Specific downregulation and mistargeting of the lipid raft-associated protein MAL in a glycolipid storage disorder

Sulfatide Binds to Influenza B Virus and Enhances Viral Replication

Seasonal influenza epidemics caused by influenza A viruses (IAV) and influenza B viruses (IBV) pose a substantial public health burden. Despite the significant impact of IBV, its restricted host range and the absence of documented pandemics have resulted in limited research attention relative to IAV. Understanding the viral infection mechanisms of both IAV and IBV is crucial for controlling seasonal epidemics. Previously, we demonstrated that 3'-O-sulfated galactosylceramide sulfatide binds to IAV and enhances viral replication, a finding with potential therapeutic implications. However, the role sulfatide plays in other influenza virus infections, including those caused by IBV, remains unknown. Accordingly, in this paper, we investigate the function of sulfatide during IBV infection. We demonstrate that sulfatide binds to IBV hemagglutinin (HA), and that sulfatide overexpression significantly enhances IBV replication, whereas treatment with sulfatase or an anti-sulfatide antibody markedly suppressed IBV replication. Moreover, further tests involving the inhibition of sulfatide biosynthesis resulted in the suppression of viral replication with impaired nuclear export of viral ribonucleoproteins (vRNPs). These findings establish that sulfatide is a critical regulator of IBV replication, which parallels its role in IAV infection, and suggest that targeting sulfatide-virus interactions can lead to broad-spectrum therapeutic strategies against influenza virus.

Role of Gltp in Maturation of Oligodendrocytes Under the Regulation of Nkx2.2

Myelin, a lipid-enriched multi-layer membrane structure, allows for rapid long-distance saltatory conduction of neuronal impulses. Although glycolipids are the predominant types of lipids in the myelin bilayer, the role of glycolipid transfer protein (GLTP), which selectively mediates the transfer of various glycolipids between phospholipid bilayer, in myelin development and maintenance remains unknown at present. In this study, we identified Gltp as the key lipid metabolism gene in myelin-forming oligodendrocytes (OLs) through integrated omics analysis across independent transcriptomic and single-cell sequencing studies. Gene expression analysis revealed that Gltp is selectively expressed in the differentiated OLs. Functional study demonstrated that its expression is essential for the differentiation of OLs, and promotes the outgrowth of OL membrane. Moreover, we found that the expression of Gltp is regulated by OL-lineage transcriptional factors, such as NKX2.2, OLIG2, SOX10, and MYRF. These findings provide important insights into the unrecognized functions of Gltp in OL differentiation and maturation.

Single Systemic Administration of a Gene Therapy Leading to Disease Treatment in Metachromatic Leukodystrophy Arsa Knock-Out Mice

Metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD) is a rare, inherited, demyelinating lysosomal storage disorder caused by mutations in the arylsulfatase-A gene (ARSA). In patients, levels of functional ARSA enzyme are diminished and lead to deleterious accumulation of sulfatides. Herein, we demonstrate that intravenous administration of HSC15/ARSA restored the endogenous murine biodistribution of the corresponding enzyme, and overexpression of ARSA corrected disease biomarkers and ameliorated motor deficits in Arsa KO mice of either sex. In treated Arsa KO mice, when compared with intravenously administered AAV9/ARSA, significant increases in brain ARSA activity, transcript levels, and vector genomes were observed with HSC15/ARSA Durability of transgene expression was established in neonate and adult mice out to 12 and 52 weeks, respectively. Levels and correlation between changes in biomarkers and ARSA activity required to achieve functional motor benefit was also defined. Finally, we demonstrated blood-nerve, blood-spinal and blood-brain barrier crossing as well as the presence of circulating ARSA enzyme activity in the serum of healthy nonhuman primates of either sex. Together, these findings support the use of intravenous delivery of HSC15/ARSA-mediated gene therapy for the treatment of MLD.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Herein, we describe the method of gene therapy adeno-associated virus (AAV) capsid and route of administration selection leading to an efficacious gene therapy in a mouse model of metachromatic leukodystrophy. We demonstrate the therapeutic outcome of a new naturally derived clade F AAV capsid (AAVHSC15) in a disease model and the importance of triangulating multiple end points to increase the translation into higher species via ARSA enzyme activity and biodistribution profile (with a focus on the CNS) with that of a key clinically relevant biomarker.

Sulfatide in health and disease. The evaluation of sulfatide in cerebrospinal fluid as a possible biomarker for neurodegeneration

Sulfatide (3-O-sulfogalactosylceramide, SM4) is a glycosphingolipid, highly multifunctional and particularly enriched in the myelin sheath of neurons. The role of sulfatide has been implicated in various biological fields such as the nervous system, immune system, host-pathogen recognition and infection, beta cell function and haemostasis/thrombosis. Thus, alterations in sulfatide metabolism and production are associated with several human diseases such as neurological and immunological disorders and cancers. The unique lipid-rich composition of myelin reflects the importance of lipids in this specific membrane structure. Sulfatide has been shown to be involved in the regulation of oligodendrocyte differentiation and in the maintenance of the myelin sheath by influencing membrane dynamics involving sorting and lateral assembly of myelin proteins as well as ion channels. Sulfatide is furthermore essential for proper formation of the axo-glial junctions at the paranode together with axonal glycosphingolipids. Alterations in sulfatide metabolism are suggested to contribute to myelin deterioration as well as synaptic dysfunction, neurological decline and inflammation observed in different conditions associated with myelin pathology (mouse models and human disorders). Body fluid biomarkers are of importance for clinical diagnostics as well as for patient stratification in clinical trials and treatment monitoring. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is commonly used as an indirect measure of brain metabolism and analysis of CSF sulfatide might provide information regarding whether the lipid disruption observed in neurodegenerative disorders is reflected in this body fluid. In this review, we evaluate the diagnostic utility of CSF sulfatide as a biomarker for neurodegenerative disorders associated with dysmyelination/demyelination by summarising the current literature on this topic. We can conclude that neither CSF sulfatide levels nor individual sulfatide species consistently reflect the lipid disruption observed in many of the demyelinating disorders. One exception is the lysosomal storage disorder metachromatic leukodystrophy, possibly due to the genetically determined accumulation of non-metabolised sulfatide. We also discuss possible explanations as to why myelin pathology in brain tissue is poorly reflected by the CSF sulfatide concentration. The previous suggestion that CSF sulfatide is a marker of myelin damage has thereby been challenged by more recent studies using more sophisticated laboratory techniques for sulfatide analysis as well as improved sample selection criteria due to increased knowledge on disease pathology.

The MAL Protein, an Integral Component of Specialized Membranes, in Normal Cells and Cancer

The MAL gene encodes a 17-kDa protein containing four putative transmembrane segments whose expression is restricted to human T cells, polarized epithelial cells and myelin-forming cells. The MAL protein has two unusual biochemical features. First, it has lipid-like properties that qualify it as a member of the group of proteolipid proteins. Second, it partitions selectively into detergent-insoluble membranes, which are known to be enriched in condensed cell membranes, consistent with MAL being distributed in highly ordered membranes in the cell. Since its original description more than thirty years ago, a large body of evidence has accumulated supporting a role of MAL in specialized membranes in all the cell types in which it is expressed. Here, we review the structure, expression and biochemical characteristics of MAL, and discuss the association of MAL with raft membranes and the function of MAL in polarized epithelial cells, T lymphocytes, and myelin-forming cells. The evidence that MAL is a putative receptor of the epsilon toxin of Clostridium perfringens, the expression of MAL in lymphomas, the hypermethylation of the MAL gene and subsequent loss of MAL expression in carcinomas are also presented. We propose a model of MAL as the organizer of specialized condensed membranes to make them functional, discuss the role of MAL as a tumor suppressor in carcinomas, consider its potential use as a cancer biomarker, and summarize the directions for future research.

Properties, metabolism and roles of sulfogalactosylglycerolipid in male reproduction

Sulfogalactosylglycerolipid (SGG, aka seminolipid) is selectively synthesized in high amounts in mammalian testicular germ cells (TGCs). SGG is an ordered lipid and directly involved in cell adhesion. SGG is indispensable for spermatogenesis, a process that greatly depends on interaction between Sertoli cells and TGCs. Spermatogenesis is disrupted in mice null for Cgt and Cst, encoding two enzymes essential for SGG biosynthesis. Sperm surface SGG also plays roles in fertilization. All of these results indicate the significance of SGG in male reproduction. SGG homeostasis is also important in male fertility. Approximately 50% of TGCs become apoptotic and phagocytosed by Sertoli cells. SGG in apoptotic remnants needs to be degraded by Sertoli lysosomal enzymes to the lipid backbone. Failure in this event leads to a lysosomal storage disorder and sub-functionality of Sertoli cells, including their support for TGC development, and consequently subfertility. Significantly, both biosynthesis and degradation pathways of the galactosylsulfate head group of SGG are the same as those of sulfogalactosylceramide (SGC), a structurally related sulfoglycolipid important for brain functions. If subfertility in males with gene mutations in SGG/SGC metabolism pathways manifests prior to neurological disorder, sperm SGG levels might be used as a reporting/predicting index of the neurological status.

Fluid levity of the cell: Role of membrane lipid architecture in genetic sphingolipidoses

Sphingolipidoses arise from inherited loss of function of key enzymes regulating the sphingolipid (SL) metabolism and the accumulation of large quantities of these lipids in affected cells. Most frequently, toxicity is manifested in the nervous system, where survival and function of neurons and glial cells are most affected. Although detailed information is available on neuroglial alterations during terminal stages of the disease, the initial pathogenic mechanisms triggering neuropathology are largely unclear. Because they are key components of biological membranes, changes in the local concentration of SLs are likely to impact the organization of membrane domains and functions. This Commentary proposes that SL toxicity involves initial defects in the integrity of lipid domains, membrane fluidity, and membrane bending, leading to membrane deformation and deregulation of cell signaling and function. Understanding how SLs alter membrane architecture may provide breakthroughs for more efficient treatment of sphingolipidoses. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

MAL Is a Regulator of the Recruitment of Myelin Protein PLP to Membrane Microdomains

In oligodendrocytes (OLGs), an indirect, transcytotic pathway is mediating transport of de novo synthesized PLP, a major myelin specific protein, from the apical-like plasma membrane to the specialized basolateral-like myelin membrane to prevent its premature compaction. MAL is a well-known regulator of polarized trafficking in epithelial cells, and given its presence in OLGs it was therefore of interest to investigate whether MAL played a similar role in PLP transport in OLGs, taking into account its timely expression in these cells. Our data revealed that premature expression of mCherry-MAL in oligodendrocyte progenitor cells interfered with terminal OLG differentiation, although myelin membrane formation per se was not impaired. In fact, also PLP transport to myelin membranes via the cell body plasma membrane was unaffected. However, the typical shift of PLP from TX-100-insoluble membrane domains to CHAPS-resistant, but TX-100-soluble membrane domains, seen in the absence of MAL expression, is substantially reduced upon expression of the MAL protein. Interestingly, not only in vitro, but also in developing brain a strongly diminished shift from TX-100 resistant to TX-100 soluble domains was observed. Consistently, the MAL-expression mediated annihilation of the typical membrane microdomain shift of PLP is also reflected by a loss of the characteristic surface expression profile of conformation-sensitive anti-PLP antibodies. Hence, these findings suggest that MAL is not involved in vesicular PLP trafficking to either the plasma membrane and/or the myelin membrane as such. Rather, we propose that MAL may regulate PLP’s distribution into distinct membrane microdomains that allow for lateral diffusion of PLP, directly from the plasma membrane to the myelin membrane once the myelin sheath has been assembled.

Myelination of the nervous system: mechanisms and functions

Myelination of axons in the nervous system of vertebrates enables fast, saltatory impulse propagation, one of the best-understood concepts in neurophysiology. However, it took a long while to recognize the mechanistic complexity both of myelination by oligodendrocytes and Schwann cells and of their cellular interactions. In this review, we highlight recent advances in our understanding of myelin biogenesis, its lifelong plasticity, and the reciprocal interactions of myelinating glia with the axons they ensheath. In the central nervous system, myelination is also stimulated by axonal activity and astrocytes, whereas myelin clearance involves microglia/macrophages. Once myelinated, the long-term integrity of axons depends on glial supply of metabolites and neurotrophic factors. The relevance of this axoglial symbiosis is illustrated in normal brain aging and human myelin diseases, which can be studied in corresponding mouse models. Thus, myelinating cells serve a key role in preserving the connectivity and functions of a healthy nervous system.

MAL overexpression leads to disturbed expression of genes that influence cytoskeletal organization and differentiation of Schwann cells

In the developing peripheral nervous system, a coordinated reciprocal signaling between Schwann cells and axons is crucial for accurate myelination. The myelin and lymphocyte protein MAL is a component of lipid rafts that is important for targeting proteins and lipids to distinct domains. MAL overexpression impedes peripheral myelinogenesis, which is evident by a delayed onset of myelination and reduced expression of the myelin protein zero (Mpz/P0) and the low-affinity neurotrophin receptor p75(NTR). This study shows that MAL overexpression leads to a significant reduction of Mpz and p75(NTR) expression in primary mouse Schwann cell cultures, which was already evident before differentiation, implicating an effect of MAL in early Schwann cell development. Their transcription was robustly reduced, despite normal expression of essential transcription factors and receptors. Further, the cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) and phosphoinositide 3-kinase signaling pathways important for Schwann cell differentiation were correctly induced, highlighting that other so far unknown rate limiting factors do exist. We identified novel genes expressed by Schwann cells in a MAL-dependent manner in vivo and in vitro. A number of those, including S100a4, RhoU and Krt23, are implicated in cytoskeletal organization and plasma membrane dynamics. We showed that S100a4 is predominantly expressed by nonmyelinating Schwann cells, whereas RhoU was localized within myelin membranes, and Krt23 was detected in nonmyelinating as well as in myelinating Schwann cells. Their differential expression during early peripheral nerve development further underlines their possible role in influencing Schwann cell differentiation and myelination.

Distribution of C16:0, C18:0, C24:1, and C24:0 sulfatides in central nervous system lipid rafts by quantitative ultra-high-pressure liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry

Sulfated galactosylceramides (sulfatides) are glycosphingolipids associated with cholesterol- and sphingolipid-enriched membrane microdomains (lipid rafts) and are highly expressed in brain tissue. Although it is known that sulfatide species show heterogeneity in their fatty acid acyl group composition throughout brain development, their lipid raft distribution and biological relevance is poorly understood. We validated a fast and sensitive ultra-high-pressure liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) method to measure developmentally regulated sulfatide species (C16:0, C18:0, C24:1, and C24:0) in central nervous system (CNS) lipid rafts isolated without using detergent. Our UHPLC-MS/MS assay showed good accuracy and precision with a linear range of 5 to 1,000 nM for C18:0 and C24:1 sulfatides and 10 to 1,000 nM for C16:0 and C24:0 sulfatides. We applied this quantitative analysis to detergent-free lipid rafts isolated from wild-type mice and arylsulfatase A-deficient (ASA knockout) mice that accumulate sulfatides. All four sulfatide species were more abundant in raft membranes than in non-raft membranes, with a significant increase in lipid rafts isolated from ASA knockout mice. This is the first description of an analytical method to study these sulfatide species in raft and non-raft membranes and has the potential to be applied to preparations from other tissues.

Developing therapeutic approaches for metachromatic leukodystrophy

Metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD) is an autosomal recessive lysosomal disorder caused by the deficiency of arylsulfatase A (ASA), resulting in impaired degradation of sulfatide, an essential sphingolipid of myelin. The clinical manifestations of MLD are characterized by progressive demyelination and subsequent neurological symptoms resulting in severe debilitation. The availability of therapeutic options for treating MLD is limited but expanding with a number of early stage clinical trials already in progress. In the development of therapeutic approaches for MLD, scientists have been facing a number of challenges including blood–brain barrier (BBB) penetration, safety issues concerning therapies targeting the central nervous system, uncertainty regarding the ideal timing for intervention in the disease course, and the lack of more in-depth understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of MLD. Here, we discuss the current status of the different approaches to developing therapies for MLD. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation has been used to treat MLD patients, utilizing both umbilical cord blood and bone marrow sources. Intrathecal enzyme replacement therapy and gene therapies, administered locally into the brain or by generating genetically modified hematopoietic stem cells, are emerging as novel strategies. In pre-clinical studies, different cell delivery systems including microencapsulated cells or selectively neural cells have shown encouraging results. Small molecules that are more likely to cross the BBB can be used as enzyme enhancers of diverse ASA mutants, either as pharmacological chaperones, or proteostasis regulators. Specific small molecules may also be used to reduce the biosynthesis of sulfatides, or target different affected downstream pathways secondary to the primary ASA deficiency. Given the progressive neurodegenerative aspects of MLD, also seen in other lysosomal diseases, current and future therapeutic strategies will be complementary, whether used in combination or separately at specific stages of the disease course, to produce better outcomes for patients afflicted with this devastating inherited disorder.

A critical role for the cholesterol-associated proteolipids PLP and M6B in myelination of the central nervous system

The formation of central nervous system myelin by oligodendrocytes requires sterol synthesis and is associated with a significant enrichment of cholesterol in the myelin membrane. However, it is unknown how oligodendrocytes concentrate cholesterol above the level found in nonmyelin membranes. Here, we demonstrate a critical role for proteolipids in cholesterol accumulation. Mice lacking the most abundant myelin protein, proteolipid protein (PLP), are fully myelinated, but PLP-deficient myelin exhibits a reduced cholesterol content. We therefore hypothesized that "high cholesterol" is not essential in the myelin sheath itself but is required for an earlier step of myelin biogenesis that is fully compensated for in the absence of PLP. We also found that a PLP-homolog, glycoprotein M6B, is a myelin component of low abundance. By targeting the Gpm6b-gene and crossbreeding, we found that single-mutant mice lacking either PLP or M6B are fully myelinated, while double mutants remain severely hypomyelinated, with enhanced neurodegeneration and premature death. As both PLP and M6B bind membrane cholesterol and associate with the same cholesterol-rich oligodendroglial membrane microdomains, we suggest a model in which proteolipids facilitate myelination by sequestering cholesterol. While either proteolipid can maintain a threshold level of cholesterol in the secretory pathway that allows myelin biogenesis, lack of both proteolipids results in a severe molecular imbalance of prospective myelin membrane. However, M6B is not efficiently sorted into mature myelin, in which it is 200-fold less abundant than PLP. Thus, only PLP contributes to the high cholesterol content of myelin by association and co-transport.

"Late" macroendosomes and acidic endosomes in vertebrate motor nerve terminals

Activity at the vertebrate nerve-muscle synapse creates large macroendosomes (MEs) via bulk membrane infolding. Visualized with the endocytic probe FM1-43, most (94%) of the ∼25 MEs/terminal created by brief (30-Hz, 18-second) stimulation dissipate rapidly (∼1 minute) into vesicles. Others, however, remain for hours. Here we study these "late" MEs by using 4D live imaging over a period of ∼1 hour after stimulation. We find that some (51/398 or 13%) disappear spontaneously via exocytosis, releasing their contents into the extracellular milieu. Others (at least 15/1,960 or 1%) fuse or closely associate with a second class of endosomes that take up acidophilic dyes (acidic endosomes [AEs]). AEs are plentiful (∼47/terminal) and exist independent of stimulation. Unlike MEs, which exhibit Brownian motion, AEs exhibit directed motion (average, 83 nm/sec) on microtubules within and among terminal boutons. AEs populate the axon as well, where movement is predominantly retrograde. They share biochemical and immunohistochemical markers (e.g., lysosomal-associated membrane protein [LAMP-1]) with lysosomes. Fusion/association of MEs with AEs suggests a sorting/degradation pathway in nerve terminals wherein the role of AEs is similar to that of lysosomes. Based on our data, we propose that MEs serve as sorting endosomes. Thus their contents, which include plasma membrane proteins, vesicle proteins, and extracellular levels of Ca(2+) , can be targeted either toward the reformation and budding of synaptic vesicles, toward secretion via exocytosis, or toward a degradation process that utilizes AEs either for lysis within the terminal or for transport toward the cell body.

Two plasmolipins from the black tiger shrimp, Penaeus monodon and their response to virus pathogens

Two isoforms of plasmolipin were initially identified from the black tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon) EST database and completed using 50 RACE to reveal complete cDNAs of 558 bp (PmPLP1) and 537 bp(PmPLP2) with 87% nucleotide sequence identity. The deduced amino acid sequences contained four-transmembrane domains and showed the highest amino acid identity (49% and 51%, respectively) to the honey bee (Apis mellifera) chemokine-like factor (CKLF), with a very similar hydrophobic pattern to other plasmolipins. Transcripts of PmPLP1 and PmPLP2 were observed in all tested shrimp tissues with the highest expression levels in the gill and epipodite for PmPLP1 and in the hemocytes and antennal gland for PmPLP2. PmPLP1 transcript levels were significantly upregulated in hemocytes at 24 and 72 h post infection (hpi) with yellow head virus (YHV) (7.4- and 14.7- fold, respectively), but only after 72 hpi by white spot syndrome virus (WSSV). In contrast, PmPLP2 was only slightly (but statistically significant)up-regulated with YHV and WSSV. Thus, PmPLPs have the potential to be a part of viral infection mechanisms or defense response. This is the first characterization of a plasmolipin gene in crustaceans.

Chronic caloric restriction attenuates a loss of sulfatide content in PGC-1α-/- mouse cortex: a potential lipidomic role of PGC-1α in neurodegeneration

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1α (PGC-1α), a key regulator of energy metabolism and lipid homeostasis in multiple highly oxidative tissues, has been implicated in the metabolic derangements of diabetes and obesity. However, relatively less is known regarding its role in neurological functions. Using shotgun lipidomics, we investigated the lipidome of mouse cerebral cortex with generalized deficiency of PGC-1α (PGC-1α(-/-)) versus wild-type (WT) mice under standard diet and chronically calorically restricted conditions. Specific deficiency in sulfatide, a myelin-specific lipid class critically involved in maintaining neurological function, was uncovered in the cortex of PGC-1α(-/-) mice compared with WT mice at all ages examined. Chronic caloric restriction (CR) for 22 months essentially restored the sulfatide reduction in PGC-1α(-/-) mice compared with WT, but sulfatide reduction was not restored in PGC-1α(-/-) with CR for a short term (i.e., 3 months). Mechanistic studies uncovered and differentiated the biochemical mechanisms underpinning the two conditions of altered sulfatide homeostasis. The former is modulated through PGC-1α-MAL pathway, whereas the latter is under the control of LXR/RXR-apoE metabolism pathway. These results suggest a novel mechanistic role of PGC-1α in sulfatide homeostasis, provide new insights into the importance of PGC-1α in neurological functions, and indicate a potential therapeutic approach for treatment of deficient PGC-1α-induced alterations in sulfatide homeostasis.

Myelin lesions associated with lysosomal and peroxisomal disorders

Abnormalities of myelin are common in lysosomal and peroxisomal disorders. Most display a primary loss of myelin in which the myelin sheath and/or oligodendrocytes are selectively targeted by diverse pathogenetic processes. The most severe and, hence, clinically relevant are heritable diseases predominantly of infants and children, the leukodystrophies: metachromatic, globoid cell (Krabbe disease) and adreno-leukodystrophy. Our still limited understanding of these diseases has derived from multiple sources: originally, neurological-neuropathologic-neurochemical correlative studies of the natural disease in humans or other mammals, which has been enhanced by more sophisticated and contemporary techniques of cell and molecular biology. Transgenic mouse models seem to be the most promising methodology, allowing the examination of the cellular role of lysosomes and peroxisomes for formation and maintenance of both myelin and axons, and providing initial platforms to evaluate therapies. Treatment options are woefully inadequate and in their nascent stages, but still inspire some hope for the future.

Pathology and current treatment of neurodegenerative sphingolipidoses

Sphingolipidoses constitute a large subgroup of lysosomal storage disorders (LSDs). Many of them are associated with a progressive neurodegeneration. As is the case for LSDs in general, most sphingolipidoses are caused by deficiencies in lysosomal hydrolases. However, accumulation of sphingolipids can also result from deficiencies in proteins involved in the transport or posttranslational modification of lysosomal enzymes, transport of lipids, or lysosomal membrane proteins required for transport of lysosomal degradation end products. The accumulation of sphingolipids in the lysosome together with secondary changes in the concentration and localization of other lipids may cause trafficking defects of membrane lipids and proteins, affect calcium homeostasis, induce the unfolded protein response, activate apoptotic cascades, and affect various signal transduction pathways. To what extent, however, these changes contribute to the pathogenesis of the diseases is not fully understood. Currently, there is no cure for sphingolipidoses. Therapies like enzyme replacement, pharmacological chaperone, and substrate reduction therapy, which have been shown to be efficient in non-neuronopathic LSDs, are currently evaluated in clinical trials of neuronopathic sphingolipidoses. In the future, neural stem cell therapy and gene therapy may become an option for these disorders.

Glycosphingolipid storage leads to the enhanced degradation of the B cell receptor in Sandhoff disease mice

Glycosphingolipid storage diseases are a group of inherited metabolic diseases in which glycosphingolipids accumulate due to their impaired lysosomal breakdown. Splenic B cells isolated from NPC1, Sandhoff, GM1-gangliosidosis and Fabry disease mouse models showed large (20- to 30-fold) increases in disease specific glycosphingolipids and up to a 4-fold increase in cholesterol. The magnitude of glycosphingolipid storage was in the order NPC1 > Sandhoff approximately GM1 gangliosidosis > Fabry. Except for Fabry disease, glycosphingolipid storage led to an increase in the lysosomal compartment and altered glycosphingolipid trafficking. In order to investigate the consequences of storage on B cell function, the levels of surface expression of B cell IgM receptor and its associated components were quantitated in Sandhoff B cells, since they are all raft-associated on activation. Both the B cell receptor, CD21 and CD19 had decreased cell surface expression. In contrast, CD40 and MHC II, surface receptors that do not associate with lipid rafts, were unchanged. Using a pulse chase biotinylation procedure, surface B cell receptors on a Sandhoff lymphoblast cell line were found to have a significantly decreased half-life. Increased co-localization of fluorescently conjugated cholera toxin and lysosomes was also observed in Sandhoff B cells. Glycosphingolipid storage leads to the enhanced formation of lysosomal lipid rafts, altered endocytic trafficking and increased degradation of the B cell receptor.

Myelin proteomics: molecular anatomy of an insulating sheath

Fast-transmitting vertebrate axons are electrically insulated with multiple layers of nonconductive plasma membrane of glial cell origin, termed myelin. The myelin membrane is dominated by lipids, and its protein composition has historically been viewed to be of very low complexity. In this review, we discuss an updated reference compendium of 342 proteins associated with central nervous system myelin that represents a valuable resource for analyzing myelin biogenesis and white matter homeostasis. Cataloging the myelin proteome has been made possible by technical advances in the separation and mass spectrometric detection of proteins, also referred to as proteomics. This led to the identification of a large number of novel myelin-associated proteins, many of which represent low abundant components involved in catalytic activities, the cytoskeleton, vesicular trafficking, or cell adhesion. By mass spectrometry-based quantification, proteolipid protein and myelin basic protein constitute 17% and 8% of total myelin protein, respectively, suggesting that their abundance was previously overestimated. As the biochemical profile of myelin-associated proteins is highly reproducible, differential proteome analyses can be applied to material isolated from patients or animal models of myelin-related diseases such as multiple sclerosis and leukodystrophies.

Absence of 2-hydroxylated sphingolipids is compatible with normal neural development but causes late-onset axon and myelin sheath degeneration

Sphingolipids containing 2-hydroxylated fatty acids are among the most abundant lipid components of the myelin sheath and therefore are thought to play an important role in formation and function of myelin. To prove this hypothesis, we generated mice lacking a functional fatty acid 2-hydroxylase (FA2H) gene. FA2H-deficient (FA2H(-/-)) mice lacked 2-hydroxylated sphingolipids in the brain and in peripheral nerves. In contrast, nonhydroxylated galactosylceramide was increased in FA2H(-/-) mice. However, oligodendrocyte differentiation examined by in situ hybridization with cRNA probes for proteolipid protein and PDGFalpha receptor and the time course of myelin formation were not altered in FA2H(-/-) mice compared with wild-type littermates. Nerve conduction velocity measurements of sciatic nerves revealed no significant differences between FA2H(-/-) and wild-type mice. Moreover, myelin of FA2H(-/-) mice up to 5 months of age appeared normal at the ultrastructural level, in the CNS and peripheral nervous system. Myelin thickness and g-ratios were normal in FA2H(-/-) mice. Aged (18-month-old) FA2H(-/-) mice, however, exhibited scattered axonal and myelin sheath degeneration in the spinal cord and an even more pronounced loss of stainability of myelin sheaths in sciatic nerves. These results show that structurally and functionally normal myelin can be formed in the absence of 2-hydroxylated sphingolipids but that its long-term maintenance is strikingly impaired. Because axon degeneration appear to start rather early with respect to myelin degenerations, these lipids might be required for glial support of axon function.

Sulfatide is required for efficient replication of influenza A virus

Sulfatide is abundantly expressed in various mammalian organs, including the intestines and trachea, in which influenza A viruses (IAVs) replicate. However, the function of sulfatide in IAV infection remains unknown. Sulfatide is synthesized by two transferases, ceramide galactosyltransferase (CGT) and cerebroside sulfotransferase (CST), and is degraded by arylsulfatase A (ASA). In this study, we demonstrated that sulfatide enhanced IAV replication through efficient translocation of the newly synthesized IAV nucleoprotein (NP) from the nucleus to the cytoplasm, by using genetically produced cells in which sulfatide expression was down-regulated by RNA interference against CST mRNA or overexpression of the ASA gene and in which sulfatide expression was up-regulated by overexpression of both the CST and CGT genes. Treatment of IAV-infected cells with an antisulfatide monoclonal antibody (MAb) or an anti-hemagglutinin (HA) MAb, which blocks the binding of IAV and sulfatide, resulted in a significant reduction in IAV replication and accumulation of the viral NP in the nucleus. Furthermore, antisulfatide MAb protected mice against lethal challenge with pathogenic influenza A/WSN/33 (H1N1) virus. These results indicate that association of sulfatide with HA delivered to the cell surface induces translocation of the newly synthesized IAV ribonucleoprotein complexes from the nucleus to the cytoplasm. Our findings provide new insights into IAV replication and suggest new therapeutic strategies.

Metachromatic leukodystrophy: genetics, pathogenesis and therapeutic options

Metachromatic leukodystrophy is a lysosomal storage disease caused by the deficiency of arylsulphatase A (ASA). This leads to storage of the membrane lipid sulphatide, which is abundant in myelin. A pathological hallmark of the disease is demyelination, causing various and ultimately lethal neurological symptoms. Today more than 110 mutations in the ASA gene have been identified, of which only three are frequent. Patients homozygous for alleles, which do not allow for the synthesis of functional ASA always suffer from the severe form of the disease, whereas alleles allowing the expression of residual enzyme activity are associated with the later onset juvenile or adult forms of metachromatic leukodystrophy. In addition, there are other as yet unknown genetic or epigenetic factors modifying the phenotype substantially. ASA-deficient mice have been generated as a model of metachromatic leukodystrophy. These mice store sulphatide and show progressive neurological symptoms, but do not demyelinate. This animal model was recently improved using a transgenic approach, which generated mice in which sulphatide synthesis in myelin-producing cells is enhanced. This new animal model reflects the pathological characteristics of the human disease. ASA-deficient mice have been used in various therapeutic trials involving enzyme replacement, haematopoietic stem-cell-based gene therapy and direct injections of ASA-expressing viral vectors into the brain. These animal studies have paved the way for future clinical studies of enzyme replacement and gene therapy.

CONCLUSION

For many years this devastating disorder was considered untreatable and the outlook for patients was poor. Within a comparatively short period of time since the ASA gene was cloned in 1989, genetic and biochemical studies and data generated from newly developed animal models have led to the first clinical trials. It is hoped that these developments will prove beneficial for patients.

Enzyme, cell and gene-based therapies for metachromatic leukodystrophy

Metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD) is a demyelinating storage disease caused by deficiency of the lysosomal enzyme arylsulfatase A (ARSA). Lack of ARSA activity leads to the accumulation of galactosylceramide-3-O-sulfate (sulfatide) in the central and peripheral nervous systems. Based on the age at onset, the disease is usually classified into three forms: the late-infantile form, which manifests in the second year of life; the juvenile variants (onset between 4 and 12 years), which are subdivided into early-juvenile (EJ, onset before 6 years) and late-juvenile (LJ, onset after 6 years); and the adult form (onset after 12 years of age). Currently, there is no efficient therapy for the late-infantile form of MLD (50% of the patients), death occurring within a few years after onset of neurological symptoms. Allogeneic haematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT), when performed at a very early stage of the disease, may improve selected patients with juvenile or adult forms of MLD. As with other lysosomal storage diseases, the physiopathology of MLD is poorly understood. Demyelination is the main pathological finding, but substantial storage of sulfatides in neurons also occurs, and may contribute to the clinical phenotype. The physiopathological process leading to neuronal and glial cell degeneration and apoptosis involves accumulation of undegraded sulfatides but also secondary abnormalities (storage/mislocalization of unrelated lipids, inflammatory processes). This review summarizes the recent advances in the understanding of the physiopathology of MLD and the new therapeutic perspectives currently under preclinical investigation, including enzyme replacement therapy, gene therapy and cell therapy.

A spontaneously immortalized Schwann cell line to study the molecular aspects of metachromatic leukodystrophy

The arylsulfatase A (ASA)-deficient mouse is a murine model of human metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD) caused by a genetic defect in the ASA gene. Deficiency of ASA causes accumulation of cerebroside-3-sulfate (sulfatide) in visceral organs and in the central and peripheral nervous system, which subsequently causes demyelination in these areas. To investigate further the cellular pathomechanism of MLD, we established spontaneously immortalized Schwann cell lines from ASA-deficient mice. Cells showed marked sulfatide storage in the late endosomal/lysosomal compartment. This sulfatide accumulation can be further increased by external treatment with sulfatide using a lipid based transfection reagent as a cargo. The accumulated sulfatide was degraded in response to ASA treatment and first examination revealed that alteration on the molecular level found in ASA-deficient mice can also be observed in the presented cell culture model. Hence, these cells could be a suitable model to study MLD at a molecular level.

Partial cure of established disease in an animal model of metachromatic leukodystrophy after intracerebral adeno-associated virus-mediated gene transfer

Metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD) is a lysosomal storage disease caused by genetic deficiency of arylsulfatase A (ARSA) enzyme. Failure in catalyzing the degradation of its major substrate, sulfatide (Sulf), in oligodendrocytes and Schwann cells leads to severe demyelination in the peripheral (PNS) and central nervous system (CNS), and early death of MLD patients. The ARSA knockout mice develop a disease that resembles MLD but is milder, without significant demyelination in the PNS and CNS. We showed that adeno-associated virus serotype 5-mediated gene transfer in the brain of ARSA knockout mice reverses Sulf storage and prevents neuropathological abnormalities and neuromotor disabilities when vector injections are performed at a pre-symptomatic stage of disease. Direct injection of viral particles into the brain of ARSA knockout mice at a symptomatic stage results in sustained expression of ARSA, prevention of Sulf storage and neuropathological abnormalities. Despite these significant corrections, the treated mice continue to develop neuromotor disability. We show that more subtle biochemical abnormalities involving gangliosides and galactocerebroside are in fact not corrected.

Reduced brain cholesterol content in arylsulfatase A-deficient mice

Metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD) is a lysosomal storage disorder caused by deficiency in arylsulfatase A (ASA). Concentrations of cholesterol and its metabolites were determined in ASA deficient [ASA(-/-)] mice which serve as an animal model of MLD. We observed a significant reduction in cholesterol content in the brain of adult ASA(-/-) mice when compared to wild-type controls. This was not due to loss of myelin, because ASA(-/-) mice do not demyelinate. Other cholesterol metabolites were not changed significantly in ASA(-/-) mice, except for an increase in lathosterol. Moreover, reduced cholesterol levels were also found in tissue samples from two juvenile MLD cases. Since high cholesterol levels are important for myelination, and various cellular processes, like vesicular trafficking and signal transduction, reduced cholesterol levels might be an important factor in the molecular pathology of MLD.

Sperm capacitation induces an increase in lipid rafts having zona pellucida binding ability and containing sulfogalactosylglycerolipid

Sperm gain full ability to bind to the zona(e) pellucida(e) (ZP) during capacitation. Since lipid rafts are implicated in cell adhesion, we determined whether capacitated sperm lipid rafts had affinity for the ZP. We demonstrated that lipid rafts, isolated as low-density detergent resistant membranes (DRMs), from capacitated pig sperm had ability to bind to homologous ZP. This binding was dependent on pig ZPB glycoprotein, a major participant in sperm binding. Capacitated sperm DRMs were also enriched in the male germ cell specific sulfogalactosylglycerolipid (SGG), which contributed to DRMs-ZP binding. Furthermore, SGG may participate in the formation of sperm DRMs due to its interaction with cholesterol, an integral component of lipid rafts, as shown by infrared spectroscopic studies. Since sperm capacitation is associated with cholesterol efflux from the sperm membrane, we questioned whether the formation of DRMs was compromised in capacitated sperm. Our studies indeed revealed that capacitation induced increased levels of sperm DRMs, with an enhanced ZP affinity. These results corroborated the implication of lipid rafts and SGG in cell adhesion and strongly suggested that the enhanced ZP binding ability of capacitated sperm may be attributed to increased levels and a greater ZP affinity of lipid rafts in the sperm plasma membrane.

Rafts in oligodendrocytes: Evidence and structure–function relationship

The plasma membrane of eukaryotic cells exhibits lateral inhomogeneities, mainly containing cholesterol and sphingomyelin, which provide liquid-ordered microdomains (lipid "rafts") that segregate membrane components. Rafts are thought to modulate the biological functions of molecules that become associated with them, and as such, they appear to be involved in a variety of processes, including signal transduction, membrane sorting, cell adhesion and pathogen entry. Although still a matter of ongoing debate, evidence in favor of the presence of these microdomains is gradually accumulating but a consensus on issues like their size, lifetime, composition, and biological significance has yet to be reached. Here, we provide an overview of the evidence supporting the presence of rafts in oligodendrocytes, the myelin-producing cells of the central nervous system, and discuss their functional significance. The myelin membrane differs fundamentally from the plasma membrane, both in lipid and protein composition. Moreover, since myelin membranes are unusually enriched in glycosphingolipids, questions concerning the biogenesis and functional relevance of microdomains thus appear of special interest in oligodendrocytes. The current picture of rafts in oligodendrocytes is mainly based on detergent methods. The robustness of such data is discussed and alternative methods that may provide complementary data are indicated.

Intracerebral adeno-associated virus-mediated gene transfer in rapidly progressive forms of metachromatic leukodystrophy

Metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD) is a neurodegenerative lysosomal disease caused by a defect of the enzyme arylsulfatase A (ARSA) that disrupts the degradation of sulfatides (Sulf) in neurons and glial cells. Therapy for MLD requires active production of ARSA in the brain to prevent demyelination and neuronal damage, and efficient delivery of ARSA to act faster than disease progression, particularly in the rapidly progressive late infantile form. We used an adeno-associated virus serotype 5 (AAV5) vector to express the human ARSA gene in the brain of MLD mouse model. We achieved rapid, extensive and long-lasting expression of the recombinant ARSA in the brain, cerebellum and brainstem from at least 3 to 15 months post-injection. Analysis of the vector genome and ARSA distribution gave evidence for in vivo cross-correction of many untransduced neurons and astrocytes. ARSA delivery rapidly reversed Sulf storage and prevented neuropathological abnormalities and neuromotor impairment. We believe that AAV5-mediated brain delivery of ARSA is a potentially efficacious therapeutic strategy for MLD patients, especially for those with rapidly progressive form of the disease.

Reversal of non-hydroxy : α-hydroxy galactosylceramide ratio and unstable myelin in transgenic mice overexpressing UDP-galactose : ceramide galactosyltransferase

The sphingolipids galactosylceramide and sulfatide are important for the formation and maintenance of myelin. Transgenic mice overexpressing the galactosylceramide synthesizing enzyme UDP-galactose:ceramide galactosyltransferase in oligodendrocytes display an up to four-fold increase in UDP-galactose:ceramide galactosyltransferase activity, which correlates with an increase in its products monogalactosyl diglyceride and non-hydroxy fatty acid-containing galactosylceramide. Surprisingly, however, we observed a concomitant decrease in alpha-hydroxylated galactosylceramide such that total galactosylceramide in transgenic mice was almost unaltered. These data suggest that UDP-galactose:ceramide galactosyltransferase activity does not limit total galactosylceramide level. Furthermore, the predominance of alpha-hydroxylated galactosylceramide appeared to be determined by the extent to which non-hydroxylated ceramide was galactosylated rather than by the higher affinity of UDP-galactose:ceramide galactosyltransferase for alpha-hydroxy fatty acid ceramide. The protein composition of myelin was unchanged with the exception of significant up-regulation of the myelin and lymphocyte protein. Transgenic mice were able to form myelin, which, however, was apparently unstable and uncompacted. These mice developed a progressive hindlimb paralysis and demyelination in the CNS, demonstrating that tight control of UDP-galactose:ceramide galactosyltransferase expression is essential for myelin maintenance.

Exocytosis of storage material in a lysosomal disorder

Lysosomal exocytosis is a ubiquitously occurring process, which has a physiological role in repair of wounds of the plasma membrane. Lysosomal storage disorders are a group of more than 40 different diseases, which are characterized by intralysosomal storage of various substances. Metachromatic leukodystrophy is a lysosomal disease caused by the deficiency of arylsulfatase A, which results in the storage of the sphingolipid 3-O-sulfogalactosylceramide (sulfatide) in, e.g., oligodendrocytes and distal tubule kidney cells. Here we show that sulfatide storing cultured primary kidney cells of arylsulfatase A deficient mice can undergo calcium induced lysosomal exocytosis and that this results in the delivery of storage material to the culture medium. In metachromatic leukodystrophy extracellular sulfatide has been found in urine and cerebrospinal fluid. Lysosomal exocytosis may explain the presence of sulfatide in these body fluids.

Delay of myelin formation in arylsulphatase A-deficient mice

Metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD) is a lysosomal storage disorder caused by the deficiency of arylsulphatase A (ASA). This leads to the accumulation of the sphingolipid 3-O-sulphogalactosylceramide (sulphatide) and progressive demyelination in the nervous system of MLD patients. The mechanisms and development of pathology in the disease are still largely unknown. In this study we investigate how the inability to degrade sulphatide affects the formation of myelin in ASA-deficient (ASA-/-) mice. In mice at 2 weeks of age there was a substantial reduction in myelin basic protein (MBP) mRNA and protein. This was confirmed by an immunohistochemical analysis. MBP mRNA and protein, however, reach normal levels at 3 weeks of age. Proteolipid protein (PLP) and MAL mRNA were also reduced in ASA-/- mice at 2 weeks of age; whereas the level of PLP mRNA was normal at 26 weeks of age, MAL mRNA expression remained reduced up to this age. In situ hybridization revealed no significant changes in the number of myelinating oligodendrocytes or oligodendrocyte precursor cells in ASA-/- mice. These results suggest that oligodendrocyte differentiation was normal in ASA-/- mice. No differences were found in the expression of the sulphatide synthesizing enzymes cerebroside sulphotransferase and UDP-galactose : ceramide galactosyltransferase. Our data demonstrate a delay in myelin formation in ASA-/- mice. This raises the possibility that similar alterations in MLD patients may contribute to the pathology of the disease.

The raft-associated protein MAL is required for maintenance of proper axon--glia interactions in the central nervous system

The myelin and lymphocyte protein (MAL) is a tetraspan raft-associated proteolipid predominantly expressed by oligodendrocytes and Schwann cells. We show that genetic ablation of mal resulted in cytoplasmic inclusions within compact myelin, paranodal loops that are everted away from the axon, and disorganized transverse bands at the paranode–axon interface in the adult central nervous system. These structural changes were accompanied by a marked reduction of contactin-associated protein/paranodin, neurofascin 155 (NF155), and the potassium channel Kv1.2, whereas nodal clusters of sodium channels were unaltered. Initial formation of paranodal regions appeared normal, but abnormalities became detectable when MAL started to be expressed. Biochemical analysis revealed reduced myelin-associated glycoprotein, myelin basic protein, and NF155 protein levels in myelin and myelin-derived rafts. Our results demonstrate a critical role for MAL in the maintenance of central nervous system paranodes, likely by controlling the trafficking and/or sorting of NF155 and other membrane components in oligodendrocytes.