Research

Abnormal mannose-6-phosphate receptor trafficking impairs recombinant alpha-glucosidase uptake in Pompe disease fibroblasts

Monica Cardone¹ , Caterina Porto^1,2 , Antonietta Tarallo¹ , Mariella Vicinanza³ , Barbara Rossi¹ , Elena Polishchuk³ , Francesca Donaudy¹ , Generoso Andria² , Maria Antonietta De Matteis³ and Giancarlo Parenti^1,2

¹  Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine, Via Castellino, 80131 Naples, Italy

²  Department of Paediatrics, Federico II University, Via S. Pansini, 80131 Naples, Italy

³  Department of Cell Biology and Oncology, Consorzio Mario Negri Sud, 66030 Santa Maria Imbaro, Chieti, Italy

author email corresponding author email

PathoGenetics 2008, 1:6doi:10.1186/1755-8417-1-6

Published:	1 December 2008

Abstract

Background

Pompe disease (PD) is a metabolic myopathy caused by α-glucosidase (GAA) deficiency and characterized by generalized glycogen storage. Heterogeneous GAA gene mutations result in wide phenotypic variability, ranging from the severe classic infantile presentation to the milder intermediate and late-onset forms. Enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) with recombinant human GAA (rhGAA), the only treatment available for PD, intriguingly shows variable efficacy in different PD patients. To investigate the mechanisms underlying the variable response to ERT, we studied cell morphology of PD fibroblasts, the distribution and trafficking of the cation-independent mannose-6-phosphate receptor (CI-MPR) that mediates rhGAA uptake, and rhGAA uptake itself.

Results

We observed abnormalities of cell morphology in PD cells. Electron microscopy analysis showed accumulation of multivesicular bodies and expansion of the Golgi apparatus, and immunolocalization and western blot analysis of LC3 showed activation of autophagy. Immunofluorescence analysis showed abnormal intracellular distribution of CI-MPR in PD fibroblasts, increased co-localization with LC3 and reduced availability of the receptor at the plasma membrane. The recycling of CI-MPR from the plasma membrane to the trans-Golgi network was also impaired. All these abnormalities were more prominent in severe and intermediate PD fibroblasts, correlating with disease severity. In severe and intermediate PD cells rhGAA uptake and processing were less efficient and correction of GAA activity was reduced.

Conclusion

These results indicate a role for disrupted CI-MPR trafficking in the variable response to ERT in PD and have implications for ERT efficacy and optimization of treatment protocols.