High-Dose ERT, Rituximab, and Early HSCT in an Infant with Wolman's Disease.

Wolman's disease, a severe form of lysosomal acid lipase deficiency, leads to pathologic lipid accumulation in the liver and gut that, without treatment, is fatal in infancy. Although continued enzyme-replacement therapy (ERT) in combination with dietary fat restriction prolongs life, its therapeutic effect may wane over time. Allogeneic hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (HSCT) offers a more definitive solution but carries a high risk of death. Here we describe an infant with Wolman's disease who received high-dose ERT, together with dietary fat restriction and rituximab-based B-cell depletion, as a bridge to early HSCT. At 32 months, the infant was independent of ERT and disease-free, with 100% donor chimerism in the peripheral blood.

Impaired lysosomal acidity maintenance in acid lipase-deficient cells leads to defective autophagy.

The lysosome is an acid organelle that contains a variety of hydrolytic enzymes and plays a significant role in intracellular degradation to maintain cellular homeostasis. Genetic variants in lysosome-related genes can lead to severe congenital diseases, such as lysosomal storage diseases. In the present study, we investigated the impact of depleting lysosomal acid lipase A (LIPA), a lysosomal esterase that metabolizes esterified cholesterol or triglyceride, on lysosomal function. Under nutrient-rich conditions, LIPA gene KO (LIPAKO) cells exhibited impaired autophagy, whereas, under starved conditions, they showed normal autophagy. The cause underlying the differential autophagic activity was increased sensitivity of LIPAKO cells to ammonia, which was produced from l-glutamine in the medium. Further investigation revealed that ammonia did not affect upstream signals involved in autophagy induction, autophagosome-lysosome fusion, and hydrolytic enzyme activities in LIPAKO cells. On the other hand, LIPAKO cells showed defective lysosomal acidity upon ammonia loading. Microscopic analyses revealed that lysosomes of LIPAKO cells enlarged, whereas the amount of lysosomal proton pump V-ATPase did not proportionally increase. Since the enlargement of lysosomes in LIPAKO cells was not normalized under starved conditions, this is the primary change that occurred in the LIPAKO cells, and autophagy was affected by impaired lysosomal function under the specific conditions. These findings expand our comprehension of the pathogenesis of Wolman's disease, which is caused by a defect in the LIPA gene, and suggest that conditions, such as hyperlipidemia, may easily disrupt lysosomal functions.

Loss of lysosomal acid lipase results in mitochondrial dysfunction and fiber switch in skeletal muscles of mice.

OBJECTIVE: Lysosomal acid lipase (LAL) is the only enzyme known to hydrolyze cholesteryl esters (CE) and triacylglycerols in lysosomes at an acidic pH. Despite the importance of lysosomal hydrolysis in skeletal muscle (SM), research in this area is limited. We hypothesized that LAL may play an important role in SM development, function, and metabolism as a result of lipid and/or carbohydrate metabolism disruptions. RESULTS: Mice with systemic LAL deficiency (Lal-/-) had markedly lower SM mass, cross-sectional area, and Feret diameter despite unchanged proteolysis or protein synthesis markers in all SM examined. In addition, Lal-/- SM showed increased total cholesterol and CE concentrations, especially during fasting and maturation. Regardless of increased glucose uptake, expression of the slow oxidative fiber marker MYH7 was markedly increased in Lal-/-SM, indicating a fiber switch from glycolytic, fast-twitch fibers to oxidative, slow-twitch fibers. Proteomic analysis of the oxidative and glycolytic parts of the SM confirmed the transition between fast- and slow-twitch fibers, consistent with the decreased Lal-/- muscle size due to the "fiber paradox". Decreased oxidative capacity and ATP concentration were associated with reduced mitochondrial function of Lal-/- SM, particularly affecting oxidative phosphorylation, despite unchanged structure and number of mitochondria. Impairment in muscle function was reflected by increased exhaustion in the treadmill peak effort test in vivo. CONCLUSION: We conclude that whole-body loss of LAL is associated with a profound remodeling of the muscular phenotype, manifested by fiber type switch and a decline in muscle mass, most likely due to dysfunctional mitochondria and impaired energy metabolism, at least in mice.

Prevalence of p.G87V and p.Gln298=Variations in LIPA Gene Within Middle Eastern Population Living Around Los Angeles.

Background: The LIPA gene encodes for lysosomal acid lipase (LAL), which catalyzes the hydrolysis of cholesterol esters and triglycerides. Variations in the LIPA gene impair LAL activity, predisposing patients to a rare metabolic disorder called LAL deficiency (LAL-D). The lack of functioning LAL promotes lipid accumulation and subsequent dyslipidemia, which can increase the likelihood of complications in both infants and adults. Although the worldwide prevalence is 1:500,000 births, the frequency in Mizrahi Jewish populations is projected to be as high as 1 in every 4200 births (Valles-Ayoub et al.) based on the LIPA p.G87V variant frequency among 162 individuals. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted to validate the previously reported prevalence of LAL-D in the Mizrahi Jewish population based on the pathogenic LIPA missense variants in exon 4 (c.260G>T; p.G87V) and exon 8 (c.894G>A; p.Gln298=) using a larger cohort of those with Middle Eastern ancestry living around Los Angeles. Among the 1184 individual samples sequenced, 660 self-reported as Mizrahi Jewish, while the remaining 524 came from other Middle Eastern groups labeled as "non-Jewish." Results: Of the 1184 samples, 22 alleles of the exon 4 variant were identified (1.85%), and 2 alleles of the exon 8 variant were identified (0.16%). For the exon 4 variant, 20 of 22 (90.9%) heterozygotes were Mizrahi Jewish, while 2 of 22 (9.09%) heterozygotes were "non-Jewish." For the exon 8 variant, 2 of 2 (100%) heterozygotes were Mizrahi Jewish. This suggests that the prevalence of LAL-D in this population is 1 in 900, which suggests that LAL-D may be 4.6% higher in the Mizrahi Jewish population in previous reports. Conclusion: These findings show increased prevalence of LIPA gene exon 4 variation p.G87V in the Middle East population when compared to the general population, indicating the need for prenatal screening in those of Mizrahi Jewish ancestry.

Metabolic changes and propensity for inflammation, fibrosis, and cancer in livers of mice lacking lysosomal acid lipase.

Lysosomal acid lipase (LAL) is the sole lysosomal enzyme responsible for the degradation of cholesteryl esters and triacylglycerols at acidic pH. Impaired LAL activity leads to LAL deficiency (LAL-D), a severe and fatal disease characterized by ectopic lysosomal lipid accumulation. Reduced LAL activity also contributes to the development and progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). To advance our understanding of LAL-related liver pathologies, we performed comprehensive proteomic profiling of livers from mice with systemic genetic loss of LAL (Lal-/-) and from mice with hepatocyte-specific LAL-D (hepLal-/-). Lal-/- mice exhibited drastic proteome alterations, including dysregulation of multiple proteins related to metabolism, inflammation, liver fibrosis, and cancer. Global loss of LAL activity impaired both acidic and neutral lipase activities and resulted in hepatic lipid accumulation, indicating a complete metabolic shift in Lal-/- livers. Hepatic inflammation and immune cell infiltration were evident, with numerous upregulated inflammation-related gene ontology biological process terms. In contrast, both young and mature hepLal-/- mice displayed only minor changes in the liver proteome, suggesting that loss of LAL solely in hepatocytes does not phenocopy metabolic alterations observed in mice globally lacking LAL. These findings provide valuable insights into the mechanisms underlying liver dysfunction in LAL-D and may help in understanding why decreased LAL activity contributes to NAFLD. Our study highlights the importance of LAL in maintaining liver homeostasis and demonstrates the drastic consequences of its global deficiency on the liver proteome and liver function.

Wolman disease presenting with hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis syndrome and a novel LIPA gene variant: a case report and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Wolman disease is a rare disease caused by the absence of functional liposomal acid lipase due to mutations in LIPA gene. It presents with organomegaly, malabsorption, and adrenal calcifications. The presentations can resemble hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, the life threatening hyperinflammatory disorder. Since the disease is very rare, clinicians might not think of it when a patient presents with hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, and the opportunity to treat it properly can be lost, thus leading to demise of the child. CASE PRESENTATION: We present a 4.5-month-old Caucasian boy with fever, icterus, and hepatosplenomegaly who was treated according to presumed hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis disease. Wolman disease was diagnosed after the death of the child. There are some case reports in the literature presenting patients with Wolman disease primarily diagnosed as hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, which we discuss in this review. The genetic analysis revealed after his demise was compatible with Wolman disease, introducing a novel mutation in LIPA gene: exon 4: NM_001127605: c. G353A (p.G118D), which converts the glycine amino acid to aspartic acid. CONCLUSIONS: Considering the similarities in presentation of Wolman disease and hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, the patient's life can be saved if special attention is paid to presenting features of a patient with suspected hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, that is special attention to symptoms, findings on physical exams, laboratory values, and radiologic findings, and the proper treatment is urgently initiated. Reporting the novel mutations of Wolman disease can help geneticists interpret the results of their patients' genetic studies appropriately, leading to correct diagnosis and treatment.

A Form of Metabolic-Associated Fatty Liver Disease Associated with a Novel LIPA Variant.

BACKGROUND: The LIPA gene on chromosome 10q23.31 contains 10 exons and encodes lipase A, the lysosomal acid lipase (LAL) containing 399 amino acids. Pathogenic variants in the LIPA result in autosomal recessive Wolman disease and cholesteryl ester storage disease (CESD). Here, we report a novel missense variant (NM_001127605.3:c.928T>A, p.Trp310Arg) of LIPA in an Iranian family with fatty liver disease identified by whole-exome sequencing and confirmed by Sanger sequencing. METHODS: A 28-year-old woman referred with lean NASH cirrhosis and extremely high cholesterol levels. Fatty liver disease was found in six of her family members using vibration-controlled transient elastography (VCTE). Baseline routine laboratory tests were performed and whole-exome sequencing and confirmation by Sanger sequencing were done. RESULTS: The index case had severe dyslipidemia and cirrhosis despite a body mass index of 21.09 kg/m2 . Six other family members had dyslipidemia and fatty liver or cirrhosis. A homozygous missense variant (NM_001127605.3:c.928T>A, p.Trp310Arg) of LIPA which caused LAL-D was found to be associated with fatty liver disease and/or cirrhosis. CONCLUSION: A homozygous missense variant (NM_001127605.3:c.928T>A, p.Trp310Arg) of the LIPA gene which caused LAL-D was found to be associated with dyslipidemia, fatty liver disease and/or cirrhosis in six members of an Iranian family. These results should be confirmed by functional studies and extending the study to at least three families.

First LIPA Mutational Analysis in Egyptian Patients Reveals One Novel Variant: Wolman Disease.

Lysosomal acid lipase (LAL) is a necessary enzyme for the hydrolysis of both triglycerides (TGs) and cholesteryl esters (CEs) in the lysosome. Deficiency of this enzyme encoded by the lipase A (LIPA) gene leads to LAL deficiency (LAL-D). A severe disease subtype of LAL-D is known as Wolman disease (WD), present with diarrhea, hepatosplenomegaly, and adrenal calcification. Untreated patients do not survive more than a year. The aim of this study was to assess the clinical and molecular characterizations of WD patients in Egypt. A total of seven patients (from five unrelated Egyptian families) were screened by targeted next-generation sequencing (NGS), and the co-segregation of causative variants was analyzed using Sanger sequencing. Furthermore, multiple in silico analyses were performed to assess the pathogenicity of the candidate variants. Overall, we identified three diseases causing variants harbored in the LIPA gene. One of these variants is a novel missense variant (NM_000235.4: c.1122 T > G; p. His374Gln), which was classified as a likely pathogenic variant. All variants were predicted to be disease causing using in silico analyses. Our findings expand the spectrum of variants involved in WD which may help to investigate phenotype-genotype correlation and assist genetic counseling. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first clinico-genetic study carried out on Egyptian patients affected with WD.

Impact of (intestinal) LAL deficiency on lipid metabolism and macrophage infiltration.

OBJECTIVE: To date, the only enzyme known to be responsible for the hydrolysis of cholesteryl esters and triacylglycerols in the lysosome at acidic pH is lysosomal acid lipase (LAL). Lipid malabsorption in the small intestine (SI), accompanied by macrophage infiltration, is one of the most common pathological features of LAL deficiency. However, the exact role of LAL in intestinal lipid metabolism is still unknown. METHODS: We collected three parts of the SI (duodenum, jejunum, ileum) from mice with a global (LAL KO) or intestine-specific deletion of LAL (iLAL KO) and corresponding controls. RESULTS: We observed infiltration of lipid-associated macrophages into the lamina propria, where neutral lipids accumulate massively in the SI of LAL KO mice. In addition, LAL KO mice absorb less dietary lipids but have accelerated basolateral lipid uptake, secrete fewer chylomicrons, and have increased fecal lipid loss. Inflammatory markers and genes involved in lipid metabolism were overexpressed in the duodenum of old but not in younger LAL KO mice. Despite the significant reduction of LAL activity in enterocytes of enterocyte-specific (iLAL) KO mice, villous morphology, intestinal lipid concentrations, expression of lipid transporters and inflammatory genes, as well as lipoprotein secretion were comparable to control mice. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that loss of LAL only in enterocytes is insufficient to cause lipid deposition in the SI, suggesting that infiltrating macrophages are the key players in this process.

Lysosomal acid lipase deficiency manifestations in children and adults: Baseline data from an international registry.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Lysosomal acid lipase deficiency (LAL-D) is a rare, autosomal recessive disease involving lysosomal accumulation of cholesteryl esters and triglycerides. The International Lysosomal Acid Lipase Deficiency Registry (NCT01633489), established in 2013 to understand LAL-D natural history and long-term outcomes, is accessible to centres caring for patients diagnosed by deficient LAL activity and/or biallelic pathogenic LIPA variants. We describe the registry population enrolled through 2 May 2022. METHODS: In this prospective observational study, we analysed demographic and baseline clinical characteristics of children (ages ≥6 months to <18 years) and adults diagnosed with LAL-D. RESULTS: Of 228 patients with confirmed disease, 61% were children; 202/220 (92%) with data on race were white. Median age was 5.5 years at sign/symptom onset and 10.5 years at diagnosis; median time from sign/symptom onset to diagnostic testing was 3.3 years. The most common manifestations raising suspicion of disease were elevated alanine (70%) and aspartate aminotransferase levels (67%) and hepatomegaly (63%). Among 157 with reported LIPA mutations, 70 were homozygous and 45 were compound heterozygous for the common exon 8 splice junction pathogenic variant (E8SJM-1). Seventy percent (159/228) of patients had dyslipidaemia. Among 118 with liver biopsies, 63% had microvesicular steatosis exclusively, 23% had mixed micro- and macrovesicular steatosis and 47% had lobular inflammation. Of 78 patients with fibrosis-stage data, 37% had bridging fibrosis and 14% had cirrhosis. CONCLUSIONS: Although LAL-D signs/symptoms occur early, diagnosis is often delayed. Abnormal transaminase levels associated with hepatomegaly and dyslipidaemia should raise suspicion and prompt earlier diagnosis of LAL-D. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT01633489.

Evaluation of biochemical profile and oxidative damage to lipids and proteins in patients with lysosomal acid lipase deficiency.

Lysosomal acid lipase deficiency (LALD) is an inborn error of metabolism that lacks satisfactory treatment, which leads to the development of severe hepatic and cardiac complications and may even lead to death. In this sense, knowledge of the mechanisms involved in the pathophysiology of this disorder becomes essential to allow the search for new therapeutic strategies. There are no studies in the literature investigating the role of reactive species and inflammatory processes in the pathophysiology of this disorder. Therefore, the aim of this work was to investigate parameters of oxidative and inflammatory stress in LALD patients. In this work, we obtained results that demonstrate that LALD patients are susceptible to oxidative stress caused by an increase in the production of free radicals, observed by the increase of 2-7-dihydrodichlorofluorescein. The decrease in sulfhydryl content reflects oxidative damage to proteins, as well as a decrease in antioxidant defenses. Likewise, the increase in urinary levels of di-tyrosine observed also demonstrates oxidative damage to proteins. Furthermore, the determination of chitotriosidase activity in the plasma of patients with LALD was significantly higher, suggesting a pro-inflammatory state. An increase in plasma oxysterol levels was observed in patients with LALD, indicating an important relationship between this disease and cholesterol metabolism and oxidative stress. Also, we observed in LALD patients increased levels of nitrate production. The positive correlation found between oxysterol levels and activity of chitotriosidase in these patients indicates a possible link between the production of reactive species and inflammation. In addition, an increase in lipid profile biomarkers such as total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol were demonstrated in the patients, which reinforces the involvement of cholesterol metabolism. Thus, we can assume that, in LALD, oxidative and nitrosative damage, in addition to inflammatory process, play an important role in its evolution and future clinical manifestations. In this way, we can suggest that the study of the potential benefit of the use of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory substances as an adjuvant tool in the treatment will be important, which should be associated with the already recommended therapy.

Recent insights into lysosomal acid lipase deficiency.

Lysosomal acid lipase (LAL) is the sole enzyme known to degrade neutral lipids in the lysosome. Mutations in the LAL-encoding LIPA gene lead to rare lysosomal lipid storage disorders with complete or partial absence of LAL activity. This review discusses the consequences of defective LAL-mediated lipid hydrolysis on cellular lipid homeostasis, epidemiology, and clinical presentation. Early detection of LAL deficiency (LAL-D) is essential for disease management and survival. LAL-D must be considered in patients with dyslipidemia and elevated aminotransferase concentrations of unknown etiology. Enzyme replacement therapy, sometimes in combination with hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), is currently the only therapy for LAL-D. New technologies based on mRNA and viral vector gene transfer are recent efforts to provide other effective therapeutic strategies.

Pediatric patients with lysosomal acid lipase deficiency.

Lysosomal acid lipase (LAL) deficiency is a rare, autosomal recessive disease caused by mutations in the LIPA gene, which produces cholesteryl ester and triglyceride accumulation predominantly in hepatocytes, adrenal glands, and gastrointestinal tract. We describe two new cases occurring in siblings, aged 5 and 7 years, who presented with hepatomegaly, dyslipidemia, and abnormal liver function. Percutaneous liver biopsy revealed portal inflammation, hypertrophic Kupffer cells with a foamy appearance and microvesicular steatosis with fibrosis. Immunostaining for lysosomal markers, cathepsin D and LAMP1 reflected the lysosomal nature of the lipid vacuoles. After enzymatic confirmation, enzyme replacement therapy was initiated for both siblings. Follow-up transaminase levels and lipid profiles showed a notable decrease in AST and ALT and a slight increase in HDL cholesterol. It is crucial to increase awareness of this rare condition among clinicians and pathologists. The expression of lysosomal markers around the lipid vacuoles might help diagnose LAL deficiency in pediatric patients.

LAL deficiency induced myeloid-derived suppressor cells as targets and biomarkers for lung cancer.

BACKGROUND: Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are a heterogeneous population of cells in tumor microenvironment, which suppress antitumor immunity. Expansion of various MDSC subpopulations is closely associated with poor clinical outcomes in cancer. Lysosomal acid lipase (LAL) is a key enzyme in the metabolic pathway of neutral lipids, whose deficiency (LAL-D) in mice induces the differentiation of myeloid lineage cells into MDSCs. These Lal -/- MDSCs not only suppress immune surveillance but also stimulate cancer cell proliferation and invasion. Understanding and elucidating the underlying mechanisms of MDSCs biogenesis will help to facilitate diagnosis/prognosis of cancer occurrence and prevent cancer growth and spreading. METHODS: Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) was performed to distinguish intrinsic molecular and cellular differences between normal versus Lal -/- bone marrow-derived Ly6G+ myeloid populations in mice. In humans, LAL expression and metabolic pathways in various myeloid subsets of blood samples of patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) were assessed by flow cytometry. The profiles of myeloid subsets were compared in patients with NSCLC before and after the treatment of programmed death-1 (PD-1) immunotherapy. RESULTS: scRNA-seq of Lal -/- CD11b+Ly6G+ MDSCs identified two distinctive clusters with differential gene expression patterns and revealed a major metabolic shift towards glucose utilization and reactive oxygen species (ROS) overproduction. Blocking pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) in glycolysis reversed Lal -/- MDSCs' capabilities of immunosuppression and tumor growth stimulation and reduced ROS overproduction. In the blood samples of human patients with NSCLC, LAL expression was significantly decreased in CD13+/CD14+/CD15+/CD33+ myeloid cell subsets. Further analysis in the blood of patients with NSCLC revealed an expansion of CD13+/CD14+/CD15+ myeloid cell subsets, accompanied by upregulation of glucose-related and glutamine-related metabolic enzymes. Pharmacological inhibition of the LAL activity in the blood cells of healthy participants increased the numbers of CD13+ and CD14+ myeloid cell subsets. PD-1 checkpoint inhibitor treatment in patients with NSCLC reversed the increased number of CD13+ and CD14+ myeloid cell subsets and PDH levels in CD13+ myeloid cells. CONCLUSION: These results demonstrate that LAL and the associated expansion of MDSCs could serve as targets and biomarkers for anticancer immunotherapy in humans.

Rare diseases presenting with hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis.

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a potentially fatal hyperinflammatory disorder characterized by hypercytokinemia caused by excessive activation of cytotoxic T cells and macrophages. HLH is caused by a variety of factors and is classified into primary and secondary HLH. Familial HLH (FHL) types 1-5, X-linked lymphoproliferative syndrome types 1 and 2, and FHL syndrome with hypopigmentation are all examples of primary HLH. Secondary HLH, on the other hand, is linked to infections, malignant tumors, autoimmune diseases, and other diseases. The causes of HLH vary, and finding the underlying disease is critical for diagnosis and treatment. The majority of HLH is caused by the aforementioned conditions; however, approximately 10% of cases are caused by rare diseases such as inborn errors of immunity (IEI) and inborn errors of metabolism (IEM). Novel IEI, such as RhoG, MAP kinase activating death domain, TIM3, and ZNFX1 deficiencies, have recently been identified as causes of HLH. IEM patients are rarely associated with HLH. Surprisingly, children with lysinuric protein intolerance and lysosomal acid lipase deficiency (Wolman disease) frequently develop HLH. This review focuses on the most recent knowledge of HLH caused by rare diseases such as IEI and IEM.

Structure-based virtual screening to identify potential lipase inhibitors to reduce lipid storage in Wolman disorder.

Wolman disorder (WD) was first described in Iranian-Jewish (IJ) children, and it is caused by a deficiency of the lysosomal acid lipase (LAL). Newborns with WD are healthy and active at birth but soon develop severe malnutrition symptoms and often die before 1 year. In particular, spleens, livers, bone marrows, intestines, adrenal glands, and lymph nodes accumulate harmful amounts of lipids. G87V mutation in LIPA is responsible for Wolman disorder. Some reports suggest that δ-tocopherol can reduce lipid accumulation in cholesterol storage disorders. Hence, we used δ-tocopherol for the virtual screening process in this study. Initially, the lead compounds were docked with native and G87V mutant LIPA. Subsequently, the ADME and toxicity parameters for screened compounds were determined to ensure the safety profiles. Finally, the molecular dynamics simulations result indicated that dl-alpha-Tocopherol-13C3, a molecule obtained from the PubChem database, is identified as a potential and stable lead molecule that could be effective against the G87V mutant form of LIPA.

Lysosomal Acid Lipase Deficiency: Genetics, Screening, and Preclinical Study.

Lysosomal acid lipase (LAL) is a lysosomal enzyme essential for the degradation of cholesteryl esters through the endocytic pathway. Deficiency of the LAL enzyme encoded by the LIPA gene leads to LAL deficiency (LAL-D) (OMIM 278000), one of the lysosomal storage disorders involving 50-60 genes. Among the two disease subtypes, the severe disease subtype of LAL-D is known as Wolman disease, with typical manifestations involving hepatomegaly, splenomegaly, vomiting, diarrhea, and hematopoietic abnormalities, such as anemia. In contrast, the mild disease subtype of this disorder is known as cholesteryl ester storage disease, with hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, and high-density lipoprotein disappearance. The prevalence of LAL-D is rare, but several treatment options, including enzyme replacement therapy, are available. Accordingly, a number of screening methodologies have been developed for this disorder. This review summarizes the current discussion on LAL-D, covering genetics, screening, and the tertiary structure of human LAL enzyme and preclinical study for the future development of a novel therapy.