D-mannose as a new therapy for fucokinase deficiency-related congenital disorder of glycosylation (FCSK-CDG).

INTRODUCTION: Fucokinase deficiency-related congenital disorder of glycosylation (FCSK-CDG) is a rare autosomal recessive inborn error of metabolism characterized by a decreased flux through the salvage pathway of GDP-fucose biosynthesis due to a block in the recycling of L-fucose that exits the lysosome. FCSK-CDG has been described in 5 individuals to date in the medical literature, with a phenotype comprising global developmental delays/intellectual disability, hypotonia, abnormal myelination, posterior ocular disease, growth and feeding failure, immune deficiency, and chronic diarrhea, without clear therapeutic recommendations. PATIENT AND METHODS: In a so far unreported FCSK-CDG patient, we studied proteomics and glycoproteomics in vitro in patient-derived fibroblasts and also performed in vivo glycomics, before and after treatment with either D-Mannose or L-Fucose. RESULTS: We observed a marked increase in fucosylation after D-mannose supplementation in fibroblasts compared to treatment with L-Fucose. The patient was then treated with D-mannose at 850 mg/kg/d, with resolution of the chronic diarrhea, resolution of oral aversion, improved weight gain, and observed developmental gains. Serum N-glycan profiles showed an improvement in the abundance of fucosylated glycans after treatment. No treatment-attributed adverse effects were observed. CONCLUSION: D-mannose is a promising new treatment for FCSK-CDG.

Novel insight into FCSK-congenital disorder of glycosylation through a CRISPR-generated cell model.

BACKGROUND: FCSK-congenital disorder of glycosylation (FCSK-CDG) is a recently discovered rare autosomal recessive genetic disorder with defective fucosylation due to mutations in the fucokinase encoding gene, FCSK. Despite the essential role of fucokinase in the fucose salvage pathway and severe multisystem manifestations of FCSK-CDG patients, it is not elucidated which cells or which types of fucosylation are affected by its deficiency. METHODS: In this study, CRISPR/Cas9 was employed to construct an FCSK-CDG cell model and explore the molecular mechanisms of the disease by lectin flow cytometry and real-time PCR analyses. RESULTS: Comparison of cellular fucosylation by lectin flow cytometry in the created CRISPR/Cas9 FCSK knockout and the same unedited cell lines showed no significant change in the amount of cell surface fucosylated glycans, which is consistent with the only documented previous study on different cell types. It suggests a probable effect of this disease on secretory glycoproteins. Investigating O-fucosylation by analysis of the NOTCH3 gene expression as a potential target revealed a significant decrease in the FCSK knockout cells compared with the same unedited ones, proving the effect of fucokinase deficiency on EGF-like repeats O-fucosylation. CONCLUSION: This study expands insight into the FCSK-CDG molecular mechanism; to the best of our knowledge, it is the first research conducted to reveal a gene whose expression level alters due to this disease.

Neuroectoderm phenotypes in a human stem cell model of O-GlcNAc transferase associated with intellectual disability.

Pathogenic variants in the O-GlcNAc transferase gene (OGT) have been associated with a congenital disorder of glycosylation (OGT-CDG), presenting with intellectual disability which may be of neuroectodermal origin. To test the hypothesis that pathology is linked to defects in differentiation during early embryogenesis, we developed an OGT-CDG induced pluripotent stem cell line together with isogenic control generated by CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing. Although the OGT-CDG variant leads to a significant decrease in OGT and O-GlcNAcase protein levels, there were no changes in differentiation potential or stemness. However, differentiation into ectoderm resulted in significant differences in O-GlcNAc homeostasis. Further differentiation to neuronal stem cells revealed differences in morphology between patient and control lines, accompanied by disruption of the O-GlcNAc pathway. This suggests a critical role for O-GlcNAcylation in early neuroectoderm architecture, with robust compensatory mechanisms in the earliest stages of stem cell differentiation.

Liposome-encapsulated mannose-1-phosphate therapy improves global N-glycosylation in different congenital disorders of glycosylation.

Phosphomannomutase 2 (PMM2) converts mannose-6-phospahate to mannose-1-phosphate; the substrate for GDP-mannose, a building block of the glycosylation biosynthetic pathway. Pathogenic variants in the PMM2 gene have been shown to be associated with protein hypoglycosylation causing PMM2-congenital disorder of glycosylation (PMM2-CDG). While mannose supplementation improves glycosylation in vitro, but not in vivo, we hypothesized that liposomal delivery of mannose-1-phosphate could increase the stability and delivery of the activated sugar to enter the targeted compartments of cells. Thus, we studied the effect of liposome-encapsulated mannose-1-P (GLM101) on global protein glycosylation and on the cellular proteome in skin fibroblasts from individuals with PMM2-CDG, as well as in individuals with two N-glycosylation defects early in the pathway, namely ALG2-CDG and ALG11-CDG. We leveraged multiplexed proteomics and N-glycoproteomics in fibroblasts derived from different individuals with various pathogenic variants in PMM2, ALG2 and ALG11 genes. Proteomics data revealed a moderate but significant change in the abundance of some of the proteins in all CDG fibroblasts upon GLM101 treatment. On the other hand, N-glycoproteomics revealed the GLM101 treatment enhanced the expression levels of several high-mannose and complex/hybrid glycopeptides from numerous cellular proteins in individuals with defects in PMM2 and ALG2 genes. Both PMM2-CDG and ALG2-CDG exhibited several-fold increase in glycopeptides bearing Man6 and higher glycans and a decrease in Man5 and smaller glycan moieties, suggesting that GLM101 helps in the formation of mature glycoforms. These changes in protein glycosylation were observed in all individuals irrespective of their genetic variants. ALG11-CDG fibroblasts also showed increase in high mannose glycopeptides upon treatment; however, the improvement was not as dramatic as the other two CDG. Overall, our findings suggest that treatment with GLM101 overcomes the genetic block in the glycosylation pathway and can be used as a potential therapy for CDG with enzymatic defects in early steps in protein N-glycosylation.

Clinical and biochemical footprints of congenital disorders of glycosylation: Proposed nosology.

We have identified 200 congenital disorders of glycosylation (CDG) caused by 189 different gene defects and have proposed a classification system for CDG based on the mode of action. This classification includes 8 categories: 1. Disorders of monosaccharide synthesis and interconversion, 2. Disorders of nucleotide sugar synthesis and transport, 3. Disorders of N-linked protein glycosylation, 4. Disorders of O-linked protein glycosylation, 5. Disorders of lipid glycosylation, 6. Disorders of vesicular trafficking, 7. Disorders of multiple glycosylation pathways and 8. Disorders of glycoprotein/glycan degradation. Additionally, using information from IEMbase, we have described the clinical involvement of 19 organs and systems, as well as essential laboratory investigations for each type of CDG. Neurological, dysmorphic, skeletal, and ocular manifestations were the most prevalent, occurring in 81%, 56%, 53%, and 46% of CDG, respectively. This was followed by digestive, cardiovascular, dermatological, endocrine, and hematological symptoms (17-34%). Immunological, genitourinary, respiratory, psychiatric, and renal symptoms were less frequently reported (8-12%), with hair and dental abnormalities present in only 4-7% of CDG. The information provided in this study, including our proposed classification system for CDG, may be beneficial for healthcare providers caring for individuals with metabolic conditions associated with CDG.

Transcriptomic analysis identifies dysregulated pathways and therapeutic targets in PMM2-CDG.

PMM2-CDG (MIM # 212065), the most common congenital disorder of glycosylation, is caused by the deficiency of phosphomannomutase 2 (PMM2). It is a multisystemic disease of variable severity that particularly affects the nervous system; however, its molecular pathophysiology remains poorly understood. Currently, there is no effective treatment. We performed an RNA-seq based transcriptomic study using patient-derived fibroblasts to gain insight into the mechanisms underlying the clinical symptomatology and to identify druggable targets. Systems biology methods were used to identify cellular pathways potentially affected by PMM2 deficiency, including Senescence, Bone regulation, Cell adhesion and Extracellular Matrix (ECM) and Response to cytokines. Functional validation assays using patients' fibroblasts revealed defects related to cell proliferation, cell cycle, the composition of the ECM and cell migration, and showed a potential role of the inflammatory response in the pathophysiology of the disease. Furthermore, treatment with a previously described pharmacological chaperone reverted the differential expression of some of the dysregulated genes. The results presented from transcriptomic data might serve as a platform for identifying therapeutic targets for PMM2-CDG, as well as for monitoring the effectiveness of therapeutic strategies, including pharmacological candidates and mannose-1-P, drug repurposing.

Establishment of a human induced pluripotent stem cell line（SDQLCHi059-A）from a patient with congenital disorder of glycosylation carrying heterozygous mutation in MPI gene.

Congenital disorder of glycosylation (CDG) is inherited metabolicdiseasecaused by defects in the genes important for the process of protein and lipidglycosylation. We established an induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) line from peripheral blood mononuclear cells of a 6-month-old boy with congenital disorder of glycosylation carrying heterozygous mutations c.1193 T > C (p.I398T) and c.376_384dup CCGCAGCAC (p.P126_H128 dupPQH) in MPI gene. This iPSC line was free of exogenous gene, expressed pluripotency markers, has normal karyotype, exhibited differentiation potential and harbored the same mutations found in the patient. This cell line will provide a reliable cell model for further studies on the potential therapeutic targets of CDG.

Glycosphingolipids in congenital disorders of glycosylation (CDG).

Congenital disorders of glycosylation (CDG) are a large family of rare disorders affecting the different glycosylation pathways. Defective glycosylation can affect any organ, with varying symptoms among the different CDG. Even between individuals with the same CDG there is quite variable severity. Associating specific symptoms to deficiencies of certain glycoproteins or glycolipids is thus a challenging task. In this review, we focus on the glycosphingolipid (GSL) synthesis pathway, which is still rather unexplored in the context of CDG, and outline the functions of the main GSLs, including gangliosides, and their role in the central nervous system. We provide an overview of GSL studies that have been performed in CDG and show that abnormal GSL levels are not only observed in CDG directly affecting GSL synthesis, but also in better known CDG, such as PMM2-CDG. We highlight the importance of studying GSLs in CDG in order to better understand the pathophysiology of these disorders.

Revisiting the immunopathology of congenital disorders of glycosylation: an updated review.

Glycosylation is a critical post-translational modification that plays a pivotal role in several biological processes, such as the immune response. Alterations in glycosylation can modulate the course of various pathologies, such as the case of congenital disorders of glycosylation (CDG), a group of more than 160 rare and complex genetic diseases. Although the link between glycosylation and immune dysfunction has already been recognized, the immune involvement in most CDG remains largely unexplored and poorly understood. In this study, we provide an update on the immune dysfunction and clinical manifestations of the 12 CDG with major immune involvement, organized into 6 categories of inborn errors of immunity according to the International Union of Immunological Societies (IUIS). The immune involvement in phosphomannomutase 2 (PMM2)-CDG - the most frequent CDG - was comprehensively reviewed, highlighting a higher prevalence of immune issues during infancy and childhood and in R141H-bearing genotypes. Finally, using PMM2-CDG as a model, we point to links between abnormal glycosylation patterns in host cells and possibly favored interactions with microorganisms that may explain the higher susceptibility to infection. Further characterizing immunopathology and unusual host-pathogen adhesion in CDG can not only improve immunological standards of care but also pave the way for innovative preventive measures and targeted glycan-based therapies that may improve quality of life for people living with CDG.

Association between acute complications in PMM2-CDG patients and haemostasis anomalies: Data from a multicentric study and suggestions for acute management.

OBJECTIVES: Patients with PMM2-CDG develop acute events (stroke-like episodes (SLEs), thromboses, haemorrhages, seizures, migraines) associated with both clotting factors (factor XI) and coagulation inhibitors (antithrombin, protein C and protein S) deficiencies. The aim of the study was to correlate acute events to haemostasis and propose practical guidelines. METHODS: In this multicentric retrospective study, we evaluated clinical, radiological, haemostasis and electroencephalography data for PMM2-CDG patients hospitalized for acute events. Cerebral events were classified as thrombosis, haemorrhage, SLE, or "stroke mimic" (SM: normal brain imaging or evoking a migraine). RESULTS: Thirteen patients had a total of 31 acute episodes: 27 cerebral events with 7 SLEs, 4 venous thromboses, 4 haemorrhages (3 associated with thrombosis), 15 SMs at a mean age of 7.7 years; 4 non-cerebral thromboses, one of which included bleeding. A trigger was frequently involved (infection, head trauma). Although sometimes normal at baseline state, factor XI, antithrombin and protein C levels decreased during these episodes. No correlation between haemostasis anomalies and type of acute event was found. DISCUSSION: Acute events in PMM2-CDG are not negligible and are associated with haemostasis anomalies. An emergency protocol is proposed for their prevention and treatment (https://www.filiere-g2m.fr/urgences). For cerebral events, brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging with perfusion weight imaging and diffusion sequences, electroencephalogram and haemostasis protein levels guide the treatment: anticoagulation, antithrombin or fresh frozen plasma supplementation, antiepileptic therapy. Preventing bleeding and thrombosis is required in cases of surgery, prolonged immobilization, hormone replacement therapy. CONCLUSION: Acute events in PMM2-CDG are associated with abnormal haemostasis, requiring practical guidance.

Metabolic adaptation of human skin fibroblasts to ER stress caused by glycosylation defect in PMM2-CDG.

PMM2-CDG is the most prevalent type of congenital disorders of glycosylation (CDG). It is caused by pathogenic variants in the gene encoding phosphomannomutase 2 (PMM2), which converts mannose-6-phosphate to mannose-1-phosphate and thus activates this saccharide for further glycosylation processes. Defective glycosylation can lead to an abnormal accumulation of unfolded proteins in endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and cause its stress. The ER is a key compartment for glycosylation, and its connection and communication with mitochondria has been described extensively in literature. Their crosstalk is important for cell proliferation, calcium homeostasis, apoptosis, mitochondrial fission regulation, bioenergetics, autophagy, lipid metabolism, inflammasome formation and unfolded protein response. Therefore, in the present study we posed a question, whether defective glycosylation leads to bioenergetic disruption. Our data reveal possible chronic stress in ER and activated unfolded protein response via PERK pathway in PMM2-CDG fibroblasts. Presumably, it leads to bioenergetic reorganization and increased assembly of respiratory chain complexes into supercomplexes together with suppressed glycolysis in PMM2-CDG patient cells. These changes cause alterations in Krebs cycle, which is tightly connected to electron transport system in mitochondria. In summary, we present data showing metabolic adaptation of cells to glycosylation defect caused by various pathogenic variants in PMM2.

Cysteine Pathogenic Variants of PMM2 Are Sensitive to Environmental Stress with Loss of Structural Stability.

Congenital disorders of glycosylation (CDG) are severe metabolic disorders caused by an imbalance in the glycosylation pathway. Phosphomannomutase2 (PMM2-CDG), the most prevalent CDG, is mainly due to the disorder of PMM2. Pathogenic variants in cysteine have been found in various diseases, and cysteine residues have a potential as therapeutic targets. PMM2 harbor six cysteines; the variants Cys9Tyr (C9Y) and Cys241Ser (C241S) of PMM2 have been identified to associate with CDG, but the underlying molecular mechanisms remain uncharacterized. Here, we purified PMM2 wild type (WT), C9Y, and C241S to investigate their structural characteristics and biophysical properties by spectroscopic experiments under physiological temperature and environmental stress. Notably, the variants led to drastic changes in the protein properties and were prone to aggregate at physiological temperature. Meanwhile, PMM2 was sensitive to oxidative stress, and the cysteine pathogenic variants led to obvious aggregate formation and a higher cellular apoptosis ratio under oxidative stress. Molecular dynamic simulations indicated that the pathogenic variants changed the core domain of homomeric PMM2 and subunit binding free energy. Moreover, we tested the potential drug targeting PMM2-celastrol in cell level and explained the result by molecular docking simulation. In this study, we delineated the pathological mechanism of the cysteine substitution in PMM2, which addressed the vital role of cysteine in PMM2 and provided novel insights into prevention and treatment strategies for PMM2-CDG.

Higher frequency of TMEM199-CDG in the southern mediterranean area is associated with c.92G>C (p.Arg31Pro) mutation.

Congenital disorders of glycosylation (CDG) are genetic multisystem diseases, characterized by defective glycoconjugate synthesis. A small number of CDG with isolated liver damage have been described, such as TMEM199-CDG, a non-encephalopathic liver disorder with Wilson disease-like phenotype. Only eight patients with TMEM199-CDG have been described including seven Europeans (originating from Greece and Italy) and one Chinese. Three patients from southern Italy (Campania) shared the same known missense mutation pathogenetic variant NM_152464.3:c. 92G > C (p.Arg31Pro), also found in a Greek patient. Here we report a new patient from southern Italy (Sicily), with a homozygous c.92G > C p.(Arg31Pro) variant in TMEM199. The patient's phenotype is characterized by mild non-progressive hepatopathy with a normal hepatic echo structure. A persistent increase in serum transaminases, total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and low serum ceruloplasmin and copper levels and normal urinary copper excretion were observed. Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry analyses showed abnormal N- and O- protein glycosylation, indicative of a Golgi processing defect and supporting the function of TMEM199 in maintaining Golgi homeostasis. TMEM199-CDG is an ultra-rare CDG relatively frequent in the southern Mediterranean area (7 in 9 patients, 77%). It is mainly associated with the c.92G > C (p.Arg31Pro) pathogenetic allele globally reported in 4 out of 7 families (57%), including one from Greece and three unrelated families from southern Italy. The almost uniform clinical phenotype described in patients with TMEM199-CDG appears to reflect a higher prevalence of the same variant in patients from the southern Mediterranean area.

DDOST-CDG: Clinical and molecular characterization of a third patient with a milder and a predominantly movement disorder phenotype.

Congenital disorders of glycosylation (CDG) are a group of heterogeneous inherited metabolic disorders affecting posttranslational protein modification. DDOST-CDG, caused by biallelic pathogenic variants in DDOST which encodes dolichyl-diphospho-oligosaccharide-protein glycosyltransferase, a subunit of N-glycosylation oligosaccharyltransferase (OST) complex, is an ultra-rare condition that has been described in two patients only. The main clinical features in the two reported patients include profound developmental delay, failure to thrive, and hypotonia. In addition, both patients had abnormal transferrin glycosylation. Here, we report an 18-year-old male who presented with moderate developmental delay, progressive opsoclonus, myoclonus, ataxia, tremor, and dystonia. Biochemical studies by carbohydrate deficient transferrin analysis showed a type I CDG pattern. Exome sequencing identified compound heterozygous variants in DDOST: a maternally inherited variant, c.1142dupT (p.Leu381Phefs*11), and a paternally inherited variant, c.661 T > C (p.Ser221Pro). Plasma N-glycan profiling showed mildly increased small high mannose glycans including Man0-5 GlcNAc2, a pattern consistent with what was previously reported in DDOST-CDG or defects in other subunits of OST complex. Western blot analysis on patient's fibroblasts revealed decreased expression of DDOST and reduced intracellular N-glycosylation, as evident by the biomarkers ICAM-1 and LAMP2. Our study highlights the clinical variability, expands the clinical and biochemical phenotypes, and describes new genotype, which all are essential for diagnosing and managing patients with DDOST-CDG.

SRD5A3-CDG: Twins with an intragenic tandem duplication.

Steroid 5α-reductase type 3 congenital disorder of glycosylation (SRD5A3-CDG) is a rare metabolic disease mainly characterized by psychomotor disability, visual impairment, and variable eye malformations caused by bi-allelic pathogenic variants in SRD5A3. So far, only 23 distinct mutations were described. Exome sequencing in 32-year old monozygotic male twins revealed only the heterozygous splice variant c.562+3delG in SRD5A3, but no second variant. The twins presented with psychomotor deficit and a complex eye disease including retinal dystrophy, pallor of the papilla, nystagmus, and strabismus suggestive of SRD5A3-CDG. Only when applying exome-based copy number analysis, we identified as a second compound heterozygous variant a previously not reported tandem duplication of exons 2-4 in SRD5A3. Next to the typical skeletal anomalies of SRD5A3-CDG such as kyphosis and scoliosis, extension deficits of the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joints IV were observed. Since similar contractures were described once in a patient with SRD5A3-CDG, we suggest that this rare symptom is possibly associated with SRD5A3-CDG. Our findings further expand the mutational and clinical spectrum of SRD5A3-CDG and emphasize the importance of an intragenic copy number analysis in patients with strong clinical suspicion of SRD5A3-CDG and only one detectable sequence variant.

Impaired catabolism of free oligosaccharides due to MAN2C1 variants causes a neurodevelopmental disorder.

Free oligosaccharides (fOSs) are soluble oligosaccharide species generated during N-glycosylation of proteins. Although little is known about fOS metabolism, the recent identification of NGLY1 deficiency, a congenital disorder of deglycosylation (CDDG) caused by loss of function of an enzyme involved in fOS metabolism, has elicited increased interest in fOS processing. The catabolism of fOSs has been linked to the activity of a specific cytosolic mannosidase, MAN2C1, which cleaves α1,2-, α1,3-, and α1,6-mannose residues. In this study, we report the clinical, biochemical, and molecular features of six individuals, including two fetuses, with bi-allelic pathogenic variants in MAN2C1; the individuals are from four different families. These individuals exhibit dysmorphic facial features, congenital anomalies such as tongue hamartoma, variable degrees of intellectual disability, and brain anomalies including polymicrogyria, interhemispheric cysts, hypothalamic hamartoma, callosal anomalies, and hypoplasia of brainstem and cerebellar vermis. Complementation experiments with isogenic MAN2C1-KO HAP1 cells confirm the pathogenicity of three of the identified MAN2C1 variants. We further demonstrate that MAN2C1 variants lead to accumulation and delay in the processing of fOSs in proband-derived cells. These results emphasize the involvement of MAN2C1 in human neurodevelopmental disease and the importance of fOS catabolism.

Getting Sugar Coating Right! The Role of the Golgi Trafficking Machinery in Glycosylation.

The Golgi is the central organelle of the secretory pathway and it houses the majority of the glycosylation machinery, which includes glycosylation enzymes and sugar transporters. Correct compartmentalization of the glycosylation machinery is achieved by retrograde vesicular trafficking as the secretory cargo moves forward by cisternal maturation. The vesicular trafficking machinery which includes vesicular coats, small GTPases, tethers and SNAREs, play a major role in coordinating the Golgi trafficking thereby achieving Golgi homeostasis. Glycosylation is a template-independent process, so its fidelity heavily relies on appropriate localization of the glycosylation machinery and Golgi homeostasis. Mutations in the glycosylation enzymes, sugar transporters, Golgi ion channels and several vesicle tethering factors cause congenital disorders of glycosylation (CDG) which encompass a group of multisystem disorders with varying severities. Here, we focus on the Golgi vesicle tethering and fusion machinery, namely, multisubunit tethering complexes and SNAREs and their role in Golgi trafficking and glycosylation. This review is a comprehensive summary of all the identified CDG causing mutations of the Golgi trafficking machinery in humans.

Genotype-Phenotype Correlations in PMM2-CDG.

PMM2-CDG is a rare disease, causing hypoglycosylation of multiple proteins, hence preventing full functionality. So far, no direct genotype-phenotype correlations have been identified. We carried out a retrospective cohort study on 26 PMM2-CDG patients. We collected the identified genotype, as well as continuous variables indicating the disease severity (based on Nijmegen Pediatric CDG Rating Score or NPCRS) and dichotomous variables reflecting the patients' phenotype. The phenotypic effects of patients' genotype were studied using non-parametric and Chi-Square tests. Seventeen different pathogenic variants have been studied. Variants with zero enzyme activity had no significant impact on the Nijmegen score. Pathogenic variants involving the stabilization/folding domain have a significantly lower total NPCRS (p = 0.017): presence of the p.Cys241Ser mutation had a significantly lower subscore 1,3 and NPCRS (p = 0.04) and thus result in a less severe phenotype. On the other hand, variants involving the dimerization domain, p.Pro113Leu and p.Phe119Leu, resulted in a significantly higher NPCRS score (p = 0.002), which indicates a worse clinical course. These concepts give a better insight in the phenotypic prognosis of PMM2-CDG, according to their molecular base.

A novel homozygous mutation in the human ALG12 gene results in an aberrant profile of oligomannose N-glycans in patient's serum.

Congenital disorder of glycosylation type Ig (ALG12-CDG) is a rare inherited metabolic disease caused by a defect in alpha-mannosyltransferase 8, encoded by the ALG12 gene (22q13.33). To date, only 15 patients have been diagnosed with ALG12-CDG globally. Due to a newborn Slovak patient's clinical and biochemical abnormalities, the isoelectric focusing of transferrin was performed with observed significant hypoglycosylation typical of CDG I. Furthermore, analysis of neutral serum N-glycans by mass spectrometry revealed the accumulation of GlcNAc2Man5-7 and decreased levels of GlcNAc2Man8-9, which indicated impaired ALG12 enzymatic activity. Genetic analysis of the coding regions of the ALG12 gene of the patient revealed a novel homozygous substitution mutation c.1439T>C p.(Leu480Pro) within Exon 10. Furthermore, both of the patient's parents and his twin sister were asymptomatic heterozygous carriers of the variant. This comprehensive genomic and glycomic approach led to the confirmation of the ALG12 pathogenic variant responsible for the clinical manifestation of the disorder in the patient described.

Precision genetic cellular models identify therapies protective against ER stress.

Rare monogenic disorders often share molecular etiologies involved in the pathogenesis of common diseases. Congenital disorders of glycosylation (CDG) and deglycosylation (CDDG) are rare pediatric disorders with symptoms that range from mild to life threatening. A biological mechanism shared among CDG and CDDG as well as more common neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, is endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. We developed isogenic human cellular models of two types of CDG and the only known CDDG to discover drugs that can alleviate ER stress. Systematic phenotyping confirmed ER stress and identified elevated autophagy among other phenotypes in each model. We screened 1049 compounds and scored their ability to correct aberrant morphology in each model using an agnostic cell-painting assay based on >300 cellular features. This primary screen identified multiple compounds able to correct morphological phenotypes. Independent validation shows they also correct cellular phenotypes and alleviate each of the ER stress markers identified in each model. Many of the active compounds are associated with microtubule dynamics, which points to new therapeutic opportunities for both rare and more common disorders presenting with ER stress, such as Alzheimer's disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.