Selective Inhibition of α-Galactosidase A with Antisense Oligodeoxynucleotide in Mesangial Cells: A Renal Cellular Model for Fabry Disease

Background and Aims: Fabry disease is an X-linked lysosomal storage disease resulting from deficient activity of the enzyme α-galacotsidase (α-Gal) A. Accumulation of glycosphingolipids, especially globotriaosylceramide, leads to various organ damage in Fabry disease. Recently, replacement with recombinant α-Gal A has become available for the treatment of this disease. However, the pathogenic mechanism of this disease, which is the accumulation of glycosphingolipids, is still unknown. Understanding the pathogenesis of Fabry disease may allow more efficient treatments. We examined whether the selective inhibition of α-Gal A with phosphorothioate antisense oligonucleotides could be used as a renal cellular model for Fabry disease. Methods: Phosphorothioate antisense oligonucleotides designed to hyrbridize to sites on the human α-Gal A mRNA were tested for inhibition of α-Gal A expression in human mesangial cells. α-Gal A activity was measured using an artificial substrate, 4-methylumbelliferyl-α-D-galactoside. Results: Two antisense oligonucleotides selectively inhibited α-Gal A activity to below 20% of the mean control activity. These oligonucleotides did not affect other lysosomal enzyme activities. Conclusions: These data indicate that phosphorothioate oligonucleotides are capable of selectively inhibiting α-Gal A expression. It may be a useful model for renal mesangial cells in Fabry disease.