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Norris MK, Tippetts TS, Wilkerson JL, Nicholson RJ, Maschek JA, Levade T, Medin JA, Summers SA, Holland WL. Adiponectin overexpression improves metabolic abnormalities caused by acid ceramidase deficiency but does not prolong lifespan in a mouse model of Farber Disease. Mol Genet Metab Rep 2024; 39:101077. [PMID: 38595987 PMCID: PMC11002753 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymgmr.2024.101077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Farber Disease is a debilitating and lethal childhood disease of ceramide accumulation caused by acid ceramidase deficiency. The potent induction of a ligand-gated neutral ceramidase activity promoted by adiponectin may provide sufficient lowering of ceramides to allow for the treatment of Farber Disease. In vitro, adiponectin or adiponectin receptor agonist treatments lowered total ceramide concentrations in human fibroblasts from a patient with Farber Disease. However, adiponectin overexpression in a Farber Disease mouse model did not improve lifespan or immune infiltration. Intriguingly, mice heterozygous for the Farber Disease mutation were more prone to glucose intolerance and insulin resistance when fed a high-fat diet, and adiponectin overexpression protected from these metabolic perturbations. These studies suggest that adiponectin evokes a ceramidase activity that is not reliant on the functional expression of acid ceramidase, but indicates that additional strategies are required to ameliorate outcomes of Farber Disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie K. Norris
- Department of Nutrition and Integrative Physiology, University of Utah College of Health, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
- Diabetes and Metabolism Research Center, University of Utah College of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Trevor S. Tippetts
- Department of Nutrition and Integrative Physiology, University of Utah College of Health, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
- Diabetes and Metabolism Research Center, University of Utah College of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
- Children's Research Institute, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Joseph L. Wilkerson
- Department of Nutrition and Integrative Physiology, University of Utah College of Health, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
- Diabetes and Metabolism Research Center, University of Utah College of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Rebekah J. Nicholson
- Department of Nutrition and Integrative Physiology, University of Utah College of Health, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
- Diabetes and Metabolism Research Center, University of Utah College of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - J. Alan Maschek
- Metabolomics Core Facility, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Thierry Levade
- Laboratoire de Biochimie Métabolique, CHU Toulouse and INSERM U1037, Centre de Recherches en Cancérologie de Toulouse, Université Paul Sabatier, 31037 Toulouse, France
| | - Jeffrey A. Medin
- Departments of Pediatrics and Biochemistry, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Scott A. Summers
- Department of Nutrition and Integrative Physiology, University of Utah College of Health, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
- Diabetes and Metabolism Research Center, University of Utah College of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - William L. Holland
- Department of Nutrition and Integrative Physiology, University of Utah College of Health, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
- Diabetes and Metabolism Research Center, University of Utah College of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
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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: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [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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Inherited monogenic defects of ceramide metabolism: Molecular bases and diagnoses. Clin Chim Acta 2019; 495:457-466. [PMID: 31128082 DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2019.05.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2019] [Revised: 05/20/2019] [Accepted: 05/21/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Ceramides are membrane lipids implicated in the regulation of numerous biological functions. Recent evidence suggests that specific subsets of molecular species of ceramide may play distinct physiological roles. The importance of this family of molecules in vertebrates is witnessed by the deleterious consequences of genetic alterations in ceramide metabolism. This brief review summarizes the clinical presentation of human disorders due to the deficiency of enzymes involved either in the biosynthesis or the degradation of ceramides. Information on the possible underlying pathophysiological mechanisms is also provided, based on knowledge gathered from animal models of these inherited rare conditions. When appropriate, tools for chemical and molecular diagnosis of these disorders and therapeutic options are also presented.
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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: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [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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5
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Deletion of MCP-1 Impedes Pathogenesis of Acid Ceramidase Deficiency. Sci Rep 2018; 8:1808. [PMID: 29379059 PMCID: PMC5789088 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-20052-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2017] [Accepted: 01/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Farber Disease (FD) is an ultra-rare Lysosomal Storage Disorder caused by deficient acid ceramidase (ACDase) activity. Patients with ACDase deficiency manifest a spectrum of symptoms including formation of nodules, painful joints, and a hoarse voice. Classic FD patients will develop histiocytes in organs and die in childhood. Monocyte chemotactic protein (MCP-1; CCL2) is significantly elevated in both FD patients and a mouse model we previously generated. Here, to further study MCP-1 in FD, we created an ACDase;MCP-1 double mutant mouse. We show that deletion of MCP-1 reduced leukocytosis, delayed weight loss, and improved lifespan. Reduced inflammation and fibrosis were observed in livers from double mutant animals. Bronchial alveolar lavage fluid analyses revealed a reduction in cellular infiltrates and protein accumulation. Furthermore, reduced sphingolipid accumulation was observed in the lung and liver but not in the brain. The neurological and hematopoietic defects observed in FD mice were maintained. A compensatory cytokine response was found in the double mutants, however, that may contribute to continued signs of inflammation and injury. Taken together, targeting a reduction of MCP-1 opens the door to a better understanding of the mechanistic consequences of ceramide accumulation and may even delay the progression of FD in some organ systems.
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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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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: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [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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8
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Casasampere M, Camacho L, Cingolani F, Casas J, Egido-Gabás M, Abad JL, Bedia C, Xu R, Wang K, Canals D, Hannun YA, Mao C, Fabrias G. Activity of neutral and alkaline ceramidases on fluorogenic N-acylated coumarin-containing aminodiols. J Lipid Res 2015; 56:2019-28. [PMID: 26286360 DOI: 10.1194/jlr.d061564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2015] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Ceramidases catalyze the cleavage of ceramides into sphingosine and fatty acids. Previously, we reported on the use of the RBM14 fluorogenic ceramide analogs to determine acidic ceramidase activity. In this work, we investigated the activity of other amidohydrolases on RBM14 compounds. Both bacterial and human purified neutral ceramidases (NCs), as well as ectopically expressed mouse neutral ceramidase hydrolyzed RBM14 with different selectivity, depending on the N-acyl chain length. On the other hand, microsomes from alkaline ceramidase (ACER)3 knockdown cells were less competent at hydrolyzing RBM14C12, RBM12C14, and RBM14C16 than controls, while microsomes from ACER2 and ACER3 overexpressing cells showed no activity toward the RBM14 substrates. Conversely, N-acylethanolamine-hydrolyzing acid amidase (NAAA) overexpressing cells hydrolyzed RBM14C14 and RBM14C16 at acidic pH. Overall, NC, ACER3, and, to a lesser extent, NAAA hydrolyze fluorogenic RBM14 compounds. Although the selectivity of the substrates toward ceramidases can be modulated by the length of the N-acyl chain, none of them was specific for a particular enzyme. Despite the lack of specificity, these substrates should prove useful in library screening programs aimed at identifying potent and selective inhibitors for NC and ACER3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mireia Casasampere
- Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Institut de Química Avançada de Catalunya (IQAC-CSIC), Research Unit on Bioactive Molecules (RUBAM), 08034 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Luz Camacho
- Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Institut de Química Avançada de Catalunya (IQAC-CSIC), Research Unit on Bioactive Molecules (RUBAM), 08034 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Francesca Cingolani
- Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Institut de Química Avançada de Catalunya (IQAC-CSIC), Research Unit on Bioactive Molecules (RUBAM), 08034 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Josefina Casas
- Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Institut de Química Avançada de Catalunya (IQAC-CSIC), Research Unit on Bioactive Molecules (RUBAM), 08034 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Meritxell Egido-Gabás
- Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Institut de Química Avançada de Catalunya (IQAC-CSIC), Research Unit on Bioactive Molecules (RUBAM), 08034 Barcelona, Spain
| | - José Luís Abad
- Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Institut de Química Avançada de Catalunya (IQAC-CSIC), Research Unit on Bioactive Molecules (RUBAM), 08034 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carmen Bedia
- Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Institut de Química Avançada de Catalunya (IQAC-CSIC), Research Unit on Bioactive Molecules (RUBAM), 08034 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ruijuan Xu
- Department of Medicine, State University of New York at Stony Brook, Stony Brook, NY 11794-8155
| | - Kai Wang
- Department of Medicine, State University of New York at Stony Brook, Stony Brook, NY 11794-8155
| | - Daniel Canals
- Department of Medicine, State University of New York at Stony Brook, Stony Brook, NY 11794-8155
| | - Yusuf A Hannun
- Department of Medicine, State University of New York at Stony Brook, Stony Brook, NY 11794-8155
| | - Cungui Mao
- Department of Medicine, State University of New York at Stony Brook, Stony Brook, NY 11794-8155
| | - Gemma Fabrias
- Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Institut de Química Avançada de Catalunya (IQAC-CSIC), Research Unit on Bioactive Molecules (RUBAM), 08034 Barcelona, Spain
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9
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Ferreira NS, Goldschmidt-Arzi M, Sabanay H, Storch J, Levade T, Ribeiro MG, Addadi L, Futerman AH. Accumulation of ordered ceramide-cholesterol domains in farber disease fibroblasts. JIMD Rep 2013; 12:71-7. [PMID: 23846911 PMCID: PMC3897794 DOI: 10.1007/8904_2013_246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2013] [Revised: 05/19/2013] [Accepted: 05/30/2013] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Farber disease is an inherited metabolic disorder caused by mutations in the acid ceramidase gene, which leads to ceramide accumulation in lysosomes. Farber disease patients display a wide variety of symptoms with most patients eventually displaying signs of nervous system dysfunction. We now present a novel tool that could potentially be used to distinguish between the milder and more severe forms of the disease, namely, an antibody that recognizes a mixed monolayer or bilayer of cholesterol:C16-ceramide, but does not recognize either ceramide or cholesterol by themselves. This antibody has previously been used to detect cholesterol:C16-ceramide domains in a variety of cultured cells. We demonstrate that levels of cholesterol:C16-ceramide domains are significantly elevated in fibroblasts from types 4 and 7 Farber disease patients, and that levels of the domains can be modulated by either reducing ceramide or cholesterol levels. Moreover, these domains are located in membranes of the endomembrane system, and also in two unexpected locations, namely, the mitochondria and the plasma membrane. This study suggests that the ceramide that accumulates in severe forms of Farber disease cells is sequestered to distinct membrane subdomains, which may explain some of the cellular pathology observed in this devastating lysosomal storage disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Santos Ferreira
- />National Health Institute Doutor Ricardo Jorge, Genetic Department, Centre for Medical Genetics Jacinto de Magalhães, Porto, Portugal
- />Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- />Department of Biological Chemistry, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, 76100 Israel
| | - Michal Goldschmidt-Arzi
- />Department of Biological Chemistry, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, 76100 Israel
- />Department of Structural Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, 76100 Israel
| | - Helena Sabanay
- />Department of Chemical Research Support, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, 76100 Israel
| | - Judith Storch
- />Department of Nutritional Sciences and Rutgers Center for Lipid Research, Rutgers University, Rutgers, NJ 08901 USA
| | - Thierry Levade
- />Equipe Labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer 2013, Centre de Recherches en Cancérologie de Toulouse (CRCT), Université de Toulouse, Toulouse, France
- />Laboratoire de Biochimie Métabolique, Institut Fédératif de Biologie, CHU Purpan, Toulouse, France
| | - Maria Gil Ribeiro
- />National Health Institute Doutor Ricardo Jorge, Genetic Department, Centre for Medical Genetics Jacinto de Magalhães, Porto, Portugal
- />Faculty of Health Sciences, Fernando Pessoa University, Porto, Portugal
| | - Lia Addadi
- />Department of Structural Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, 76100 Israel
| | - Anthony H. Futerman
- />Department of Biological Chemistry, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, 76100 Israel
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10
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Alves MQ, Le Trionnaire E, Ribeiro I, Carpentier S, Harzer K, Levade T, Ribeiro MG. Molecular basis of acid ceramidase deficiency in a neonatal form of Farber disease: identification of the first large deletion in ASAH1 gene. Mol Genet Metab 2013; 109:276-81. [PMID: 23707712 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymgme.2013.04.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2013] [Revised: 04/27/2013] [Accepted: 04/27/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Farber disease, also known as Farber's lipogranulomatosis, is a clinically heterogeneous autosomal recessive disease caused by mutations in the ASAH1 gene. This gene codes for acid ceramidase, a lysosomal heterodimeric enzyme that hydrolyzes ceramide into sphingosine and fatty acid. To date, less than 25 distinct mutations have been identified in Farber patients, but no large deletions have yet been reported. In this work, cultured fibroblasts from a Farber patient with the rare neonatal form of Farber disease were studied to elucidate the molecular basis of this extremely severe phenotype. Direct sequencing of ASAH1 genomic DNA revealed the causative heterozygous mutation in the donor splice site consensus sequence of intron 11, g.24491A > G (c.917 + 4A > G), that resulted in the absence of detectable mRNA. Subsequent analysis of ASAH1 mRNA showed total skipping of exons 3 to 5. Long-range PCR and sequencing led to the identification of a gross deletion of ASAH1 gene, g.8728_18197del (c.126-3941_382 + 1358del) predicting the synthesis of a truncated polypeptide, p.Tyr42_Leu127delinsArgfs*10. Accordingly, no molecular forms corresponding to precursor or proteolytically processed mature protein were observed. These findings indicate that any functionally active acid ceramidase is absent in patient cells, underscoring the severity of the clinical phenotype. Molecular findings in the non-consanguineous parents confirmed the compound heterozygous ASAH1 genotype identified in this Farber case. This work unravels for the first time the mutations underlying the neonatal form of Farber disease and represents the first report of a large deletion identified in the ASAH1 gene. Screening for gross deletions in other patients in whom the mutation present in the second allele had not yet been identified is required to elucidate further its overall contribution for the molecular pathogenesis of this devastating disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Q Alves
- Genetic Department, National Health Institute Doutor Ricardo Jorge (INSARJ), Oporto, Portugal
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11
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Alayoubi AM, Wang JCM, Au BCY, Carpentier S, Garcia V, Dworski S, El-Ghamrasni S, Kirouac KN, Exertier MJ, Xiong ZJ, Privé GG, Simonaro CM, Casas J, Fabrias G, Schuchman EH, Turner PV, Hakem R, Levade T, Medin JA. Systemic ceramide accumulation leads to severe and varied pathological consequences. EMBO Mol Med 2013; 5:827-42. [PMID: 23681708 PMCID: PMC3779446 DOI: 10.1002/emmm.201202301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2012] [Revised: 04/04/2013] [Accepted: 04/05/2013] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Farber disease (FD) is a severe inherited disorder of lipid metabolism characterized by deficient lysosomal acid ceramidase (ACDase) activity, resulting in ceramide accumulation. Ceramide and metabolites have roles in cell apoptosis and proliferation. We introduced a single-nucleotide mutation identified in human FD patients into the murine Asah1 gene to generate the first model of systemic ACDase deficiency. Homozygous Asah1P361R/P361R animals showed ACDase defects, accumulated ceramide, demonstrated FD manifestations and died within 7–13 weeks. Mechanistically, MCP-1 levels were increased and tissues were replete with lipid-laden macrophages. Treatment of neonates with a single injection of human ACDase-encoding lentivector diminished the severity of the disease as highlighted by enhanced growth, decreased ceramide, lessened cellular infiltrations and increased lifespans. This model of ACDase deficiency offers insights into the pathophysiology of FD and the roles of ACDase, ceramide and related sphingolipids in cell signaling and growth, as well as facilitates the development of therapy.
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12
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Combemale S, Santos C, Rodriguez F, Garcia V, Galaup C, Frongia C, Lobjois V, Levade T, Baudoin-Dehoux C, Ballereau S, Génisson Y. A biologically relevant ceramide fluorescent probe to assess the binding of potential ligands to the CERT transfer protein. RSC Adv 2013. [DOI: 10.1039/c3ra42395f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
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13
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Spinal muscular atrophy associated with progressive myoclonic epilepsy is caused by mutations in ASAH1. Am J Hum Genet 2012; 91:5-14. [PMID: 22703880 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2012.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2012] [Revised: 03/12/2012] [Accepted: 05/01/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a clinically and genetically heterogeneous disease characterized by the degeneration of lower motor neurons. The most frequent form is linked to mutations in SMN1. Childhood SMA associated with progressive myoclonic epilepsy (SMA-PME) has been reported as a rare autosomal-recessive condition unlinked to mutations in SMN1. Through linkage analysis, homozygosity mapping, and exome sequencing in three unrelated SMA-PME-affected families, we identified a homozygous missense mutation (c.125C>T [p.Thr42Met]) in exon 2 of ASAH1 in the affected children of two families and the same mutation associated with a deletion of the whole gene in the third family. Expression studies of the c.125C>T mutant cDNA in Farber fibroblasts showed that acid-ceramidase activity was only 32% of that generated by normal cDNA. This reduced activity was able to normalize the ceramide level in Farber cells, raising the question of the pathogenic mechanism underlying the CNS involvement in deficient cells. Morpholino knockdown of the ASAH1 ortholog in zebrafish led to a marked loss of motor-neuron axonal branching, a loss that is associated with increased apoptosis in the spinal cord. Our results reveal a wide phenotypic spectrum associated with ASAH1 mutations. An acid-ceramidase activity below 10% results in Farber disease, an early-onset disease starting with subcutaneous lipogranulomata, joint pain, and hoarseness of the voice, whereas a higher residual activity might be responsible for SMA-PME, a later-onset phenotype restricted to the CNS and starting with lower-motor-neuron disease.
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14
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Camacho L, Simbari F, Garrido M, Abad JL, Casas J, Delgado A, Fabriàs G. 3-Deoxy-3,4-dehydro analogs of XM462. Preparation and activity on sphingolipid metabolism and cell fate. Bioorg Med Chem 2012; 20:3173-9. [PMID: 22537678 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2012.03.073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2012] [Revised: 03/26/2012] [Accepted: 03/30/2012] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Three analogs of the dihydroceramide desaturase inhibitor XM462 are reported. The compounds inhibit both dihydroceramide desaturase and acid ceramidase, but with different potencies depending on the N-acyl moiety. Other enzymes of sphingolipid metabolism, such as neutral ceramidase, acid sphingomyelinase, acid glucosylceramide hydrolase, sphingomyelin synthase and glucosylceramide synthase, are not affected. The effect on the sphingolipidome of the two best inhibitors, namely (R,E)-N-(1-hydroxy-4-(tridecylthio)but-3-en-2-yl)octanamide (RBM2-1B) and (R,E)-N-(1-hydroxy-4-(tridecylthio)but-3-en-2-yl)pivalamide (RBM2-1D), is in accordance with the results obtained in the enzyme assays. These two compounds reduce cell viability in A549 and HCT116 cell lines with similar potencies and both induced apoptotic cell death to similar levels than C8-Cer in HCT116 cells. The possible therapeutic implications of the activities of these compounds are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luz Camacho
- Research Unit on Bioactive Molecules, Department of Biomedicinal Chemistry, Institute for Advanced Chemistry of Catalonia, Spanish Council for Scientific Research, Jordi Girona 18-26, 08034 Barcelona, Spain
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15
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Walia JS, Neschadim A, Lopez-Perez O, Alayoubi A, Fan X, Carpentier S, Madden M, Lee CJ, Cheung F, Jaffray DA, Levade T, McCart JA, Medin JA. Autologous transplantation of lentivector/acid ceramidase-transduced hematopoietic cells in nonhuman primates. Hum Gene Ther 2011; 22:679-87. [PMID: 21280983 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2010.195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Farber disease is a rare lysosomal storage disorder (LSD) that manifests due to acid ceramidase (AC) deficiencies and ceramide accumulation. We present a preclinical gene therapy study for Farber disease employing a lentiviral vector (LV-huAC/huCD25) in three enzymatically normal nonhuman primates. Autologous, mobilized peripheral blood (PB) cells were transduced and infused into fully myelo-ablated recipients with tracking for at least 1 year. Outcomes were assessed by measuring the AC specific activity, ceramide levels, vector persistence/integration, and safety parameters. We observed no hematological, biochemical, radiological, or pathological abnormalities. Hematological recovery occurred by approximately 3 weeks. Vector persistence was observed in PB and bone marrow (BM) cells by qualitative and quantitative PCR. We did not observe any clonal proliferation of PB and BM cells. Importantly, AC-specific activity was detected above normal levels in PB and BM cells analyzed post-transplantation and in spleens and livers at the endpoint of the study. Decreases of ceramide in PB cells as well as in spleen and liver tissues were seen. We expect that this study will provide a roadmap for implementation of clinical gene therapy protocols targeting hematopoietic cells for Farber disease and other LSDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jagdeep S Walia
- Ontario Cancer Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, M5G 2M1, Canada
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16
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Bedia C, Camacho L, Abad JL, Fabriàs G, Levade T. A simple fluorogenic method for determination of acid ceramidase activity and diagnosis of Farber disease. J Lipid Res 2010; 51:3542-7. [PMID: 20871013 DOI: 10.1194/jlr.d010033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Acid ceramidase (aCDase) is one of several enzymes responsible for ceramide degradation within mammalian cells. As such, aCDase regulates the intracellular levels of the bioactive lipid ceramide. An inherited deficiency of aCDase activity results in Farber disease (FD), also called lipogranulomatosis, which is characterized by ceramide accumulation in the tissues of patients. Diagnosis of FD is confirmed by demonstration of a deficient aCDase activity and the subsequent storage of ceramide. Existing methods include extremely complex assays, many of them using radiolabeled compounds. Therefore, the aCDase assay and the in vitro enzymatic diagnosis of FD are still performed in only a very limited number of specialized laboratories. Here, the new fluorogenic substrate Rbm14-12 was synthesized and characterized as a new tool to determine aCDase activity. The resulting optimized assay was performed in 96-well plates, and different fibroblast and lymphoid cell lines derived from FD patients and controls were tested to measure aCDase activity. As a result, the activity in cells of FD patients was found to be very low or even null. This new fluorogenic method offers a very easy and rapid way for specific and accurate determination of aCDase activity and, consequently, for diagnosis of FD.
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17
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Gangoiti P, Camacho L, Arana L, Ouro A, Granado MH, Brizuela L, Casas J, Fabriás G, Abad JL, Delgado A, Gómez-Muñoz A. Control of metabolism and signaling of simple bioactive sphingolipids: Implications in disease. Prog Lipid Res 2010; 49:316-34. [PMID: 20193711 DOI: 10.1016/j.plipres.2010.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2010] [Revised: 02/18/2010] [Accepted: 02/22/2010] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Simple bioactive sphingolipids include ceramide, sphingosine and their phosphorylated forms sphingosine 1-phosphate and ceramide 1-phosphate. These molecules are crucial regulators of cell functions. In particular, they play important roles in the regulation of angiogenesis, apoptosis, cell proliferation, differentiation, migration, and inflammation. Decoding the mechanisms by which these cellular functions are regulated requires detailed understanding of the signaling pathways that are implicated in these processes. Most importantly, the development of inhibitors of the enzymes involved in their metabolism may be crucial for establishing new therapeutic strategies for treatment of disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Gangoiti
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Bilbao, Spain
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18
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Ramsubir S, Nonaka T, Girbés CB, Carpentier S, Levade T, Medin JA. In vivo delivery of human acid ceramidase via cord blood transplantation and direct injection of lentivirus as novel treatment approaches for Farber disease. Mol Genet Metab 2008; 95:133-41. [PMID: 18805722 PMCID: PMC2614354 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymgme.2008.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2008] [Revised: 08/10/2008] [Accepted: 08/10/2008] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Farber disease is a rare lysosomal storage disorder (LSD) caused by a deficiency of acid ceramidase (AC) activity and subsequent accumulation of ceramide. Currently, there is no treatment for Farber disease beyond palliative care and most patients succumb to the disorder at a very young age. Previously, our group showed that gene therapy using oncoretroviral vectors (RV) could restore enzyme activity in Farber patient cells. The studies described here employ novel RV and lentiviral (LV) vectors that engineer co-expression of AC and a cell surface marking transgene product, human CD25 (huCD25). Transduction of Farber patient fibroblasts and B cells with these vectors resulted in overexpression of AC and led to a 90% and 50% reduction in the accumulation of ceramide, respectively. Vectors were also evaluated in human hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPCs) and by direct in vivo delivery in mouse models. In a xenotransplantation model using NOD/SCID mice, we found that transduced CD34(+) cells could repopulate irradiated recipient animals, as measured by CD25 expression. When virus was injected intravenously into mice, soluble CD25 was detected in the plasma and increased AC activity was present in the liver up to 14 weeks post-injection. These findings suggest that vector and transgene expression can persist long-term and offer the potential of a lasting cure. To our knowledge, this is the first report of in vivo testing of direct gene therapy strategies for Farber disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shobha Ramsubir
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Takahiro Nonaka
- Division of Stem Cell and Developmental Biology, Ontario Cancer Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Carmen Bedia Girbés
- INSERM, Institut de Médicine Moléculaire de Rangueil, U858, Université Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France
| | - Stéphane Carpentier
- INSERM, Institut de Médicine Moléculaire de Rangueil, U858, Université Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France
| | - Thierry Levade
- INSERM, Institut de Médicine Moléculaire de Rangueil, U858, Université Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France
- Laboratoire de Biochimie Métabolique, CHU Toulouse, France
| | - Jeffrey A. Medin
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Division of Stem Cell and Developmental Biology, Ontario Cancer Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Correspondence should be addressed to J.A.M. () Jeffrey A. Medin, University Health Network, 67 College Street Rm 4-406, Toronto, ON, Canada, M5G 2M1. Phone: (416) 340-4745, Fax: (416) 340-3644
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19
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Ceramide production associated with retinal apoptosis after retinal detachment. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2008; 247:215-24. [DOI: 10.1007/s00417-008-0957-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2008] [Revised: 09/13/2008] [Accepted: 09/22/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
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20
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Bedia C, Casas J, Garcia V, Levade T, Fabriàs G. Synthesis of a Novel Ceramide Analogue and its Use in a High-Throughput Fluorogenic Assay for Ceramidases. Chembiochem 2007; 8:642-8. [PMID: 17361980 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.200600533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Several investigations have shown that acid ceramidase inhibitors are potential antiproliferative and cytostatic drugs for cancer chemotherapy. The combinatorial chemistry approach for the discovery of acid ceramidase inhibitors requires the availability of a high-throughput enzyme assay. The synthesis of a novel fluorogenic ceramidase substrate, and its processing both in vitro and in cultured cells in a microtiter plate layout, are reported in this article. This coumarinic substrate was hydrolyzed in vitro (rat liver lysosomes) with Km and Vmax values of 113 microM and 3.6 pmol min-1 mg-1, respectively. Similarly, hydrolysis occurred in intact cultured cells that overexpressed acidic ceramidase. The assay was validated for the identification and characterization of acidic ceramidase inhibitors by using several alpha-ketoamide ceramide analogues, whose inhibitory activity had been previously described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Bedia
- Research Unit on BioActive Molecules, Departamento de Química Orgánica Biológica, Instituto de Investigaciones Químicas y Ambientales de Barcelona, CSIC, Jordi Girona 18, 08034 Barcelona, Spain
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21
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Yoshimitsu M, Higuchi K, Ramsubir S, Nonaka T, Rasaiah VI, Siatskas C, Liang SB, Murray GJ, Brady RO, Medin JA. Efficient correction of Fabry mice and patient cells mediated by lentiviral transduction of hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells. Gene Ther 2006; 14:256-65. [PMID: 16929352 DOI: 10.1038/sj.gt.3302839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
A deficiency in alpha-galactosidase A (alpha-gal A) activity causes Fabry disease. Virus-based delivery of genes can correct cells and establish a sustained supply of therapeutic proteins. Recombinant lentiviral vectors (LVs) show promise in this context. We first demonstrate LV-mediated marking of peripheral blood (PB) cells by transduction/transplantation of hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells. Stable enGFP expression was observed in PB for 37 weeks. Next, we transplanted Fabry mice with bone marrow mononuclear cells (BMMNCs) transduced a single time with a LV encoding the human alpha-gal A cDNA. Sustained expression of functional alpha-gal A in Fabry mice was observed over 24 weeks. Plasma alpha-gal A activity from treated Fabry mice was two-fold higher than wild-type controls. Increased alpha-gal A activity, often to supra-normal levels, and reduction of globotriaosylceramide, a glycolipid that accumulates in Fabry disease, was observed in all organs assessed. In secondary bone marrow transplantations, Fabry mice showed multilineage marking of PB, splenocytes and BMMNCs, along with therapeutic levels of alpha-gal A activity in plasma and organs over 20 weeks. Lastly, we transduced mobilized PB CD34(+) cells from a Fabry patient and observed corresponding enzymatic increases. Thus a single LV-mediated transduction of primitive hematopoietic cells can result in sustained correction for Fabry disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Yoshimitsu
- Division of Stem Cell and Developmental Biology, Ontario Cancer Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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22
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Luddi A, Volterrani M, Strazza M, Smorlesi A, Rafi MA, Datto J, Wenger DA, Costantino-Ceccarini E. Retrovirus-mediated gene transfer and galactocerebrosidase uptake into twitcher glial cells results in appropriate localization and phenotype correction. Neurobiol Dis 2001; 8:600-10. [PMID: 11493025 DOI: 10.1006/nbdi.2001.0407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Galactocerebrosidase (GALC) is deficient in all tissues from human patients and animal models with globoid cell leukodystrophy (GLD) or Krabbe disease. The deficiency results in decreased lysosomal catabolism of certain galactolipids including galactosylceramide and psychosine that are synthesized maximally during myelination. According to current theories, the accumulation of psychosine in humans and animals with GLD induces oligodendrocyte degeneration and myelination ceases. Transduction of oligodendrocytes from twitcher mice with a retroviral vector containing the GALC cDNA can correct the enzyme deficiency in these cells. Our data show that twitcher astrocytes and oligodendrocytes can internalize exogenous GALC, as well as donate the enzyme to the mutant glial cells. Antibodies against human GALC localized the GALC antigen in retrovirally transduced cells and cells receiving enzyme via cell to cell secretion and uptake to the lysosomal fraction. In fact immunocytochemical studies in transduced oligodendrocytes revealed that the GALC colocalizes in vesicles lysosomal-associated membrane protein-2 (LAMP2) (+). Moreover, labeling cells with anti-GALC and a marker for oligodendrocytes demonstrated that, upon differentiation, transduced, twitcher oligodendrocytes attained the normal branched process configuration, while untransduced cells show only abnormal morphology. Phenotype correction in mutant oligodendrocytes has also been observed after enzyme transfer. These studies indicate that GALC activity supplied to cultured oligodendrocytes from twitcher mice by different methods can correct the pathological phenotype of these cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Luddi
- Centro Studio Cellule Germinali, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via Pendola 62, Siena Italy, 53100
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23
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Huwiler A, Kolter T, Pfeilschifter J, Sandhoff K. Physiology and pathophysiology of sphingolipid metabolism and signaling. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA 2000; 1485:63-99. [PMID: 10832090 DOI: 10.1016/s1388-1981(00)00042-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 308] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- A Huwiler
- Zentrum der Pharmakologie, Klinikum der Johann Wolfgang Goethe-Universität, Frankfurt, Germany.
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24
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Ségui B, Bezombes C, Uro-Coste E, Medin JA, Andrieu-Abadie N, Augé N, Brouchet A, Laurent G, Salvayre R, Jaffrézou JP, Levade T. Stress-induced apoptosis is not mediated by endolysosomal ceramide. FASEB J 2000; 14:36-47. [PMID: 10627278 DOI: 10.1096/fasebj.14.1.36] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
A major lipid-signaling pathway in mammalian cells implicates the generation of ceramide from the ubiquitous sphingolipid sphingomyelin (SM). Hydrolysis of SM by a sphingomyelinase present in acidic compartments has been reported to mediate, via the production of ceramide, the apoptotic cell death triggered by stress-inducing agents. In the present study, we investigated whether the ceramide formed within or accumulated in lysosomes indeed triggers apoptosis. A series of observations strongly suggests that ceramide involved in stress-induced apoptosis is not endolysosomal: 1) Although short-chain ceramides induced apoptosis, loading cells with natural ceramide through receptor-mediated endocytosis did not result in cell death. 2) Neither TNF-alpha nor anti-CD95 induced the degradation to ceramide of a natural SM that had been first introduced selectively into acidic compartments. 3) Stimulation of SV40-transformed fibroblasts by TNF-alpha or CD40 ligand resulted in apoptosis equally well in cells derived from control individuals and from patients affected with Farber disease, having a genetic defect of acid ceramidase activity leading to lysosomal accumulation of ceramide. Also, induction of apoptosis using anti-CD95 (Fas) or anti-CD40 antibodies, TNF-alpha, daunorubicin, and ionizing radiation was similar in control and Farber disease lymphoid cells. In all cases, apoptosis was preceded by a comparable increase of intracellular ceramide levels. 4) Retroviral-mediated gene transfer and overexpression of acid ceramidase in Farber fibroblasts, which led to complete metabolic correction of the ceramide catabolic defect, did not affect the cell response to TNF-alpha and CD40 ligand.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Ségui
- INSERM U466, Laboratoire de Biochimie, Maladies Métaboliques, Institut Louis Bugnard, C.H.U. Rangueil, 31403 Toulouse, France
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25
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Andrieu-Abadie N, Jaffrezou JP, Hatem S, Laurent G, Levade T, Mercadier JJ. L-carnitine prevents doxorubicin-induced apoptosis of cardiac myocytes: role of inhibition of ceramide generation. FASEB J 1999; 13:1501-10. [PMID: 10463940 DOI: 10.1096/fasebj.13.12.1501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Besides the well-documented effect of the chemotherapeutic drug doxorubicin on free radical generation, the exact signaling mechanisms by which it causes cardiac damage remain largely unknown and are of fundamental importance in understanding anthracycline cardiotoxicity. In this study, we describe that a 1 h treatment of isolated adult rat cardiac myocytes with doxorubicin (0.5 microM) induced DNA fragmentation associated with the classical morphological features of apoptosis observed after 7 days of culture. The doxorubicin toxicity was preceded by an increase in intracellular ceramide levels with a concurrent decrease in sphingomyelin. Anthracycline-induced ceramide accumulation resulted from the activation of a sphingomyelinase assayed under acidic conditions, an effect related to an increase in V(max). Pretreatment of cardiac myocytes with L-carnitine (200 microgram/ml), a compound known for its protective effect on cardiac metabolic injuries, was found to dose-dependently inhibit the doxorubicin-induced sphingomyelin hydrolysis and ceramide generation as well as subsequent cell death. However, L-carnitine did not protect cardiac myocytes from apoptosis induced by exogenous cell-permeant ceramide. L-carnitine pretreatment did not affect the sphingomyelinase basal activity but abolished the doxorubicin-induced increase in V(max). Moreover, in vitro studies conducted on cell extracts or with purified acid sphingomyelinase demonstrated that L-carnitine exerted a dose-dependent, sphingomyelinase inhibitory effect (through V(max) reduction). Taken together, these findings show that by inhibiting a (perhaps novel) drug-activated acid sphingomyelinase and ceramide generation, L-carnitine can prevent doxorubicin-induced apoptosis of cardiac myocytes.
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