous enzyme activity. Chloroquine and monensin significantly blocked the uptake of rh-α-Gal-A, indicating that the clathrin-mediated endocytosis is involved in recombinant enzyme delivery. Alternative caveolae-mediated endocytosis coexists with clathrin-mediated endocytosis. However, clathrin-dependent endocytosis is a dominant mechanism for enzyme uptake in all cell lines. These results show that the uptake of rh-α-Gal-A occurs rapidly and activates the autophagy-lysosomal pathway.

Natural history of the late-onset phenotype of Fabry disease due to the p.F113L mutation

BACKGROUND

The common GLA gene mutation p.F113L causes late-onset phenotype of Fabry disease (FD) with predominant cardiac manifestations. A founder effect of FD due to this mutation was found in the Portuguese region of Guimarães. Our study aims to deepen the knowledge on the natural history of this late-onset variant.

METHODS

203 consecutive adult Fabry patients with p.F113L mutation (79 males; mean age 46 ± 18 years), from this region, were submitted at baseline to a predefined diagnostic protocol. The occurrence of FD manifestations was analyzed in each decade of age in both genders.

RESULTS

In males, left ventricular hypertrophy (40.2%) and late gadolinium enhancement (21.4%) arose over 30 years; heart failure (HF) (21.9%), ventricular tachycardia (8.9%) and conduction disorders over 40 years; and bifascicular (13.1%) and complete atrioventricular blocks (5.9%) beyond 50 years of age. Cardiac manifestations occurred more commonly and 1-2 decades earlier in males; their frequency increased with age. Septum and posterior wall thickness, LV mass, QRS interval duration and pro-BNP levels increased with age in both genders. Mean survival free from HF (64 ± 1 vs. 76 ± 2 years) and pacemaker (71 ± 2 vs. 86 ± 1 years) was higher in females (p < .001). Albuminuria A2/A3 (33.7%), brain white matter lesions (50.3%) and sensorineural deafness (44.7%) arose before 30 years of age in both genders, increasing with age. Renal failure and stroke were rare. Lysosomal inclusions were demonstrated in podocytes of patients with proteinuria.

CONCLUSION

This study improves the knowledge on natural history of late-onset variants of FD, carrying major impact on clinical decisions and guidelines.

The Ckd. Qld fabRy Epidemiology (aCQuiRE) study protocol: identifying the prevalence of Fabry disease amongst patients with kidney disease in Queensland, Australia

Background

Fabry disease (FD) is a rare, lysosomal storage disorder caused by the absence or deficiency of the enzyme alpha-galactosidase A (α-Gal A) that leads to the abnormal accumulation of the lipid globotriaosylceramide (GB3) in a variety of cell types and tissues throughout the body. FD has an x-linked inheritance pattern. Previously thought to be only carriers, females can also experience FD symptomatology. Symptoms vary in type and severity from patient to patient and tend to increase in severity with age. FD symptoms are non-specific and may be shared with those of other diseases. Misdiagnoses and diagnostic delays are common, often resulting in progressive, irreversible tissue damage. The estimated prevalence of FD in the general population is 1:40,000 to 1:117,000 individuals. However, it is estimated that the prevalence of FD in the dialysis population is 0.12 to 0.7%. Little is known about the prevalence of FD in the broader Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) population.

Methods

This is an epidemiological study of the prevalence of FD in CKD patents identified from the public renal speciality practices in Queensland, Australia. A cascade approach to screening is being employed with dried blood spot testing for blood levels of alpha-galactosidase A (Alpha-Gal), with follow-up testing for patients with abnormal results by plasma levels of globotriaosylsphingosine (Lyso-GB3) for females and non-definitive cases in males. A diagnosis of FD is confirmed through genetic testing of the GLA gene in cases suspected of having FD based upon Alpha-Gal and Lyso-GB3 testing.

Discussion

Expected outcomes of this study include more information about the prevalence of FD at all stages of CKD, including for both males and females. The study may also provide information about common characteristics of FD to assist with diagnosis and optimal management/treatment. Screening is also available for family members of diagnosed patients, with potential for early diagnosis of FD and intervention for those individuals.

Trial registration

Queensland Health Database of Research Activity (DORA, https://dora.health.qld.gov.au) pj09946 (Registered 3rd July 2017).

Founder effect of Fabry disease due to p.F113L mutation: Clinical profile of a late-onset phenotype

BACKGROUND

Knowledge on clinical profiles of late-onset phenotypes of Fabry disease (FD) is essential to better define their natural history. Our study aims to demonstrate a founder effect of FD due to the GLA gene mutation c.337T>C (p.F113L) in the Portuguese region of Guimarães; and to characterize the clinical profile of this late-onset phenotype in a large cohort of genetically related adult patients, living in the same region.

METHODS AND RESULTS

FD screening was performed in 150 adult patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and found 25 Fabry patients (16.6%). The p.F113L mutation was found in 21 of them, leading to a genealogy study and haplotype analysis of the p.F113L patients. Genealogy research revealed a 12-generation family tree with a common ancestor to p.F113L patients, suggesting a founder effect that was supported by haplotype findings. Pedigree analysis was performed and 120 consecutive p.F113L patients underwent a predefined diagnostic evaluation of FD multiorgan involvement. This late-onset phenotype was characterized by common and/or potentially severe cardiac manifestations (left ventricular hypertrophy 40.8%, atrial fibrillation 5%, non-sustained ventricular tachycardia 12.5%, atrioventricular block 18.3%, bifascicular block 13.4%). Extracardiac manifestations included albuminuria>30 mg/24 h 36.1%, chronic kidney disease≥G3 7.6%, brain white matter lesions 54.4%, stroke 3.3%, sensorineural deafness 44.5%, cornea verticillata 13.9%. Plasma lyso-GB3 was undetectable in females, regardless of clinical manifestations.

CONCLUSION

A founder effect of FD due to p.F113L mutation was documented by genealogy and genetics in a Portuguese region. In this late-onset phenotype, although cardiac manifestations carry the highest prognostic impact, extracardiac involvement is common.

Efficacy and safety of migalastat in a Japanese population: a subgroup analysis of the ATTRACT study

Background

Fabry disease is a progressive X-linked lysosomal disorder. In this subgroup analysis of the global phase III ATTRACT study, the efficacy and safety of oral migalastat, a pharmacologic chaperone, were investigated in Japanese patients with Fabry disease.

Methods

Patients were randomly assigned to receive migalastat (150 mg every other day) or to continue biweekly enzyme replacement therapy infusions (ERT; agalsidase alfa 0.2 mg/kg or agalsidase beta 1.0 mg/kg) for 18 months followed by a 12-month open-label extension during which all patients received migalastat. End points included glomerular filtration rate (estimated and measured), left ventricular mass index (LVMi), composite clinical outcomes, leukocyte alpha-galactosidase A activity, plasma globotriaosylsphingosine (lyso-Gb₃), and safety.

Results

Data from 7 Japanese patients (migalastat, 5; ERT, 2), mean age 55 years, with high disease burden, were analyzed. All patients in the migalastat group completed the open-label comparison and extension periods. At 18 months, efficacy in the Japanese patient population was similar to that in the overall ATTRACT population. Migalastat treatment increased leukocyte alpha-galactosidase A activity, stabilized renal function, and decreased LVMi. Plasma lyso-Gb₃ levels remained low and stable. Additionally, the long-term extension study showed that efficacy of migalastat was maintained for up to 48 months. Migalastat was safe and well tolerated in the Japanese patients, as in the overall ATTRACT population.

Conclusion

Migalastat can be used to treat Japanese patients with Fabry disease with GLA mutations amenable to migalastat according to the dosage and administration approved in other countries.

Trial registration numbers

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT01218659 and NCT02194985.

Advances in the Development of Pharmacological Chaperones for the Mucopolysaccharidoses

The mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS) are a group of 11 lysosomal storage diseases (LSDs) produced by mutations in the enzymes involved in the lysosomal catabolism of glycosaminoglycans. Most of the mutations affecting these enzymes may lead to changes in processing, folding, glycosylation, pH stability, protein aggregation, and defective transport to the lysosomes. It this sense, it has been proposed that the use of small molecules, called pharmacological chaperones (PCs), can restore the folding, trafficking, and biological activity of mutated enzymes. PCs have the advantages of wide tissue distribution, potential oral administration, lower production cost, and fewer issues of immunogenicity than enzyme replacement therapy. In this paper, we will review the advances in the identification and characterization of PCs for the MPS. These molecules have been described for MPS II, IVA, and IVB, showing a mutation-dependent enhancement of the mutated enzymes. Although the results show the potential of this strategy, further studies should focus in the development of disease-specific cellular models that allow a proper screening and evaluation of PCs. In addition, in vivo evaluation, both pre-clinical and clinical, should be performed, before they can become a real therapeutic strategy for the treatment of MPS patients.

Pregnancy Outcome after Exposure to Migalastat for Fabry Disease: A Clinical Report

Our patient was a 37-year-old woman with Fabry disease (GLA p.R112H) with a medical history of recurrent headache, nausea, vomiting, vertigo, and tobacco use (20 cigarettes/day). Fabry disease was diagnosed in 2005 when she experienced proteinuria, preeclampsia, and hypertension (201/130 mm Hg) during pregnancy (delivered 50 cm, 3.4 kg healthy boy; GLA wild type [WT]). Enzyme replacement therapy was initiated in 2009. The patient enrolled in the phase 3 ATTRACT trial (ClinicalTrials.gov; NCT01218659) and started migalastat in May 2012 while taking hormonal contraceptives. Two years after initiating migalastat, the patient had proteinuria (2166 mg/24 h) without hypertension (131/68 mm Hg), which persisted (788 mg/24 h a month later). Kidney biopsy results were consistent with existing Fabry disease. A serum pregnancy test and ultrasound confirmed pregnancy (18 weeks' gestation). Migalastat and hormonal contraceptives were stopped; the patient continued to smoke. Fetal MRI was normal at ~29 weeks' gestation. In October 2014, at 37+ weeks' gestation, the patient delivered a 45-cm, 2.29-kg healthy girl (GLA WT). Excepting low birth weight, which may be related to the patient's smoking, pregnancy outcome was normal despite exposure to migalastat for 18 weeks. Migalastat therapy during pregnancy is not advised.

Autophagic- and Lysosomal-Related Biomarkers for Parkinson's Disease: Lights and Shadows

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that currently affects 1% of the population over the age of 60 years, for which no disease-modifying treatments exist. This lack of effective treatments is related to the advanced stage of neurodegeneration existing at the time of diagnosis. Thus, the identification of early stage biomarkers is crucial. Biomarker discovery is often guided by the underlying molecular mechanisms leading to the pathology. One of the central pathways deregulated during PD, supported both by genetic and functional studies, is the autophagy-lysosomal pathway. Hence, this review presents different studies on the expression and activity of autophagic and lysosomal proteins, and their functional consequences, performed in peripheral human biospecimens. Although most biomarkers are inconsistent between studies, some of them, namely HSC70 levels in sporadic PD patients, and cathepsin D levels and glucocerebrosidase activity in PD patients carrying GBA mutations, seem to be consistent. Hence, evidence exists that the impairment of the autophagy-lysosomal pathway underlying PD pathophysiology can be detected in peripheral biosamples and further tested as potential biomarkers. However, longitudinal, stratified, and standardized analyses are needed to confirm their clinical validity and utility.

Early Cardiac Involvement Affects Left Ventricular Longitudinal Function in Females Carrying α-Galactosidase A Mutation: Role of Hybrid Positron Emission Tomography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Speckle-Tracking Echocardiography

BACKGROUND

Hybrid ¹⁸F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography and magnetic resonance imaging may differentiate mature fibrosis or scar from fibrosis associated to active inflammation in patients with Anderson-Fabry disease, even in nonhypertrophic stage. This study was designed to compare the results of positron emission tomography and magnetic resonance cardiac imaging with those of speckle-tracking echocardiography in heterozygous Anderson-Fabry disease females.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Twenty-four heterozygous females carrying α-galactosidase A mutation and without left ventricular hypertrophy underwent cardiac positron emission tomography and magnetic resonance using ¹⁸F-FDG for glucose uptake and 2-dimensional strain echocardiography. ¹⁸F-FDG myocardial uptake was quantified by measuring the coefficient of variation (COV) of the standardized uptake value using a 17-segment model. Focal ¹⁸F-FDG uptake with COV >0.17 was detected in 13 patients, including 2 patients with late gadolinium enhancement at magnetic resonance. COV was 0.30±0.14 in patients with focal ¹⁸F-FDG uptake and 0.12±0.03 in those without (P<0.001). Strain echocardiography revealed worse global longitudinal systolic strain in patients with COV >0.17 compared with those with COV ≤0.17 (-18.5±2.7% versus -22.2±1.8%; P=0.024). For predicting COV >0.17, a global longitudinal strain >-19.8% had 77% sensitivity and 91% specificity and a value >2 dysfunctional segments 92% sensitivity and 100% specificity.

CONCLUSIONS

In females carrying α-galactosidase A mutation, focal ¹⁸F-FDG uptake represents an early sign of disease-related myocardial damage and is associated with impaired left ventricular longitudinal function. These findings support the hypothesis that inflammation plays an important role in glycosphingolipids storage disorders.

Kinetic versus thermodynamic control of mutational effects on protein homeostasis: A perspective from computational modeling and experiment

The effect of mutations in individual proteins on protein homeostasis, or "proteostasis," can in principle depend on the mutations' effects on the thermodynamics or kinetics of folding, or both. Here, we explore this issue using a computational model of in vivo protein folding that we call FoldEcoSlim. Our model predicts that kinetic versus thermodynamic control of mutational effects on proteostasis hinges on the relationship between how fast a protein's folding reaction reaches equilibrium and a critical time scale that characterizes the lifetime of a protein in its environment: for rapidly dividing bacteria, this time scale is that of cell division; for proteins that are produced in heterologous expression systems, this time scale is the amount of time before the protein is harvested; for proteins that are synthesized in and then exported from the eukaryotic endoplasmic reticulum, this time scale is that of protein secretion, and so forth. This prediction was validated experimentally by examining the expression yields of the wild type and several destabilized mutants of a model protein, the mouse ortholog of cellular retinoic acid-binding protein 1.

α-d-Gal-cyclophellitol cyclosulfamidate is a Michaelis complex analog that stabilizes therapeutic lysosomal α-galactosidase A in Fabry disease

α-d-Gal-cyclophellitol cyclosulfamidate is a new class of neutral, conformationally-constrained competitive glycosidase inhibitor that stabilizes α-gal A and prevents its degradation both in vitro and in cellulo by mimicry of the Michaelis complex conformation.

Identification of a novel loss-of-function mutation of the GLA gene in a Chinese Han family with Fabry disease

Background

Fabry disease is an X-linked recessive lysosomal disorder caused by deficient enzymatic activity of α-galactosidase A (α-Gal A). The insufficient enzymatic activity leads to excessive accumulation of glycosphingolipids, the substrates of the enzyme, in lysosomes in organs and tissues. Mutations in the α-Gal A gene (GLA, Xq22) have been proven to be responsible for Fabry disease.

Methods

In this study, we report a four-generation pedigree with left ventricular hypertrophy and chronic renal failure that was diagnosed by sequencing the GLA gene. An over expression system was constructed to evaluate the function of the detected mutation.

Results

We identified a novel mutation in exon 6 of the GLA gene, p.Asn278Lys, which completely co-segregated with the disease phenotype. The protein level of α-Gal A was significantly lower in the variant group than in the wild-type group; additionally, the pharmacological chaperone 1-deoxy-galactonojirimycin (DGJ) effectively normalized the enzyme activity of α-Gal A and its decline at the protein level.

Conclusions

This study is the first to report a novel loss-of-function mutation, p.Asn278Lys, in exon 6 of the GLA gene as a genetic aetiology for Fabry disease. In addition, we analysed the feasibility of DGJ as a therapeutic approach for this particular GLA mutation.

Pharmacoperones as Novel Therapeutics for Diverse Protein Conformational Diseases

After synthesis, proteins are folded into their native conformations aided by molecular chaperones. Dysfunction in folding caused by genetic mutations in numerous genes causes protein conformational diseases. Membrane proteins are more prone to misfolding due to their more intricate folding than soluble proteins. Misfolded proteins are detected by the cellular quality control systems, especially in the endoplasmic reticulum, and proteins may be retained there for eventual degradation by the ubiquitin-proteasome system or through autophagy. Some misfolded proteins aggregate, leading to pathologies in numerous neurological diseases. In vitro, modulating mutant protein folding by altering molecular chaperone expression can ameliorate some misfolding. Some small molecules known as chemical chaperones also correct mutant protein misfolding in vitro and in vivo. However, due to their lack of specificity, their potential as therapeutics is limited. Another class of compounds, known as pharmacological chaperones (pharmacoperones), binds with high specificity to misfolded proteins, either as enzyme substrates or receptor ligands, leading to decreased folding energy barriers and correction of the misfolding. Because many of the misfolded proteins are misrouted but do not have defects in function per se, pharmacoperones have promising potential in advancing to the clinic as therapeutics, since correcting routing may ameliorate the underlying mechanism of disease. This review will comprehensively summarize this exciting area of research, surveying the literature from in vitro studies in cell lines to transgenic animal models and clinical trials in several protein misfolding diseases.

The beneficial effects of long-term enzyme replacement therapy on cardiac involvement in Japanese Fabry patients

Fabry disease is a hereditary disorder that occurs due to the reduction or absence of alpha-galactosidase A activity, which leads to cardiac involvement including left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH). Enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) provides better patient outcomes by preventing serious complications. However, there have been very few studies on the long-term effects of ERT on the cardiac manifestations in Japanese Fabry patients. We retrospectively analyzed the data from the medical records of 42 Fabry patients (male, n = 17; female, n = 25) who were followed at Jikei University Hospital, and in whom the long-term effects of ERT could be evaluated (median follow-up period: male, 11 years; female, 8 years). The slope of the left ventricular mass (LVM) increase was 3.02 ± 3.41 g/m²/year in males and 1.69 ± 2.73 g/m²/year in females. In a subgroup analysis, the slopes of males with and without LVH did not differ to a statistically significant extent; however, the slope in female patients without LVH was significantly smaller than that of female patients with LVH. We then compared our data to the natural historical data that have previously been reported. In comparison to the previously reported data, we found a significant reduction in the LVM changes (g/height^2.7/year) of patients who received long-term ERT (male, 4.07 ± 1.03 to 1.25 ± 1.39; female, 2.31 ± 0.81 to 0.78 ± 1.23). Long-term ERT effectively prevents LVH in Fabry patients. This effect was also observed in the patients with LVH prior to the initiation of ERT.

Development and Analytical Characterization of Pegunigalsidase Alfa, a Chemically Cross-Linked Plant Recombinant Human α-Galactosidase-A for Treatment of Fabry Disease

The current treatment of Fabry disease by enzyme replacement therapy with commercially available recombinant human α-Galactosidase A shows a continuous deterioration of the disease patients. Human recombinant α-Galactosidase A is a homodimer with noncovalently bound subunits and is expressed in the ProCellEx plant cell-based protein expression platform to produce pegunigalsidase alfa. The effect of covalent bonding between two α-Galactosidase A subunits by PEG-based cross-linkers of various lengths was evaluated in this study. The results show that cross-linking by a bifunctional PEG polymer of 2000 Da produces a more stable protein with improved pharmacokinetic and biodistribution properties. The chemical modification did not influence the tertiary protein structure but led to an increased thermal stability and showed partial masking of immune epitopes. The developed pegunigalsidase alfa is currently tested in phase III clinical trials and has a potential to show superior efficacy versus the currently used enzyme replacement therapies in the treatment of Fabry disease patients.

Phenotypic characteristics of the p.Asn215Ser (p.N215S) GLA mutation in male and female patients with Fabry disease: A multicenter Fabry Registry study

BACKGROUND

The p.Asn215Ser or p.N215S GLA variant has been associated with late-onset cardiac variant of Fabry disease.

METHODS

To expand on the scarce phenotype data, we analyzed natural history data from 125 p.N215S patients (66 females, 59 males) enrolled in the Fabry Registry (NCT00196742) and compared it with data from 401 patients (237 females, 164 males) harboring mutations associated with classic Fabry disease. We evaluated interventricular septum thickness (IVST), left ventricular posterior wall thickness (LVPWT), estimated glomerular filtration rate and severe clinical events.

RESULTS

In p.N215S males, mildly abnormal mean IVST and LVPWT values were observed in patients aged 25-34 years, and values gradually increased with advancing age. Mean values were similar to those of classic males. In p.N215S females, these abnormalities occurred primarily in patients aged 55-64 years. Severe clinical events in p.N215S patients were mainly cardiac (males 31%, females 8%) while renal and cerebrovascular events were rare. Renal impairment occurred in 17% of p.N215S males (mostly in patients aged 65-74 years), and rarely in females (3%).

CONCLUSION

p.N215S is a disease-causing mutation with severe clinical manifestations found primarily in the heart. Cardiac involvement may become as severe as in classic Fabry patients, especially in males.

Functional and biological studies of α-galactosidase A variants with uncertain significance from newborn screening in Taiwan

Fabry disease is an X-linked disorder resulted from deficiency of α-galactosidase A (GLA) activity. In Taiwan, a total of 792,247 newborns were screened from 2008 to 2014 in two newborn screening centers, and 13 variants of uncertain significance (VOUS) in the GLA gene were identified. To determine whether these variants were pathogenic or not, functional, biochemical, clinical and pedigree analyses were performed. In vitro functional assay was established through site-directed mutagenesis, and four in silico tools were used to predict pathogenesis. The enzyme activity of dried blood spots and plasma metabolite lyso-Gb3 level from subjects with the variants were measured. Additionally, clinical manifestations were evaluated extensively from the subjects and their relatives. Our results revealed that p.G104V, p.I232T, p.D322H, and p.G360C all exhibited relatively low residual enzyme activities and elevated plasma lyso-Gb3 level. These data strongly suggest that these Fabry mutations may cause classical or later-onset phenotypes. In contrast, neither significantly clinical symptoms nor elevated lyso-Gb3 level was found in cases with p.P60S, p.A108T, p.S304T, p.R356Q, and p.P362T variants, which may be non-pathogenic or milder forms of Fabry variants. More data need to be included for the patients with p.N53D, p.P210S, p.M296L, and p.K391T variants. The established system provides us more information to classify these GLA variants.

Aggregate penetrance of genomic variants for actionable disorders in European and African Americans

In populations that have not been selected for family history of disease, it is unclear how commonly pathogenic variants (PVs) in disease-associated genes for rare Mendelian conditions are found and how often they are associated with clinical features of these conditions. We conducted independent, prospective analyses of participants in two community-based epidemiological studies to test the hypothesis that persons carrying PVs in any of 56 genes that lead to 24 dominantly inherited, actionable conditions are more likely to exhibit the clinical features of the corresponding diseases than those without PVs. Among 462 European American Framingham Heart Study (FHS) and 3223 African-American Jackson Heart Study (JHS) participants who were exome-sequenced, we identified and classified 642 and 4429 unique variants, respectively, in these 56 genes while blinded to clinical data. In the same participants, we ascertained related clinical features from the participants' clinical history of cancer and most recent echocardiograms, electrocardiograms, and lipid measurements, without knowledge of variant classification. PVs were found in 5 FHS (1.1%) and 31 JHS (1.0%) participants. Carriers of PVs were more likely than expected, on the basis of incidence in noncarriers, to have related clinical features in both FHS (80.0% versus 12.4%) and JHS (26.9% versus 5.4%), yielding standardized incidence ratios of 6.4 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.7 to 16.5; P = 7 × 10^-4) in FHS and 4.7 (95% CI, 1.9 to 9.7; P = 3 × 10^-4) in JHS. Individuals unselected for family history who carry PVs in 56 genes for actionable conditions have an increased aggregated risk of developing clinical features associated with the corresponding diseases.

In Vitro Enzyme Measurement to Test Pharmacological Chaperone Responsiveness in Fabry and Pompe Disease

The use of personalized medicine to treat rare monogenic diseases like lysosomal storage disorders (LSDs) is challenged by complex clinical trial designs, high costs, and low patient numbers. Hundreds of mutant alleles are implicated in most of the LSDs. The diseases are typically classified into 2 to 3 different clinical types according to severity. Moreover, molecular characterization of the genotype can help predict clinical outcomes and inform patient care. Therefore, we developed a simple cell culture assay based on HEK293H cells heterologously over-expressing the mutations identified in Fabry and Pompe disease. A similar assay has recently been introduced as a preclinical test to identify amenable mutations for Pharmacological Chaperone Therapy (PCT) in Fabry disease. This manuscript describes an amended cell culture assay which enables rapid phenotypic assessment of allelic variants in Fabry and Pompe disease to identify eligible patients for PCT and may aid in the development of novel pharmacochaperones.

Fluorescent probes for selective protein labeling in lysosomes: a case of α-galactosidase A

Fluorescence-based live-cell imaging (LCI) of lysosomal glycosidases is often hampered by unfavorable pH and redox conditions that reduce fluorescence output. Moreover, most lysosomal glycosidases are low-mass soluble proteins that do not allow for bulky fluorescent protein fusions. We selected α-galactosidase A (GALA) as a model lysosomal glycosidase involved in Anderson-Fabry disease (AFD) for the current LCI approach. Examination of the subcellular localization of AFD-causing mutants can reveal the mechanism underlying cellular trafficking deficits. To minimize genetic GALA modification, we employed a biarsenical labeling protocol with tetracysteine (TC-tag) detection. We tested the efficiency of halogen-substituted biarsenical probes to interact with C-terminally TC-tagged GALA peptide at pH 4.5 in vitro and identified F2FlAsH-EDT₂ as a superior detection reagent for GALA. This probe provides improved signal/noise ratio in labeled COS-7 cells transiently expressing TC-tagged GALA. The investigated fluorescence-based LCI technology of TC-tagged lysosomal protein using an improved biarsenical probe can be used to identify novel compounds that promote proper trafficking of mutant GALA to lysosomal compartments and rescue the mutant phenotype.-Bohl, C., Pomorski, A., Seemann, S., Knospe, A.-M., Zheng, C., Krężel, A., Rolfs, A., Lukas, J. Fluorescent probes for selective protein labeling in lysosomes: a case of α-galactosidase A.

Case study on the pathophysiology of Fabry disease: abnormalities of cellular membranes can be reversed by substrate reduction in vitro

It is still not entirely clear how α-galactosidase A (GAA) deficiency translates into clinical symptoms of Fabry disease (FD). The present communication investigates the effects of the mutation N215S in FD on the trafficking and processing of lysosomal GAA and their potential association with alterations in the membrane lipid composition. Abnormalities in lipid rafts (LRs) were observed in fibroblasts isolated from a male patient with FD bearing the mutation N215S. Interestingly, LR analysis revealed that the distribution of cholesterol and flotillin-2 are distinctly altered in the Fabry fibroblasts when compared with that of the wild-type cells. Furthermore, increased levels of glycolipid globotriaosylceramide 3 (Gb3) and sphingomyelin (SM) were observed in non-raft membrane fractions of Fabry cells. Substrate reduction with N-butyldeoxynojirimycin (NB-DNJ) in vitro was capable of reversing these abnormalities in this patient. These data led to the hypothesis that alterations of LRs may contribute to the pathophysiology of Morbus Fabry. Furthermore, it may be suggested that substrate reduction therapy with NB-DNJ might be a promising approach for the treatment of GAA deficiency at least for the selected patients.

Ligand-promoted protein folding by biased kinetic partitioning

Protein folding in cells occurs in the presence of high concentrations of endogenous binding partners, and exogenous binding partners have been exploited as pharmacological chaperones. A combined mathematical modeling and experimental approach shows that a ligand improves the folding of a destabilized protein by biasing the kinetic partitioning between folding and alternative fates (aggregation or degradation). Computationally predicted inhibition of test protein aggregation and degradation as a function of ligand concentration are validated by experiments in two disparate cellular systems.

Rare ER protein misfolding-mistrafficking disorders: Therapeutic developments

The presence of a functional protein at the appropriate location in the cell is the result of the processes of transcription, translation, folding and trafficking to the correct destination. There are numerous diseases that are caused by protein misfolding, mainly due to mutations in the respective gene. The consequences of this misfolding may be that proteins effectively lose their function, either by being removed by the cellular quality control machinery or by accumulating at the incorrect intracellular or extracellular location. A number of mutations that lead to protein misfolding and affect trafficking to the final destination, e.g. Cystic fibrosis, Wilson's disease, and Progressive Familial Intrahepatic 1 cholestasis, result in proteins that retain partial function if their folding and trafficking is restored either by molecular or pharmacological means. In this review, we discuss several mutant proteins within this class of misfolding diseases and provide an update on the status of molecular and therapeutic developments and potential therapeutic strategies being developed to counter these diseases.

Using CRISPR/Cas9-Mediated GLA Gene Knockout as an In Vitro Drug Screening Model for Fabry Disease

The CRISPR/Cas9 Genome-editing system has revealed promising potential for generating gene mutation, deletion, and correction in human cells. Application of this powerful tool in Fabry disease (FD), however, still needs to be explored. Enzyme replacement therapy (ERT), a regular administration of recombinant human α Gal A (rhα-GLA), is a currently available and effective treatment to clear the accumulated Gb3 in FD patients. However, the short half-life of rhα-GLA in human body limits its application. Moreover, lack of an appropriate in vitro disease model restricted the high-throughput screening of drugs for improving ERT efficacy. Therefore, it is worth establishing a large-expanded in vitro FD model for screening potential candidates, which can enhance and prolong ERT potency. Using CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene knockout of GLA in HEK-293T cells, we generated GLA-null cells to investigate rhα-GLA cellular pharmacokinetics. The half-life of administrated rhα-GLA was around 24 h in GLA-null cells; co-administration of proteasome inhibitor MG132 and rhα-GLA significantly restored the GLA enzyme activity by two-fold compared with rhα-GLA alone. Furthermore, co-treatment of rhα-GLA/MG132 in patient-derived fibroblasts increased Gb3 clearance by 30%, compared with rhα-GLA treatment alone. Collectively, the CRISPR/Cas9-mediated GLA-knockout HEK-293T cells provide an in vitro FD model for evaluating the intracellular pharmacokinetics of the rhα-GLA as well as for screening candidates to prolong rhα-GLA potency. Using this model, we demonstrated that MG132 prolongs rhα-GLA half-life and enhanced Gb3 clearance, shedding light on the direction of enhancing ERT efficacy in FD treatment.