Long-term safety and efficacy of cipaglucosidase alfa plus miglustat in individuals living with Pompe disease: an open-label phase I/II study (ATB200-02).

Cipaglucosidase alfa plus miglustat (cipa + mig) is a novel, two-component therapy for Pompe disease. We report data from the Phase I/II ATB200-02 study for up to 48 months of treatment. Four adult cohorts, including one non-ambulatory ERT-experienced (n = 6) and three ambulatory cohorts, (two enzyme replacement therapy [ERT]-experienced cohorts [2-6 years (n = 11) and ≥ 7 years (n = 6)]), one ERT-naïve cohort (n = 6), received 20 mg/kg intravenous-infused cipa plus 260 mg oral mig biweekly. Change from baseline (CFBL) for multiple efficacy endpoints at 12, 24, 36, and 48 months, pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, safety, and immunogenicity data were assessed. Six-minute walking distance (% predicted) improved at 12, 24, 36, and 48 months: pooled ambulatory ERT-experienced cohorts, mean(± standard deviation [SD]) CFBL: 6.1(± 7.84), n = 16; 5.4(± 10.56), n = 13; 3.4(± 14.66), n = 12; 5.9(± 17.36), n = 9, respectively; ERT-naïve cohort: 10.7(± 3.93), n = 6; 11.0(± 5.06), n = 6; 9.0(± 7.98), n = 5; 11.7(± 7.69), n = 4, respectively. Percent predicted forced vital capacity was generally stable in ERT-experienced cohorts, mean(± SD) CFBL - 1.2(± 5.95), n = 16; 1.0(± 7.96), n = 13; - 0.3(± 6.68), n = 10; 1.0(± 6.42), n = 6, respectively, and improved in the ERT-naïve cohort: 3.2(± 8.42), n = 6; 4.7(± 5.09), n = 6; 6.2(± 3.35), n = 5; 8.3(± 4.50), n = 4, respectively. Over 48 months, CK and Hex4 biomarkers improved in ambulatory cohorts. Overall, cipa + mig was well tolerated with a safety profile like alglucosidase alfa. ATB200-02 results show the potential benefits of cipa + mig as a long-term treatment option for Pompe disease. Trial registration number: NCT02675465 January 26, 2016.

Low frequency of Fabry disease in patients with common heart disease.

PURPOSE: To test the hypothesis that undiagnosed patients with Fabry disease exist among patients affected by common heart disease. METHODS: Globotriaosylceramide in random whole urine using tandem mass spectroscopy, α-galactosidase A activity in dried blood spots, and next-generation sequencing of pooled or individual genomic DNA samples supplemented by Sanger sequencing. RESULTS: We tested 2,256 consecutive patients: 852 women (median age 65 years (19-95)) and 1,404 men (median age 65 years (21-92)). The primary diagnoses were coronary artery disease (n = 994), arrhythmia (n = 607), cardiomyopathy (n = 138), and valvular disease (n = 568). Urinary globotriaosylceramide was elevated in 15% of patients and 15 males had low α-galactosidase A activity. GLA variants found included R118C (n = 2), D83N, and D313Y (n = 7); IVS6-22 C>T, IVS4-16 A>G, IVS2+990C>A, 5'UTR-10 C>T (n = 4), IVS1-581 C>T, IVS1-1238 G>A, 5'UTR-30 G>A, IVS2+590C>T, IVS0-12 G>A, IVS4+68A>G, IVS0-10 C>T, IVS2-81-77delCAGCC, IVS2-77delC. Although the pathogenicity of several of these missense mutations and complex intronic haplotypes has been controversial, none of the patients screened in this study were diagnosed definitively with Fabry disease. CONCLUSION: This population of patients with common heart disease did not contain a substantial number of patients with undiagnosed Fabry disease. GLA gene sequencing is superior to urinary globotriaosylceramide or α-galactosidase A activity in the screening for Fabry disease.

Reduction of podocyte globotriaosylceramide content in adult male patients with Fabry disease with amenable GLA mutations following 6 months of migalastat treatment.

OBJECTIVE: Deficiency of α-galactosidase A (αGal-A) in Fabry disease leads to the accumulation mainly of globotriaosylceramide (GL3) in multiple renal cell types. Glomerular podocytes are relatively resistant to clearance of GL3 inclusions by enzyme replacement therapy (ERT). Migalastat, an orally bioavailable small molecule capable of chaperoning misfolded αGal-A to lysosomes, is approved in the European Union for the long-term treatment of patients with Fabry disease and amenable GLA (α-galactosidase A enzyme) mutations. We aimed to examine if migalastat reduces GL3 content of podocytes in Fabry disease. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: We compared paired renal biopsies of eight adult men with amenable Fabry disease mutations at baseline and after 6 months of treatment with 150 mg migalastat every other day using quantitative unbiased electron microscopic morphometric methods. RESULTS: Migalastat treatment led to a reduction in mean total GL3 inclusion volume per podocyte in renal biopsies from baseline to 6 months. This reduction correlated precisely with reduced mean podocyte volume. There was also a direct relationship between reduction in podocyte foot process width and the reduction in mean total podocyte GL3 content following 6 months of migalastat treatment, suggestive of reduced podocyte injury. CONCLUSION: Migalastat treatment of 6 months duration in eight male patients with Fabry disease demonstrated effective GL3 clearance from the podocyte, an important and relatively ERT-resistant glomerular cell.

Glucosylceramide and Glucosylsphingosine Quantitation by Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry to Enable In Vivo Preclinical Studies of Neuronopathic Gaucher Disease.

Gaucher disease (GD) is caused by mutations in the GBA1 gene that encodes the lysosomal enzyme acid ß-glucosidase (GCase). Reduced GCase activity primarily leads to the accumulation of two substrates, glucosylceramide (GlcCer) and glucosylsphingosine (GlcSph). Current treatment options have not been shown to ameliorate the neurological pathology observed in the most severe forms of GD, clearly representing an unmet medical need. To better understand the relationship between GlcCer and GlcSph accumulation and ultimately their connection with the progression of neurological pathology, we developed LC-MS/MS methods to quantify GlcCer and GlcSph in mouse brain tissue. A significant challenge in developing these methods was the chromatographic separation of GlcCer and GlcSph from the far more abundant isobaric galactosyl epimers naturally occurring in white matter. After validation of both methods, we evaluated the levels of both substrates in five different GD mouse models, and found significant elevation of brain GlcSph in all five, while GlcCer was elevated in only one of the five models. In addition, we measured GlcCer and GlcSph levels in the brains of wild-type mice after administration of the GCase inhibitor conduritol ß-epoxide (CBE), as well as the nonlysosomal ß-glucosidase (GBA2) inhibitor N-butyldeoxygalactonojirimycin (NB-DGJ). Inhibition of GCase by CBE resulted in elevation of both sphingolipids; however, inhibition of GBA2 by NB-DGJ resulted in elevation of GlcCer only. Taken together, these data support the idea that GlcSph is a more selective and sensitive biomarker than GlcCer for neuronopathic GD in preclinical models.

Oral pharmacological chaperone migalastat compared with enzyme replacement therapy in Fabry disease: 18-month results from the randomised phase III ATTRACT study.

BACKGROUND: Fabry disease is an X-linked lysosomal storage disorder caused by GLA mutations, resulting in α-galactosidase (α-Gal) deficiency and accumulation of lysosomal substrates. Migalastat, an oral pharmacological chaperone being developed as an alternative to intravenous enzyme replacement therapy (ERT), stabilises specific mutant (amenable) forms of α-Gal to facilitate normal lysosomal trafficking. METHODS: The main objective of the 18-month, randomised, active-controlled ATTRACT study was to assess the effects of migalastat on renal function in patients with Fabry disease previously treated with ERT. Effects on heart, disease substrate, patient-reported outcomes (PROs) and safety were also assessed. RESULTS: Fifty-seven adults (56% female) receiving ERT (88% had multiorgan disease) were randomised (1.5:1), based on a preliminary cell-based assay of responsiveness to migalastat, to receive 18 months open-label migalastat or remain on ERT. Four patients had non-amenable mutant forms of α-Gal based on the validated cell-based assay conducted after treatment initiation and were excluded from primary efficacy analyses only. Migalastat and ERT had similar effects on renal function. Left ventricular mass index decreased significantly with migalastat treatment (-6.6 g/m2 (-11.0 to -2.2)); there was no significant change with ERT. Predefined renal, cardiac or cerebrovascular events occurred in 29% and 44% of patients in the migalastat and ERT groups, respectively. Plasma globotriaosylsphingosine remained low and stable following the switch from ERT to migalastat. PROs were comparable between groups. Migalastat was generally safe and well tolerated. CONCLUSIONS: Migalastat offers promise as a first-in-class oral monotherapy alternative treatment to intravenous ERT for patients with Fabry disease and amenable mutations. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT00925301; Pre-results.

The validation of pharmacogenetics for the identification of Fabry patients to be treated with migalastat.

PURPOSE: Fabry disease is an X-linked lysosomal storage disorder caused by mutations in the α-galactosidase A gene. Migalastat, a pharmacological chaperone, binds to specific mutant forms of α-galactosidase A to restore lysosomal activity. METHODS: A pharmacogenetic assay was used to identify the α-galactosidase A mutant forms amenable to migalastat. Six hundred Fabry disease-causing mutations were expressed in HEK-293 (HEK) cells; increases in α-galactosidase A activity were measured by a good laboratory practice (GLP)-validated assay (GLP HEK/Migalastat Amenability Assay). The predictive value of the assay was assessed based on pharmacodynamic responses to migalastat in phase II and III clinical studies. RESULTS: Comparison of the GLP HEK assay results in in vivo white blood cell α-galactosidase A responses to migalastat in male patients showed high sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values (≥0.875). GLP HEK assay results were also predictive of decreases in kidney globotriaosylceramide in males and plasma globotriaosylsphingosine in males and females. The clinical study subset of amenable mutations (n = 51) was representative of all 268 amenable mutations identified by the GLP HEK assay. CONCLUSION: The GLP HEK assay is a clinically validated method of identifying male and female Fabry patients for treatment with migalastat.Genet Med 19 4, 430-438.

Treatment of Fabry's Disease with the Pharmacologic Chaperone Migalastat.

BACKGROUND: Fabry's disease, an X-linked disorder of lysosomal α-galactosidase deficiency, leads to substrate accumulation in multiple organs. Migalastat, an oral pharmacologic chaperone, stabilizes specific mutant forms of α-galactosidase, increasing enzyme trafficking to lysosomes. METHODS: The initial assay of mutant α-galactosidase forms that we used to categorize 67 patients with Fabry's disease for randomization to 6 months of double-blind migalastat or placebo (stage 1), followed by open-label migalastat from 6 to 12 months (stage 2) plus an additional year, had certain limitations. Before unblinding, a new, validated assay showed that 50 of the 67 participants had mutant α-galactosidase forms suitable for targeting by migalastat. The primary end point was the percentage of patients who had a response (≥50% reduction in the number of globotriaosylceramide inclusions per kidney interstitial capillary) at 6 months. We assessed safety along with disease substrates and renal, cardiovascular, and patient-reported outcomes. RESULTS: The primary end-point analysis, involving patients with mutant α-galactosidase forms that were suitable or not suitable for migalastat therapy, did not show a significant treatment effect: 13 of 32 patients (41%) who received migalastat and 9 of 32 patients (28%) who received placebo had a response at 6 months (P=0.30). Among patients with suitable mutant α-galactosidase who received migalastat for up to 24 months, the annualized changes from baseline in the estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and measured GFR were -0.30±0.66 and -1.51±1.33 ml per minute per 1.73 m(2) of body-surface area, respectively. The left-ventricular-mass index decreased significantly from baseline (-7.7 g per square meter; 95% confidence interval [CI], -15.4 to -0.01), particularly when left ventricular hypertrophy was present (-18.6 g per square meter; 95% CI, -38.2 to 1.0). The severity of diarrhea, reflux, and indigestion decreased. CONCLUSIONS: Among all randomly assigned patients (with mutant α-galactosidase forms that were suitable or not suitable for migalastat therapy), the percentage of patients who had a response at 6 months did not differ significantly between the migalastat group and the placebo group. (Funded by Amicus Therapeutics; ClinicalTrials.gov numbers, NCT00925301 [study AT1001-011] and NCT01458119 [study AT1001-041].).

Coformulation of a Novel Human α-Galactosidase A With the Pharmacological Chaperone AT1001 Leads to Improved Substrate Reduction in Fabry Mice.

Fabry disease is an X-linked lysosomal storage disorder caused by mutations in the gene that encodes α-galactosidase A and is characterized by pathological accumulation of globotriaosylceramide and globotriaosylsphingosine. Earlier, the authors demonstrated that oral coadministration of the pharmacological chaperone AT1001 (migalastat HCl; 1-deoxygalactonojirimycin HCl) prior to intravenous administration of enzyme replacement therapy improved the pharmacological properties of the enzyme. In this study, the authors investigated the effects of coformulating AT1001 with a proprietary recombinant human α-galactosidase A (ATB100) into a single intravenous formulation. AT1001 increased the physical stability and reduced aggregation of ATB100 at neutral pH in vitro, and increased the potency for ATB100-mediated globotriaosylceramide reduction in cultured Fabry fibroblasts. In Fabry mice, AT1001 coformulation increased the total exposure of active enzyme, and increased ATB100 levels in cardiomyocytes, cardiac vascular endothelial cells, renal distal tubular epithelial cells, and glomerular cells, cell types that do not show substantial uptake with enzyme replacement therapy alone. Notably, AT1001 coformulation also leads to greater tissue globotriaosylceramide reduction when compared with ATB100 alone, which was positively correlated with reductions in plasma globotriaosylsphingosine. Collectively, these data indicate that intravenous administration of ATB100 coformulated with AT1001 may provide an improved therapy for Fabry disease and thus warrants further investigation.

Risk of death in heart disease is associated with elevated urinary globotriaosylceramide.

BACKGROUND: Elevated urinary globotriaosylceramide (Gb3) has been considered a hallmark of Fabry disease, an X-linked lysosomal disorder that is a risk factor for most types of heart disease. METHODS AND RESULTS: We screened 1421 consecutive patients with common forms of heart disease for Fabry disease by measuring urinary Gb3 in whole urine using tandem mass spectrometry, α-galactosidase A activity in dried blood spots, and we looked for GLA mutations by parallel sequencing of the whole gene (exons and introns) in pooled genomic DNA samples followed by Sanger sequencing verification. GLA variants were found in 13 patients. In the 1408 patients without GLA mutations, urinary Gb3 levels were significantly higher in heart disease patients compared to 116 apparently healthy controls (median difference=10.0 ng/mL and P<0.001). Urinary lipid profiling showed that levels of 5 other lipids significantly distinguished between urine of patients with Fabry disease (n=7) and heart disease patients with elevated urinary Gb3 (n=6). Sphingomyelin and Gb3 levels were abnormal in the left ventricular wall of patients with ischemic heart failure. Elevated levels of urinary Gb3 were independently associated with increased risk of death in the average follow-up of 17 months (hazard ratio=1.59 for increase in Gb3 of 200, 95% CI=1.36 and 1.87, and P<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: In heart disease patients who do not have Fabry disease or GLA gene mutations, a higher level of urinary Gb3 is positively associated with near-term mortality. The elevation of urinary Gb3 and that of other lipids suggests that heart disease is associated with multiorgan lipid abnormalities. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION URL: clinicaltrials.gov. Unique Identifier: NCT01019629.

Migalastat HCl reduces globotriaosylsphingosine (lyso-Gb3) in Fabry transgenic mice and in the plasma of Fabry patients.

Fabry disease (FD) results from mutations in the gene (GLA) that encodes the lysosomal enzyme α-galactosidase A (α-Gal A), and involves pathological accumulation of globotriaosylceramide (GL-3) and globotriaosylsphingosine (lyso-Gb3). Migalastat hydrochloride (GR181413A) is a pharmacological chaperone that selectively binds, stabilizes, and increases cellular levels of α-Gal A. Oral administration of migalastat HCl reduces tissue GL-3 in Fabry transgenic mice, and in urine and kidneys of some FD patients. A liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method was developed to measure lyso-Gb3 in mouse tissues and human plasma. Oral administration of migalastat HCl to transgenic mice reduced elevated lyso-Gb3 levels up to 64%, 59%, and 81% in kidney, heart, and skin, respectively, generally equal to or greater than observed for GL-3. Furthermore, baseline plasma lyso-Gb3 levels were markedly elevated in six male FD patients enrolled in Phase 2 studies. Oral administration of migalastat HCl (150 mg QOD) reduced urine GL-3 and plasma lyso-Gb3 in three subjects (range: 15% to 46% within 48 weeks of treatment). In contrast, three showed no reductions in either substrate. These results suggest that measurement of tissue and/or plasma lyso-Gb3 is feasible and may be warranted in future studies of migalastat HCl or other new potential therapies for FD.

Pharmacological chaperones as therapeutics for lysosomal storage diseases.

Lysosomal enzymes are responsible for the degradation of a wide variety of glycolipids, oligosaccharides, proteins, and glycoproteins. Inherited mutations in the genes that encode these proteins can lead to reduced stability of newly synthesized lysosomal enzymes. While often catalytically competent, the mutated enzymes are unable to efficiently pass the quality control mechanisms of the endoplasmic reticulum, resulting in reduced lysosomal trafficking, substrate accumulation, and cellular dysfunction. Pharmacological chaperones (PCs) are small molecules that bind and stabilize mutant lysosomal enzymes, thereby allowing proper cellular translocation. Such compounds have been shown to increase enzyme activity and reduce substrate burden in a number of preclinical models and clinical studies. In this Perspective, we review several of the lysosomal diseases for which PCs have been studied and the SAR of the various classes of molecules.

Co-administration with the pharmacological chaperone AT1001 increases recombinant human α-galactosidase A tissue uptake and improves substrate reduction in Fabry mice.

Fabry disease is an X-linked lysosomal storage disorder (LSD) caused by mutations in the gene (GLA) that encodes the lysosomal hydrolase α-galactosidase A (α-Gal A), and is characterized by pathological accumulation of the substrate, globotriaosylceramide (GL-3). Regular infusion of recombinant human α-Gal A (rhα-Gal A), termed enzyme replacement therapy (ERT), is the primary treatment for Fabry disease. However, rhα-Gal A has low physical stability, a short circulating half-life, and variable uptake into different disease-relevant tissues. We hypothesized that coadministration of the orally available, small molecule pharmacological chaperone AT1001 (GR181413A, 1-deoxygalactonojirimycin, migalastat hydrochloride) may improve the pharmacological properties of rhα-Gal A via binding and stabilization. AT1001 prevented rhα-Gal A denaturation and activity loss in vitro at neutral pH and 37 °C. Coincubation of Fabry fibroblasts with rhα-Gal A and AT1001 resulted in up to fourfold higher cellular α-Gal A and ~30% greater GL-3 reduction compared to rhα-Gal A alone. Furthermore, coadministration of AT1001 to rats increased the circulating half-life of rhα-Gal A by >2.5-fold, and in GLA knockout mice resulted in up to fivefold higher α-Gal A levels and fourfold greater GL-3 reduction than rhα-Gal A alone. Collectively, these data highlight the potentially beneficial effects of AT1001 on rhα-Gal A, thus warranting clinical investigation.

Sex differences of urinary and kidney globotriaosylceramide and lyso-globotriaosylceramide in Fabry mice.

The aim of our study was to measure globotriaosylceramide (Gb(3)) and lyso-Gb(3) levels by tandem mass spectrometry in the urine and kidney in Fabry (gla knockout) mice and wild-type controls. We found that urine Gb(3) of male and female Fabry mice was higher than wild-type mice of the same sex but also significantly higher in male mice compared with females of the same genotype. In kidney tissue, sex and genotype-dependent differences in Gb(3) levels paralleled those in the urine. Isoforms C16, C22:1, and C24OHA were particularly higher in males compared with females in both wild-type and Fabry mice. Similarly, kidney lyso-Gb(3) concentrations were significantly higher in 12-month-old male Fabry mice than in their homozygous female counterparts. However, lyso-Gb(3) was undetectable in wild-type mice of both sexes. α-Galactosidase A activity and mRNA levels in kidney were significantly lower in male wild-type mice compared with female mice. This study shows the sex differences in kidney and urine Gb(3) and kidney lyso-Gb(3) levels in both wild-type and Fabry mice, and it suggests that these male-female differences should be taken into consideration when using murine models for Fabry disease.

Identification and characterization of pharmacological chaperones to correct enzyme deficiencies in lysosomal storage disorders.

Many human diseases result from mutations in specific genes. Once translated, the resulting aberrant proteins may be functionally competent and produced at near-normal levels. However, because of the mutations, the proteins are recognized by the quality control system of the endoplasmic reticulum and are not processed or trafficked correctly, ultimately leading to cellular dysfunction and disease. Pharmacological chaperones (PCs) are small molecules designed to mitigate this problem by selectively binding and stabilizing their target protein, thus reducing premature degradation, facilitating intracellular trafficking, and increasing cellular activity. Partial or complete restoration of normal function by PCs has been shown for numerous types of mutant proteins, including secreted proteins, transcription factors, ion channels, G protein-coupled receptors, and, importantly, lysosomal enzymes. Collectively, lysosomal storage disorders (LSDs) result from genetic mutations in the genes that encode specific lysosomal enzymes, leading to a deficiency in essential enzymatic activity and cellular accumulation of the respective substrate. To date, over 50 different LSDs have been identified, several of which are treated clinically with enzyme replacement therapy or substrate reduction therapy, although insufficiently in some cases. Importantly, a wide range of in vitro assays are now available to measure mutant lysosomal enzyme interaction with and stabilization by PCs, as well as subsequent increases in cellular enzyme levels and function. The application of these assays to the identification and characterization of candidate PCs for mutant lysosomal enzymes will be discussed in this review. In addition, considerations for the successful in vivo use and development of PCs to treat LSDs will be discussed.

A pharmacogenetic approach to identify mutant forms of α-galactosidase A that respond to a pharmacological chaperone for Fabry disease.

Fabry disease is caused by mutations in the gene (GLA) that encodes α-galactosidase A (α-Gal A). The iminosugar AT1001 (GR181413A, migalastat hydrochloride, 1-deoxygalactonojirimycin) is a pharmacological chaperone that selectively binds and stabilizes α-Gal A, increasing total cellular levels and activity for some mutant forms (defined as "responsive"). In this study, we developed a cell-based assay in cultured HEK-293 cells to identify mutant forms of α-Gal A that are responsive to AT1001. Concentration-dependent increases in α-Gal A activity in response to AT1001 were shown for 49 (60%) of 81 mutant forms. The responses of α-Gal A mutant forms were generally consistent with the responses observed in male Fabry patient-derived lymphoblasts. Importantly, the HEK-293 cell responses of 19 α-Gal A mutant forms to a clinically achievable concentration of AT1001 (10 µM) were generally consistent with observed increases in α-Gal A activity in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from male Fabry patients orally administered AT1001 during Phase 2 clinical studies. This indicates that the cell-based responses can identify mutant forms of α-Gal A that are likely to respond to AT1001 in vivo. Thus, the HEK-293 cell-based assay may be a useful aid in the identification of Fabry patients with AT1001-responsive mutant forms.

The pharmacological chaperone isofagomine increases the activity of the Gaucher disease L444P mutant form of beta-glucosidase.

Gaucher disease is caused by mutations in the gene that encodes the lysosomal enzyme acid beta-glucosidase (GCase). We have shown previously that the small molecule pharmacological chaperone isofagomine (IFG) binds and stabilizes N370S GCase, resulting in increased lysosomal trafficking and cellular activity. In this study, we investigated the effect of IFG on L444P GCase. Incubation of Gaucher patient-derived lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCLs) or fibroblasts with IFG led to approximately 3.5- and 1.3-fold increases in L444P GCase activity, respectively, as measured in cell lysates. The effect in fibroblasts was increased approximately 2-fold using glycoprotein-enrichment, GCase-immunocapture, or by incubating cells overnight in IFG-free media prior to assay, methods designed to maximize GCase activity by reducing IFG carryover and inhibition in the enzymatic assay. IFG incubation also increased the lysosomal trafficking and in situ activity of L444P GCase in intact cells, as measured by reduction in endogenous glucosylceramide levels. Importantly, this reduction was seen only following three-day incubation in IFG-free media, underscoring the importance of IFG removal to restore lysosomal GCase activity. In mice expressing murine L444P GCase, oral administration of IFG resulted in significant increases (2- to 5-fold) in GCase activity in disease-relevant tissues, including brain. Additionally, eight-week IFG administration significantly lowered plasma chitin III and IgG levels, and 24-week administration significantly reduced spleen and liver weights. Taken together, these data suggest that IFG can increase the lysosomal activity of L444P GCase in cells and tissues. Moreover, IFG is orally available and distributes into multiple tissues, including brain, and may thus merit therapeutic evaluation for patients with neuronopathic and non-neuronopathic Gaucher disease.

The pharmacological chaperone 1-deoxygalactonojirimycin reduces tissue globotriaosylceramide levels in a mouse model of Fabry disease.

Fabry disease is an X-linked lysosomal storage disorder caused by a deficiency in alpha-galactosidase A (alpha-Gal A) activity and subsequent accumulation of the substrate globotriaosylceramide (GL-3), which contributes to disease pathology. The pharmacological chaperone (PC) DGJ (1-deoxygalactonojirimycin) binds and stabilizes alpha-Gal A, increasing enzyme levels in cultured cells and in vivo. The ability of DGJ to reduce GL-3 in vivo was investigated using transgenic (Tg) mice that express a mutant form of human alpha-Gal A (R301Q) on a knockout background (Tg/KO), which leads to GL-3 accumulation in disease-relevant tissues. Four-week daily oral administration of DGJ to Tg/KO mice resulted in significant and dose-dependent increases in alpha-Gal A activity, with concomitant GL-3 reduction in skin, heart, kidney, brain, and plasma; 24-week administration resulted in even greater reductions. Compared to daily administration, less frequent DGJ administration, including repeated cycles of 4 days with DGJ followed by 3 days without or every other day with DGJ, resulted in even greater GL-3 reductions that were comparable to those obtained with Fabrazyme. Collectively, these data indicate that oral administration of DGJ increases mutant alpha-Gal A activity and reduces GL-3 in disease-relevant tissues in Tg/KO mice, and thus merits further evaluation as a treatment for Fabry disease.

Pharmacological characterization of recombinant N-type calcium channel (Cav2.2) mediated calcium mobilization using FLIPR.

The N-type voltage-gated calcium channel (Ca(v)2.2) functions in neurons to regulate neurotransmitter release. It comprises a clinically relevant target for chronic pain. We have validated a calcium mobilization approach to assessing Ca(v)2.2 pharmacology in two stable Ca(v)2.2 cell lines: alpha1(B), alpha2delta, beta(3)-HEK-293 and alpha1(B), beta(3)-HEK-293. Ca(v)2.2 channels were opened by addition of KCl and Ca(2+) mobilization was measured by Fluo-4 fluorescence on a fluorescence imaging plate reader (FLIPR(96)). Ca(v)2.2 expression and biophysics were confirmed by patch-clamp electrophysiology (EP). Both cell lines responded to KCl with adequate signal-to-background. Signals from both cell lines were inhibited by omega-conotoxin (ctx)-MVIIa and omega-conotoxin (ctx)-GVIa with IC(50) values of 1.8 and 1nM, respectively, for the three-subunit stable, and 0.9 and 0.6nM, respectively, for the two-subunit stable. Other known Ca(v)2.2 blockers were characterized including cadmium, flunarizine, fluspirilene, and mibefradil. IC(50) values correlated with literature EP-derived values. Novel Ca(v)2.2 pharmacology was identified in classes of compounds with other primary pharmacological activities, including Na(+) channel inhibitors and antidepressants. Novel Na(+) channel compounds with high potency at Ca(v)2.2 were identified in the phenoxyphenyl pyridine, phenoxyphenyl pyrazole, and other classes. The highest potency at Ca(v)2.2 tricyclic antidepressant identified was desipramine.

State-dependent compound inhibition of Nav1.2 sodium channels using the FLIPR Vm dye: on-target and off-target effects of diverse pharmacological agents.

Voltage-gated sodium channels (NaChs) are relevant targets for pain, epilepsy, and a variety of neurological and cardiac disorders. Traditionally, it has been difficult to develop structure-activity relationships for NaCh inhibitors due to rapid channel kinetics and state-dependent compound interactions. Membrane potential (Vm) dyes in conjunction with a high-throughput fluorescence imaging plate reader (FLIPR) offer a satisfactory 1st-tier solution. Thus, the authors have developed a FLIPR Vm assay of rat Nav1.2 NaCh. Channels were opened by addition of veratridine, and Vm dye responses were measured. The IC50 values from various structural classes of compounds were compared to the resting state binding constant (Kr)and inactivated state binding constant (Ki)obtained using patch-clamp electrophysiology (EP). The FLIPR values correlated with Ki but not Kr. FLIPRIC50 values fell within 0.1-to 1.5-fold of EP Ki values, indicating that the assay generally reports use-dependent inhibition rather than resting state block. The Library of Pharmacologically Active Compounds (LOPAC, Sigma) was screened. Confirmed hits arose from diverse classes such as dopamine receptor antagonists, serotonin transport inhibitors, and kinase inhibitors. These data suggest that NaCh inhibition is inherent in a diverse set of biologically active molecules and may warrant counterscreening NaChs to avoid unwanted secondary pharmacology.

Validation of a fluorescent imaging plate reader membrane potential assay for high-throughput screening of glycine transporter modulators.

A fluorescent imaging plate reader (FLIPR) membrane potential (V(m)) assay was evaluated for pharmacological characterization and high-throughput screening (HTS) of rat glycine transporter type 2 (rGlyT(2)) in a stable rGlyT(2)-HEK cell line. Data show that glycine activation of rGlyT(2) consistently results in a concentration-dependent V(m) response on the FLIPR that is blocked by the potent and selective GlyT(2) antagonist 4-benzyloxy-3,5-dimethoxy-N-[1-dimethylamino-cyclopentyl)methyl]-benz-amide (Org-25543). Agonist and antagonist pharmacologies match those reported using conventional [(3)H]glycine uptake assays and electrophysiology. The glycine response is dependent on buffer ionic composition consistent with GlyT(2) physiology. Assay signal-to-background and coefficient of variation meets sufficient statistical criteria to conduct HTS. The results of a screen of the chemical inventory demonstrate that the assay is able to successfully identify and confirm GlyT(2) inhibitors. The advantages of this assay are its homogeneity, compatibility with both 96- and 384-well formats, and lack of radioactivity usage. Thus, the authors conclude that a fluorescence-based V(m) assay on FLIPR is a viable approach for identification and pharmacological profiling of small molecule modulators of the electrogenic transporter rGlyT(2).