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International Journal of Developmental... Feb 2020Adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) is a rare X-linked disease caused by a mutation of the peroxisomal ABCD1 gene. This review summarizes our current understanding of the... (Review)
Review
Adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) is a rare X-linked disease caused by a mutation of the peroxisomal ABCD1 gene. This review summarizes our current understanding of the pathogenic cell- and tissue-specific roles of lipid species in the context of experimental therapeutic strategies and provides an overview of critical historical developments, therapeutic trials and the advent of newborn screening in the USA. In ALD, very long-chain fatty acid (VLCFA) chain length-dependent dysregulation of endoplasmic reticulum stress and mitochondrial radical generating systems inducing cell death pathways has been shown, providing the rationale for therapeutic moiety-specific VLCFA reduction and antioxidant strategies. The continuing increase in newborn screening programs and promising results from ongoing and recent therapeutic investigations provide hope for ALD.
Topics: ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily D, Member 1; Adrenoleukodystrophy; Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Mutation; Neonatal Screening
PubMed: 31909500
DOI: 10.1002/jdn.10003 -
Physiological Reviews Jan 2023Peroxisomes are subcellular organelles that play a central role in human physiology by catalyzing a range of unique metabolic functions. The importance of peroxisomes... (Review)
Review
Peroxisomes are subcellular organelles that play a central role in human physiology by catalyzing a range of unique metabolic functions. The importance of peroxisomes for human health is exemplified by the existence of a group of usually severe diseases caused by an impairment in one or more peroxisomal functions. Among others these include the Zellweger spectrum disorders, X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy, and Refsum disease. To fulfill their role in metabolism, peroxisomes require continued interaction with other subcellular organelles including lipid droplets, lysosomes, the endoplasmic reticulum, and mitochondria. In recent years it has become clear that the metabolic alliance between peroxisomes and other organelles requires the active participation of tethering proteins to bring the organelles physically closer together, thereby achieving efficient transfer of metabolites. This review intends to describe the current state of knowledge about the metabolic role of peroxisomes in humans, with particular emphasis on the metabolic partnership between peroxisomes and other organelles and the consequences of genetic defects in these processes. We also describe the biogenesis of peroxisomes and the consequences of the multiple genetic defects therein. In addition, we discuss the functional role of peroxisomes in different organs and tissues and include relevant information derived from model systems, notably peroxisomal mouse models. Finally, we pay particular attention to a hitherto underrated role of peroxisomes in viral infections.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Mice; Peroxisomes
PubMed: 35951481
DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00051.2021 -
Endocrine Reviews Aug 2020Adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) is a rare X-linked disorder of peroxisomal oxidation due to mutations in ABCD1. It is a progressive condition with a variable clinical... (Review)
Review
Adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) is a rare X-linked disorder of peroxisomal oxidation due to mutations in ABCD1. It is a progressive condition with a variable clinical spectrum that includes primary adrenal insufficiency, myelopathy, and cerebral ALD. Adrenal insufficiency affects over 80% of ALD patients. Cerebral ALD affects one-third of boys under the age of 12 and progresses to total disability and death without treatment. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) remains the only disease-modifying therapy if completed in the early stages of cerebral ALD, but it does not affect the course of adrenal insufficiency. It has significant associated morbidity and mortality. A recent gene therapy clinical trial for ALD reported short-term MRI and neurological outcomes comparable to historical patients treated with HSCT without the associated adverse side effects. In addition, over a dozen states have started newborn screening (NBS) for ALD, with the number of states expecting to double in 2020. Genetic testing of NBS-positive neonates has identified novel variants of unknown significance, providing further opportunity for genetic characterization but also uncertainty in the monitoring and therapy of subclinical and/or mild adrenal insufficiency or cerebral involvement. As more individuals with ALD are identified at birth, it remains uncertain if availability of matched donors, transplant (and, potentially, gene therapy) centers, and specialists may affect the timely treatment of these individuals. As these promising gene therapy trials and NBS transform the clinical management and outcomes of ALD, there will be an increasing need for the endocrine management of presymptomatic and subclinical adrenal insufficiency. (Endocrine Reviews 41: 1 - 17, 2020).
Topics: Adrenal Insufficiency; Adrenoleukodystrophy; Genetic Testing; Genetic Therapy; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Male; Neonatal Screening
PubMed: 32364223
DOI: 10.1210/endrev/bnaa013 -
Human Mutation Sep 2022The ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter superfamily comprises membrane proteins that efflux various substrates across extra- and intracellular membranes. Mutations in... (Review)
Review
The ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter superfamily comprises membrane proteins that efflux various substrates across extra- and intracellular membranes. Mutations in ABC genes cause 21 human disorders or phenotypes with Mendelian inheritance, including cystic fibrosis, adrenoleukodystrophy, retinal degeneration, cholesterol, and bile transport defects. To provide tools to study the function of human ABC transporters we compiled data from multiple genomics databases. We analyzed ABC gene conservation within human populations and across vertebrates and surveyed phenotypes of ABC gene mutations in mice. Most mouse ABC gene disruption mutations have a phenotype that mimics human disease, indicating they are applicable models. Interestingly, several ABCA family genes, whose human function is unknown, have cholesterol level phenotypes in the mouse. Genome-wide association studies confirm and extend ABC traits and suggest several new functions to investigate. Whole-exome sequencing of tumors from diverse cancer types demonstrates that mutations in ABC genes are not common in cancer, but specific genes are overexpressed in select tumor types. Finally, an analysis of the frequency of loss-of-function mutations demonstrates that many human ABC genes are essential with a low level of variants, while others have a higher level of genetic diversity.
Topics: ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters; Adenosine Triphosphate; Animals; Cholesterol; Genome-Wide Association Study; Humans; Mice; Vertebrates
PubMed: 35642569
DOI: 10.1002/humu.24418 -
Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and... May 2019Adult-onset leukodystrophies and genetic leukoencephalopathies comprise a diverse group of neurodegenerative disorders of white matter with a wide age of onset and... (Review)
Review
Adult-onset leukodystrophies and genetic leukoencephalopathies comprise a diverse group of neurodegenerative disorders of white matter with a wide age of onset and phenotypic spectrum. Patients with white matter abnormalities detected on MRI often present a diagnostic challenge to both general and specialist neurologists. Patients typically present with a progressive syndrome including various combinations of cognitive impairment, movement disorders, ataxia and upper motor neuron signs. There are a number of important and treatable acquired causes for this imaging and clinical presentation. There are also a very large number of genetic causes which due to their relative rarity and sometimes variable and overlapping presentations can be difficult to diagnose. In this review, we provide a structured approach to the diagnosis of inherited disorders of white matter in adults. We describe clinical and radiological clues to aid diagnosis, and we present an overview of both common and rare genetic white matter disorders. We provide advice on testing for acquired causes, on excluding small vessel disease mimics, and detailed advice on metabolic and genetic testing available to the practising neurologist. Common genetic leukoencephalopathies discussed in detail include , , cerebral arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL), and mitochondrial and metabolic disorders.
Topics: Adult; Age of Onset; Humans; Leukoencephalopathies
PubMed: 30467211
DOI: 10.1136/jnnp-2018-319481 -
Cell Apr 2015Cholesterol is dynamically transported among organelles, which is essential for multiple cellular functions. However, the mechanism underlying intracellular cholesterol...
Cholesterol is dynamically transported among organelles, which is essential for multiple cellular functions. However, the mechanism underlying intracellular cholesterol transport has remained largely unknown. We established an amphotericin B-based assay enabling a genome-wide shRNA screen for delayed LDL-cholesterol transport and identified 341 hits with particular enrichment of peroxisome genes, suggesting a previously unappreciated pathway for cholesterol transport. We show dynamic membrane contacts between peroxisome and lysosome, which are mediated by lysosomal Synaptotagmin VII binding to the lipid PI(4,5)P2 on peroxisomal membrane. LDL-cholesterol enhances such contacts, and cholesterol is transported from lysosome to peroxisome. Disruption of critical peroxisome genes leads to cholesterol accumulation in lysosome. Together, these findings reveal an unexpected role of peroxisome in intracellular cholesterol transport. We further demonstrate massive cholesterol accumulation in human patient cells and mouse model of peroxisomal disorders, suggesting a contribution of abnormal cholesterol accumulation to these diseases.
Topics: ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters; Adrenoleukodystrophy; Amphotericin B; Animals; Biological Transport; Cholesterol; Genome-Wide Association Study; Humans; Lysosomes; Mice; Peroxisomal Disorders; Peroxisomes; Phosphatidylinositol 4,5-Diphosphate; RNA, Small Interfering; Synaptotagmins; Zebrafish
PubMed: 25860611
DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2015.02.019 -
The New England Journal of Medicine Oct 2017In X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy, mutations in ABCD1 lead to loss of function of the ALD protein. Cerebral adrenoleukodystrophy is characterized by demyelination and...
BACKGROUND
In X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy, mutations in ABCD1 lead to loss of function of the ALD protein. Cerebral adrenoleukodystrophy is characterized by demyelination and neurodegeneration. Disease progression, which leads to loss of neurologic function and death, can be halted only with allogeneic hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation.
METHODS
We enrolled boys with cerebral adrenoleukodystrophy in a single-group, open-label, phase 2-3 safety and efficacy study. Patients were required to have early-stage disease and gadolinium enhancement on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at screening. The investigational therapy involved infusion of autologous CD34+ cells transduced with the elivaldogene tavalentivec (Lenti-D) lentiviral vector. In this interim analysis, patients were assessed for the occurrence of graft-versus-host disease, death, and major functional disabilities, as well as changes in neurologic function and in the extent of lesions on MRI. The primary end point was being alive and having no major functional disability at 24 months after infusion.
RESULTS
A total of 17 boys received Lenti-D gene therapy. At the time of the interim analysis, the median follow-up was 29.4 months (range, 21.6 to 42.0). All the patients had gene-marked cells after engraftment, with no evidence of preferential integration near known oncogenes or clonal outgrowth. Measurable ALD protein was observed in all the patients. No treatment-related death or graft-versus-host disease had been reported; 15 of the 17 patients (88%) were alive and free of major functional disability, with minimal clinical symptoms. One patient, who had had rapid neurologic deterioration, had died from disease progression. Another patient, who had had evidence of disease progression on MRI, had withdrawn from the study to undergo allogeneic stem-cell transplantation and later died from transplantation-related complications.
CONCLUSIONS
Early results of this study suggest that Lenti-D gene therapy may be a safe and effective alternative to allogeneic stem-cell transplantation in boys with early-stage cerebral adrenoleukodystrophy. Additional follow-up is needed to fully assess the duration of response and long-term safety. (Funded by Bluebird Bio and others; STARBEAM ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT01896102 ; ClinicalTrialsRegister.eu number, 2011-001953-10 .).
Topics: ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily D, Member 1; ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters; Adolescent; Adrenoleukodystrophy; Antigens, CD34; Biomarkers; Child; Combined Modality Therapy; Genetic Therapy; Genetic Vectors; Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation; Hematopoietic Stem Cells; Humans; Lentivirus; Male; Polymerase Chain Reaction; Transplantation, Autologous
PubMed: 28976817
DOI: 10.1056/NEJMoa1700554 -
Neurology Nov 2022Pathogenic variants in the gene cause adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD), a progressive metabolic disorder characterized by 3 core clinical syndromes: a slowly progressive...
Pathogenic variants in the gene cause adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD), a progressive metabolic disorder characterized by 3 core clinical syndromes: a slowly progressive myeloneuropathy, a rapidly progressive inflammatory leukodystrophy (cerebral ALD), and primary adrenal insufficiency. These syndromes are not present in all individuals and are not related to genotype. Cerebral ALD and adrenal insufficiency require early detection and intervention and warrant clinical surveillance because of variable penetrance and age at onset. Newborn screening has increased the number of presymptomatic individuals under observation, but clinical surveillance protocols vary. We used a consensus-based modified Delphi approach among 28 international ALD experts to develop best-practice recommendations for diagnosis, clinical surveillance, and treatment of patients with ALD. We identified 39 discrete areas of consensus. Regular monitoring to detect the onset of adrenal failure and conversion to cerebral ALD is recommended in all male patients. Hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT) is the treatment of choice for cerebral ALD. This guideline addresses a clinical need in the ALD community worldwide as the number of overall diagnoses and presymptomatic individuals is increasing because of newborn screening and greater availability of next-generation sequencing. The poor ability to predict the disease course informs current monitoring intervals but remains subject to change as more data emerge. This knowledge gap should direct future research and illustrates once again that international collaboration among physicians, researchers, and patients is essential to improving care.
Topics: Infant, Newborn; Humans; Male; Adrenoleukodystrophy; Consensus; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation; Adrenal Insufficiency; Neonatal Screening
PubMed: 36175155
DOI: 10.1212/WNL.0000000000201374 -
Nature Medicine Nov 2016Microglia, the only lifelong resident immune cells of the central nervous system (CNS), are highly specialized macrophages that have been recognized to have a crucial...
Microglia, the only lifelong resident immune cells of the central nervous system (CNS), are highly specialized macrophages that have been recognized to have a crucial role in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD). However, in contrast to other cell types of the human CNS, bona fide microglia have not yet been derived from cultured human pluripotent stem cells. Here we establish a robust and efficient protocol for the rapid production of microglia-like cells from human (h) embryonic stem (ES) and induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells that uses defined serum-free culture conditions. These in vitro pluripotent stem cell-derived microglia-like cells (termed pMGLs) faithfully recapitulate the expected ontogeny and characteristics of their in vivo counterparts, and they resemble primary fetal human and mouse microglia. We generated these cells from multiple disease-specific cell lines and find that pMGLs derived from an hES model of Rett syndrome are smaller than their isogenic controls. We further describe a platform to study the integration and live behavior of pMGLs in organotypic 3D cultures. This modular differentiation system allows for the study of microglia in highly defined conditions as they mature in response to developmentally relevant cues, and it provides a framework in which to study the long-term interactions of microglia residing in a tissue-like environment.
Topics: Cell Differentiation; Human Embryonic Stem Cells; Humans; In Vitro Techniques; Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells; Microglia; Organ Culture Techniques; Rett Syndrome
PubMed: 27668937
DOI: 10.1038/nm.4189