Alpha-galactosidase A-Tat fusion enhances storage reduction in hearts and kidneys of Fabry mice

Mol Med. 2010 May-Jun;16(5-6):216-21. doi: 10.2119/molmed.2009.00163. Epub 2010 Feb 17.

Abstract

The protein transduction domain from human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) Tat allows proteins to penetrate the cell membrane. Enhanced cellular uptake of therapeutic proteins could benefit a number of disorders. This is especially true for lysosomal storage disorders (LSDs) where enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) and gene therapy have been developed. We developed a novel recombinant lentiviral vector (LV) that engineers expression of alpha-galactosidase A (alpha-gal A)-Tat fusion protein for correction of Fabry disease, the second-most prevalent LSD with manifestations in the brain, kidney and heart. In vitro experiments confirmed mannose-6-phosphate independent uptake of the fusion factor. Next, concentrated therapeutic LV was injected into neonatal Fabry mice. Analysis of tissues at 26 wks demonstrated similar alpha-gal A enzyme activities but enhanced globotriaosylceramide (Gb3) reduction in hearts and kidneys compared with the alpha-gal A LV control. This strategy might advance not only gene therapy for Fabry disease and other LSDs, but also ERT, especially for cardiac Fabry disease.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Enzyme Replacement Therapy / methods*
  • Fabry Disease / genetics
  • Fabry Disease / metabolism
  • Fabry Disease / therapy*
  • Genes, tat*
  • Genetic Therapy / methods*
  • HIV / genetics
  • HeLa Cells
  • Humans
  • Kidney / enzymology
  • Kidney / metabolism
  • Lentivirus / genetics
  • Mice
  • Myocardium / enzymology
  • Myocardium / metabolism
  • Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Transduction, Genetic
  • Trihexosylceramides / metabolism
  • alpha-Galactosidase / blood
  • alpha-Galactosidase / genetics
  • alpha-Galactosidase / metabolism*

Substances

  • Trihexosylceramides
  • globotriaosylceramide
  • alpha-Galactosidase