Mucolipidosis (ML) is a general term referring to a group of hereditary lysosomal storage diseases. There are four types of ML, namely ML type 1 or sialidosis, ML type 2 or I cell disease, ML type 3 or pseudo-Hurler polydystrophy, and ML type 4. Their clinical presentation varies largely. In sum, the mutation of distinct genes results in an extensive deficiency of lysosomal enzymes and the progressive accumulation of glycosaminoglycans and lipids in virtually all types of cells. This condition interferes with mental and physical development and predisposes to developmental delays, skeletal dysplasia and dysmorphic features, heart disease, and visual impairment. While ML may be fatal in the neonatal period, mild forms of the disease have been described and are associated with a near-to-normal life expectancy.
Presentation
The clinical presentation of ML is heterogeneous and ranges from hydrops fetalis to severe cardiac or respiratory disease, often fatal in the neonatal period, to mild cognitive impairment and near-to-normal life expectancy. Even within determined types of ML, the phenotypic spectrum is broad [1]:
- There are two subtypes of ML type 1. The more severe subtype may induce hydrops fetalis or manifest soon after birth. Affected individuals present dysmorphic facial features reminiscent of Hurler syndrome. They also suffer from severe skeletal dysplasia and learning impairment. Hepatosplenomegaly is frequently diagnosed. Death in the neonatal period or infancy is common. By contrast, prolonged survival is to be expected in those affected by cherry-red spot-myoclonus syndrome or normomorphic sialidosis. These patients present with myoclonus, ataxia, and cherry-red spots of the macula. Cognitive impairment is less severe and may not manifest until advanced age [2].
- Hurler-like, coarse facial features and severe skeletal dysplasia may also be observed in ML type 2 patients. These individuals are generally microcephalic, and hepatomegaly may be noted. Cardiorespiratory failure is a frequent cause of death and often occurs in or before childhood. Patients who survive for several years usually present learning difficulties.
- ML type 3 is an attenuated form of ML type 2, with symptom onset usually being delayed until childhood [3]. Skeletal dysplasia may be limited to the joints of shoulders, hips, and spine, and most of these patients are of short stature. They are predisposed to mild learning difficulties and valvular heart disease, but death from heart disease is rare.
- Motor developmental delays, ataxia, strabismus, and severe visual impairment due to corneal clouding, retinal degeneration, and optic atrophy are the clinical hallmarks of ML type 4, which is usually diagnosed in children aged 2-3 years [4] [5]. More or less severe cognitive impairment is common. The disease interferes with the secretion of gastric acid, leading to the formation of lysosomal inclusions in parietal cells and constitutive achlorhydria [4]. While laboratory analyses of blood samples reveal increased levels of gastrin, iron deficiency anemia may also be diagnosed.
Entire Body System
- Developmental Delay
Mucolipidosis II (MLII) is characterized by severe global developmental delay, coarse facial features, skeletal deformities, and other systemic involvement. It is caused by a deficiency in N-acetylglucosamine-1 phosphotransferase. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
Stiff skin Indurated skin An induration (hardening) of the skin Global developmental delay Psychomotor developmental delay, Psychomotor retardation, Developmental delay, Lack of psychomotor development, Cognitive delay, Delayed intellectual development [rarediseases.oscar.ncsu.edu]
Symptoms Common signs and symptoms of Mucolipidosis IV include: Pronounced developmental delay in gross (e.g. sitting, standing, walking) and fine motor skills Marked cognitive development delay (e.g. speech) Visual problems including: Corneal clouding [jnetics.org]
Developmental delays in their motor skills are generally more pronounced than delays in their cognitive abilities. Children with ML II eventually develop corneal opacity and due to the lack of growth, develop short trunk dwarfism. [tellmegen.com]
- Disability
Although affected children develop disabling skeletal abnormalities, their pathogenesis is not understood. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
Because our cells are not able to handle such large amounts of these substances, damage to the cells occurs, causing symptoms that range from mild learning disabilities to severe intellectual impairment and skeletal deformities. [tellmegen.com]
- Dysostosis
[…] variation, e.g., Salla disease and aspartyl-glucosaminouria are more common in Finland all are autosomal recessive, except MPS II which has X-linked inheritance Embryology lysosomal storage begins before birth mental retardation skeletal deformities - dysostosis [emilytam.com]
He had coarse facial features and dysostosis multiplex. The first child in his family had died with severe bone pathology at 5 months of age. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
- Short Stature
Abstract The musculoskeletal manifestations of mucolipidosis III include short stature, claw hands, carpal tunnel syndrome, and limited joint mobility. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
Kolodny Biology, Medicine Revista de neurologia 1998 INTRODUCTION The concept of the mucolipidoses developed as the result of encounters with patients whose clinical appearance suggested a mucopolysaccharidosis, i.e. coarse facies, short stature,… [semanticscholar.org]
Individuals with mucolipidosis III gamma grow slowly and have short stature. They also have stiff joints and dysostosis multiplex, which refers to multiple skeletal abnormalities seen on x-ray. [snpedia.com]
Immune System
- Splenomegaly
In most ML II patients, the clinical conditions 'stand alone', 'walk without support' and 'speak single words' were impaired; however, the frequency of 'heart murmur', 'inguinal hernia' and 'hepatomegaly and/or splenomegaly' did not differ between ML [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
[…] cholesterol 272.7 dystopic (hereditary) 272.7 glycolipid 272.7 hereditary, dystopic 272.7 Lipoid - see also condition histiocytosis 272.7 Lipoidosis (see also Lipidosis) 272.7 Mucolipidosis I, II, III 272.7 Niemann-Pick disease (lipid histiocytosis) (splenomegaly [icd9data.com]
Clinical manifestations, such as ‘heart murmur’, ‘inguinal hernia’ and ‘hepatomegaly and/or splenomegaly’, were found in both ML II and III. [nature.com]
Gastrointestinal
- Gagging
[…] mucolipidosis [ mu″ko-lip″ĭ-do´sis ] (pl. mucolipido´ses ) any of a group of genetic disorders in which both glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) and lipids accumulate in tissues, but without excess of GAG in the urine. mucolipidosis II a rapidly progressing disease [medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com]
- Nausea
Flu like symptoms which include - Fever Nausea Vomiting Headaches and body aches and pains These symptoms usually occur following the 1st infusion within 12 – 24 hours and subside within 48 hours. [ismrd.org]
- Vomiting
Flu like symptoms which include - Fever Nausea Vomiting Headaches and body aches and pains These symptoms usually occur following the 1st infusion within 12 – 24 hours and subside within 48 hours. [ismrd.org]
Liver, Gall & Pancreas
- Hepatosplenomegaly
• The clinical characteristics of a 16-year-old white girl with mucolipidosis type III included early growth retardation, severe dysostosis multiplex, restricted joint motion, tight indurated skin, swollen eyelids, late-onset hepatosplenomegaly, umbilical [jamanetwork.com]
[…] features a slowly progressive loss of intellect, hepatosplenomegaly, ataxia, myoclonic seizures, and spasticity; the neuronopathic forms are characterized by neuronal loss with neuronophagia, and accumulation of glucocerebroside in neurons Caused by [icd9data.com]
No patients had hepatosplenomegaly on ultrasound, 5/15 patients had heart valves disease. Enzyme assay showed α-Hexosaminidase of 1,885.98±338.7 nmoL/mg plasma/17 h, α-Iduronate sulfatase of 4,534.78±1,062.97 nmoL/mg plasma/4 h. [atm.amegroups.com]
Type II has an earlier onset with coarse facial features, dysostosis multiplex, short stature, developmental delay, mental retardation and hepatosplenomegaly. [genedx.com]
- Hepatomegaly
In most ML II patients, the clinical conditions 'stand alone', 'walk without support' and 'speak single words' were impaired; however, the frequency of 'heart murmur', 'inguinal hernia' and 'hepatomegaly and/or splenomegaly' did not differ between ML [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
272.7 splenomegaly (cerebroside lipidosis) 272.7 Hepatomegaly (see also Hypertrophy, liver) 789.1 Gaucher's 272.7 Histiocytosis (acute) (chronic) (subacute) 277.89 lipid, lipoid (essential) 272.7 Hyperlipidosis 272.7 hereditary 272.7 Lipidosis 272.7 [icd9data.com]
Additional clinical symptoms of I-cell disease include hepatomegaly, cardiomegaly, umbilical hernias, and recurrent upper respiratory infections. The disease progresses rapidly with developmental delay and failure to thrive. [themedicalbiochemistrypage.org]
An abdominal examination revealed a soft hepatomegaly of 4 cm [Figure - 1]. [jpgmonline.com]
Musculoskeletal
- Joint Stiffness
Carpal tunnel syndrome was treated surgically but joint stiffness and hip and knee contractures were managed by physiotherapy. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
Results and conclusions: Sixteen cases (seven girls and nine boys) onset at 5.93±4.28 years of age the onset age of 2.3±3.1 years (median 1.25) with the feature of joint stiffness and bone deformation. 100% cases admitted with the feature of joint stiffness [atm.amegroups.com]
- Osteopenia
A female neonate presented with multiple fractures and radiological features of osteopenia and 'rickets-like' changes. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
Radiologic findings of osteopenia, subperiosteal new bone formation and resorption, and irregular metaphyses suggested systemic bone disease. Premature suture synostosis was evident at age 2-4 weeks. [ajronline.org]
Radiographs reveal increasing osteopenia and dysostosis multiplex (diaphyseal widening and shortening of tubular bones, anterior-inferior hook configuration of 1st and/or 2nd lumbar vertebra, and relatively long pubic and ischial bones). [orpha.net]
- Back Pain
pain >3 months Chronic back pain greater than 3 months duration Chronic coccyx pain >3 months Chronic pain in coccyx for more than 3 months (finding) Fabry disease Fabrys disease Fabry's disease Ganglioside sialidase deficiency Gaucher disease Gauchers [icd9data.com]
Many forms of analgesia had been used in an attempt to decrease their hip and back pain. These had all been unsuccessful. [ismrd.org]
Fetus
- Hydrops Fetalis
Type II patients may also present with a congenital-onset form associated with ascites and hydrops fetalis prenatally, an infantile-onset form with the absence of symptoms at birth or a juvenile form that has onset in late childhood and a relatively milder [genedx.com]
fetalis to almost unaffected Oligosaccharidoses Mannosidosis features similar to Hurler, but variable severity hearing loss Fucosidosis wide picture severe neurological picture, mild skeletal changes, hepatomegaly angiokeratoma of the skin is suggestive [emilytam.com]
The more severe congenital form of type II sialidosis has onset in utero and results in hydrops fetalis, hepatomegaly, and either still birth or death within a period of months. [emedicine.medscape.com]
The clinical presentation of ML is heterogeneous and ranges from hydrops fetalis to severe cardiac or respiratory disease, often fatal in the neonatal period, to mild cognitive impairment and near-to-normal life expectancy. [symptoma.com]
Eyes
- Visual Impairment
Mucolipidosis IV (ML4) is a neurodegenerative condition that is characterised by significant psychomotor and cognitive development delay, visual impairment, and poor muscle tone. [jnetics.org]
Mucolipidosis type IV (MLIV) is a neurodevelopmental as well as neurodegenerative disorder with severe psychomotor developmental delay, progressive visual impairment, and achlorydria. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
By the end of the first decade of life, and always by their early teens, individuals with typical MLIV develop severe visual impairment as a result of retinal degeneration. [clinicaltrials.gov]
The clinical manifestations of the disease, profound psychomotor retardation and visual impairment, appear during the first year of life. [pediatrics.aappublications.org]
- Strabismus
Ocular findings also include retinal degeneration, myopia, strabismus, and photophobia. Neurological symptoms include hypotonia and pyramidal tract signs. There are cytoplasmic inclusions (“storage bodies”) in almost every cell type of the patients. [genedx.com]
Definition An autosomal recessive lysosomal storage disorder characterized by severe psychomotor retardation and ophthalmologic abnormalities, including corneal opacity, retinal degeneration and strabismus. [uniprot.org]
Surgical correction of strabismus. Oral iron to prevent iron deficiency anaemia due to poor absorption of dietary iron (unknown efficacy on the speed of resolution and recovery). [jnetics.org]
These included strabismus, white matter signal abnormalities, and a hypoplastic corpus callosum at 2years of age. After a molecular diagnosis, a markedly elevated serum gastrin level (which is also common in MLIV) was confirmed. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
- Corneal Opacity
This presentation provides guidelines for the clinical diagnosis of mucolipidosis type IV. lysosomal storage disorder mucolipidosis IV corneal opacity Received June 30, 1986. [pediatrics.aappublications.org]
Abstract Mucolipidosis type IV is a rare neurodegenerative lysosomal storage disorder that usually presents during the first year of life with severe mental retardation, delayed motor milestones and corneal opacities. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
opacities, and only slightly impaired mental and neurological development. [jamanetwork.com]
Mucolipidosis IV (MLIV) is a progressive neurological lysosomal storage disease that usually is evident during the first year of life, and presents with mental retardation, corneal opacities, and delayed developmental milestones. [genedx.com]
Psychiatrical
- Psychomotor Retardation
I-cell disease is characterized by severe psychomotor retardation that rapidly progresses leading to death between 5 and 8 years of age. [themedicalbiochemistrypage.org]
Except for clumsiness no psychomotor retardation was present. Ultrastructural analysis of a conjunctival biopsy and cultured fibroblasts suggested a diagnosis of mucolipidosis type IV which was confirmed by biochemical studies. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
Definition An autosomal recessive lysosomal storage disorder characterized by severe psychomotor retardation and ophthalmologic abnormalities, including corneal opacity, retinal degeneration and strabismus. [uniprot.org]
Presentation Psychomotor retardation; similar to cerebral palsy; usually presenting by the end of the first year of life. [jnetics.org]
Neurologic
- Ataxia
followed by myoclonus, mental decline mild skeletal features Salla disease mental retardation, ataxia, progressive psychomotor decline ISSD (infantile sialic storage disease) more severe than Salla disease, although same mutation Mucolipidoses Sialidosis [emilytam.com]
About 5% of patients have a milder, atypical form characterized by progressive ataxia and eye abnormalities, and they may learn to walk. Most patients live into adulthood, although life expectancy is shorter than normal. [sema4.com]
Ataxia and seizures have also been reported in type I patients. Type II has an earlier onset with coarse facial features, dysostosis multiplex, short stature, developmental delay, mental retardation and hepatosplenomegaly. [genedx.com]
Ataxia and hearing loss may be present. Coarse facies, a barrel chest, and short stature are characteristic. Hepatic cells contain numerous vacuoles and numerous inclusions. [disorders.eyes.arizona.edu]
- Myoclonus
Syndrome — Myoclonus-Cherry Red Spot Syndrome — Mucolipidosis Type I — Mucolipidosis I — Cherry Red Spot Myoclonus Syndrome — Myoclonus Cherry Red Spot Syndrome — Mucolipidosis Type 1 — Type III Mucolipidosis — Mucolipidoses, Type III — Mucolipidosis [mesh.kib.ki.se]
Seizures, myoclonus and renal involvement have also been documented in type II cases. The frequency of diagnosed sialidosis in the general population is estimated at approximately one in four million live births. [genedx.com]
The myoclonus is aggravated by smoking and menses, among other factors, and may become debilitating. Myoclonic seizures are poorly controlled by the standard antiepileptics. [emedicine.medscape.com]
Mucolipidosis and progressive myoclonus epilepsy: A distinctive phenotype. [neurologyindia.com]
- Seizure
Seizures, myoclonus and renal involvement have also been documented in type II cases. The frequency of diagnosed sialidosis in the general population is estimated at approximately one in four million live births. [genedx.com]
There was global regression 6 months after the onset of seizures. Seizures remained medically refractory. Subsequent deterioration occurred in the form of global regression with progressive ataxia, loss of visual fixation and mutism. [neurologyindia.com]
[…] progressive psychomotor decline ISSD (infantile sialic storage disease) more severe than Salla disease, although same mutation Mucolipidoses Sialidosis (mucolipidosis I) severe disorder in early childhood, or a juvenile form action polymyoclonus, ataxia, seizures [emilytam.com]
Other symptoms include ataxia (lack of coordinated muscle movement), tremors, vision disturbances, seizures, enlarged liver and spleen, lack of muscle tone and mental retardation. Babies/children with ML pick up recurrent respiratory infections. [medindia.net]
[…] forms; the infantile form presents at 4-5 months of age with anemia, loss of cognitive gains, neck retraction, dysphagia, and hepatosplenomegaly; the juvenile form features a slowly progressive loss of intellect, hepatosplenomegaly, ataxia, myoclonic seizures [icd9data.com]
- Learning Difficulties
They are predisposed to mild learning difficulties and valvular heart disease, but death from heart disease is rare. [symptoma.com]
Workup
The diagnosis of ML is based on clinical suspicion and confirmative studies:
- First, analyses of blood and urine samples should be carried out to detect an increased excretion of sialic acid (ML type 1), high concentrations of urinary oligosaccharides with a terminal mannose, sialic acid, or galactose (ML types 2 and 3), or elevated serum levels of gastrin (ML type 4) [1] [6] [7].
- If results are obtained that support a tentative diagnosis of ML, enzyme activity measurements should be realized. Deficiency of neuraminidase or N-acetylglucosamine-1-phosphotransferase (GlcNAc-PT), as observed in those affected by ML type 1, or ML types 2 or 3, respectively, may be determined in cultured fibroblasts [1]. Because the lack of GlcNAc-PT triggers the release of lysosomal enzymes to the extracellular space, analyses of plasma samples and other body fluids from these patients yield enhanced concentrations of most lysosomal hydrolases. Acid sphingomyelinase, arylsulfatase A, iduronate 2-sulfatase, and N-sulfamidase shall be mentioned as examples [8].
- Histological examinations have long since been an essential part of the diagnosis of ML type 4. Lysosomal inclusions are found in most tissues, with skin biopsy specimens being most frequently assessed [5]. Of note, enlarged lysosomes filled with undigested macromolecules may also be observed in tissue samples obtained from those suffering from other types of ML [9].
- Finally, molecular biological studies should be conducted to identify the underlying mutation in genes NEU1, GNPTAB, GNPTG, or MCOLN1. In patients of Ashkenazi Jewish decent, a straightforward approach may be chosen to determine the presence of MCOLN1 mutations.
Treatment
To date, all types of ML remain incurable. A multidisciplinary approach is required to maintain the patients' quality of life. In this context, symptomatic treatment and supportive care should be provided, and they may comprise physical and occupational therapy, surgery, visual aids, dietary supplementation, and psychological support [5] [10].
Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation has been realized in few individuals diagnosed with ML type 2, but the neurological outcome was poor, with few patients ever achieving maturity for education. Most of them also required tracheostomy for mechanical ventilation and gastrostomy tubes for nutrition. Disease progression couldn't be halted and eventually lead to death in the majority of cases [11] [12]. Beyond that, enzyme replacement therapy has been considered in patients diagnosed with ML types 1, 2, or 3. Although no such therapy has yet been approved, research is conducted to this end [2] [13].
Prognosis
ML are progressive disorders, but there are slowly progressive forms of the disease and those leading to death in the neonatal period or infancy. The entire spectrum of disease severity may be observed in those suffering from ML type 1. In case of ML types 2 and 3, residual enzyme activity is a favorable prognostic marker. Older age at symptom onset, a lower degree of severity, a more slowly progressive course, and higher life expectancy are to be expected in those with partial deficiencies of GlcNAc-PT. ML type 4 is one of the slowly progressive forms of ML. After symptom onset in early childhood, there is little to no deterioration in the clinical picture for several decades [4]. Data regarding the long-term outcome have yet to be provided.
Etiology
ML are genetic disorders. They are all inherited in an autosomal recessive manner. Both homozygosity and compound heterozygosity may trigger the disease. The underlying mutations differ between distinct types of ML:
- ML type 1 is caused by neuraminidase deficiency. Due to pathogenic mutations of the NEU1 gene, the activity of this enzyme is severely decreased. Neuraminidase catalyzes the removal of sialic acid residues from lysosomal-membrane associated protein 1 (LAMP1). In the absence of neuraminidase, oversialylated LAMP1 accumulates in the plasma membrane and mediates the exocytosis of lysosomal hydrolases [14].
- ML types 2 and 3 are generally triggered by mutations of the GNPTAB gene, which is located at 12q23.2 and encodes for the α and β subunits of the membrane-bound GlcNAc-PT. Thus, ML types 2 and 3 are allelic disorders. They are usually defined as two variants of a single disease rather than as distinct entities. For the sake of completeness, it shall be mentioned that N-GlcNAc-PT contains a third subunit, the so-called γ subunit, which is encoded by the GNPTG gene. Mutations of this gene have also been related to ML type 3 but have never been identified in ML type 2 patients [3]. Both GNPTAB and GNPTG mutations impede the formation of a functional heterohexameric enzyme complex, which is required for the synthesis of mannose 6-phosphate recognition markers, that, in turn, attach to acid hydrolases and target them for transport to the lysosomes. Disease severity depends on the degree of enzyme deficiency: Complete loss of GlcNAc-PT activity causes ML type 2, which is the most severe variant of the disease, while ML type 3 is associated with residual enzyme activity [3].
- ML type 4 results from mutations of the MCOLN1 gene. This gene, to be found at 19p13.2, encodes for mucolipin 1, a transient receptor potential locating to the lysosomal and late endosomal membrane [15].
Epidemiology
In general, ML are rare disorders. The overall incidence of ML is <1 per 100,000 life births. The incidence of distinct types of ML has been estimated as follows: 0.05, 0.016, and 0.08 for ML types 1, 2, and 3, respectively, per 100,000 life births [16]. Similar to the aforementioned types of ML, ML type 4 is a panethnic disease. However, >80% of affected individuals are of Ashkenazi Jewish descent. In this population, the incidence of the disease is 1 per 40,000 life births. About 1% of Ashkenazi Jews are carriers of pathogenic mutations of the MCOLN1 gene [5].
Pathophysiology
The pathogenesis of ML type 1 is incompletely understood. The accumulation of oversialylated LAMP1 is assumed to be the cause of excessive lysosomal exocytosis, which, in turn, induces alterations of the characteristics and composition of the plasma membrane and extracellular matrix. This results in an overall loss of tissue homeostasis, but further research is required to shed more light on the pathophysiological events leading to developmental delays, skeletal dysplasia, and ophthalmological complications [2] [14].
In ML types 2 and 3, the insufficient synthesis of mannose 6-phosphate recognition markers hinders the transport of distinct enzymes to the lysosomal compartment. Thus, enzymes required for lysosomal functions are released to the extracellular space and may be detected in body fluids. Here they are, however, unable to fulfill their metabolic functions [1]. What's more, they may mediate pathological processes such as the loss of retention of hematopoietic progenitor cells [14].
The role of mucolipin 1 for lysosomal function is less clear. It has been implicated in chaperone-mediated autophagy [15]. A broad spectrum of acid glycosaminoglycans, gangliosides, phospholipids, and neutral lipids has been identified as the storage substances, suggesting the deficiency of diverse lysosomal enzymes, similar to what is known for the other types of ML [4]. However, concentrations of the aforementioned carbohydrates and lipids as well as levels of lysosomal hydrolases in blood samples are normal [5].
Prevention
Affected families may benefit from genetic counseling and targeted prenatal diagnosis. Precise knowledge regarding the disease' molecular background and metabolic consequences largely facilitates the identification of affected fetuses [1]. Beyond that, newborn screening programs for lysosomal storage diseases have been implemented in some countries. Depending on the method of testing, these screening programs may or may not cover all types of ML: The assessment of concentrations of lysosomal hydrolases, for instance, will identify only those suffering from ML types 2 and 3 [17]. For the Ashkenazi Jewish population, screenings for common mutations of the MCOLN1 gene have been proposed [18].
Summary
ML refers to the progressive accumulation of carbohydrates and lipids within the lysosomes of cells and is the result of enzyme deficiencies. There are four types of ML:
- ML type 1, which is also referred to as sialidosis
- ML type 2, otherwise known as I cell disease
- ML type 3, or pseudo-Hurler polydystrophy, is allelic to ML type 2
- ML type 4
These types of ML differ largely with regards to their clinical presentation, to hematological and biochemical parameters. Accordingly, distinct studies are required to confirm a tentative diagnosis of either type of ML. Curative treatment is available for neither of them.
Patient Information
Mucolipidosis (ML) is a general term referring to a heterogeneous group of hereditary metabolic disorders. There are four types of ML, namely ML type 1 or sialidosis, ML type 2 or I cell disease, ML type 3 or pseudo-Hurler polydystrophy, and ML type 4. They are all caused by rare mutations of genes that interfere with the function of lysosomes. Lysosomes are cell organelles whose task is to break down and recycle a myriad of substances produced by cells of all tissues. In those affected by ML, these substances are inadequately digested and accumulate within the lysosomes. This may lead to severe delays in physical and mental development, dysmorphic features, skeletal dysplasia, visual impairment, heart disease, and recurrent respiratory infections. The severity of ML varies largely. While the more severe forms of the disease may be fatal in the neonatal period or infancy, mild ML may be associated with mild learning difficulties and a near-to-normal life expectancy. Unfortunately, there is no curative treatment. Patients are provided symptomatic therapy and supportive care, but, according to current knowledge, disease progression can hardly be halted.
References
- Wraith JE. Mucopolysaccharidoses and mucolipidoses. Handb Clin Neurol. 2013; 113:1723-1729.
- d'Azzo A, Machado E, Annunziata I. Pathogenesis, Emerging therapeutic targets and Treatment in Sialidosis. Expert Opin Orphan Drugs. 2015; 3(5):491-504.
- Cathey SS, Kudo M, Tiede S, et al. Molecular order in mucolipidosis II and III nomenclature. Am J Med Genet A. 2008; 146a(4):512-513.
- Bach G. Mucolipidosis type IV. Mol Genet Metab. 2001; 73(3):197-203.
- Wakabayashi K, Gustafson AM, Sidransky E, Goldin E. Mucolipidosis type IV: an update. Mol Genet Metab. 2011; 104(3):206-213.
- Langereis EJ, Wagemans T, Kulik W, et al. A Multiplex Assay for the Diagnosis of Mucopolysaccharidoses and Mucolipidoses. PLoS One. 2015; 10(9):e0138622.
- Xia B, Asif G, Arthur L, et al. Oligosaccharide analysis in urine by maldi-tof mass spectrometry for the diagnosis of lysosomal storage diseases. Clin Chem. 2013; 59(9):1357-1368.
- Fuller M, Tucker JN, Lang DL, et al. Screening patients referred to a metabolic clinic for lysosomal storage disorders. J Med Genet. 2011; 48(6):422-425.
- Dierks T, Schlotawa L, Frese MA, Radhakrishnan K, von Figura K, Schmidt B. Molecular basis of multiple sulfatase deficiency, mucolipidosis II/III and Niemann-Pick C1 disease - Lysosomal storage disorders caused by defects of non-lysosomal proteins. Biochim Biophys Acta. 2009; 1793(4):710-725.
- Hetherington C, Harris NJ, Smith TW. Orthopaedic management in four cases of mucolipidosis type III. J R Soc Med. 1999; 92(5):244-246.
- Grewal S, Shapiro E, Braunlin E, et al. Continued neurocognitive development and prevention of cardiopulmonary complications after successful BMT for I-cell disease: a long-term follow-up report. Bone Marrow Transplant. 2003; 32(9):957-960.
- Lund TC, Cathey SS, Miller WP, et al. Outcomes after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for children with I-cell disease. Biol Blood Marrow Transplant. 2014; 20(11):1847-1851.
- Liu L, Lee WS, Doray B, Kornfeld S. Engineering of GlcNAc-1-Phosphotransferase for Production of Highly Phosphorylated Lysosomal Enzymes for Enzyme Replacement Therapy. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev. 2017; 5:59-65.
- Yogalingam G, Bonten EJ, van de Vlekkert D, et al. Neuraminidase 1 is a negative regulator of lysosomal exocytosis. Dev Cell. 2008; 15(1):74-86.
- Venugopal B, Mesires NT, Kennedy JC, et al. Chaperone-mediated autophagy is defective in mucolipidosis type IV. J Cell Physiol. 2009; 219(2):344-353.
- Poorthuis BJ, Wevers RA, Kleijer WJ, et al. The frequency of lysosomal storage diseases in The Netherlands. Hum Genet. 1999; 105(1-2):151-156.
- Meikle PJ, Grasby DJ, Dean CJ, et al. Newborn screening for lysosomal storage disorders. Mol Genet Metab. 2006; 88(4):307-314.
- Edelmann L, Dong J, Desnick RJ, Kornreich R. Carrier screening for mucolipidosis type IV in the American Ashkenazi Jewish population. Am J Hum Genet. 2002; 70(4):1023-1027.