GLA-modified RNA treatment lowers GB3 levels in iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes from Fabry-affected individuals

Am J Hum Genet. 2023 Sep 7;110(9):1600-1605. doi: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2023.07.013. Epub 2023 Aug 21.

Abstract

Recent studies in non-human model systems have shown therapeutic potential of nucleoside-modified messenger RNA (modRNA) treatments for lysosomal storage diseases. Here, we assessed the efficacy of a modRNA treatment to restore the expression of the galactosidase alpha (GLA), which codes for α-Galactosidase A (α-GAL) enzyme, in a human cardiac model generated from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) derived from two individuals with Fabry disease. Consistent with the clinical phenotype, cardiomyocytes from iPSCs derived from Fabry-affected individuals showed accumulation of the glycosphingolipid Globotriaosylceramide (GB3), which is an α-galactosidase substrate. Furthermore, the Fabry cardiomyocytes displayed significant upregulation of lysosomal-associated proteins. Upon GLA modRNA treatment, a subset of lysosomal proteins were partially restored to wild-type levels, implying the rescue of the molecular phenotype associated with the Fabry genotype. Importantly, a significant reduction of GB3 levels was observed in GLA modRNA-treated cardiomyocytes, demonstrating that α-GAL enzymatic activity was restored. Together, our results validate the utility of iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes from affected individuals as a model to study disease processes in Fabry disease and the therapeutic potential of GLA modRNA treatment to reduce GB3 accumulation in the heart.

Keywords: Fabry disease; lysosomal lumen proteins; nucleoside modified messenger RNA; patient iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Fabry Disease* / genetics
  • Fabry Disease* / therapy
  • Humans
  • Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells*
  • Myocytes, Cardiac
  • RNA
  • RNA, Messenger

Substances

  • RNA
  • RNA, Messenger