Krabbe disease (KD, or Globoid cell leukodystrophy) is an autosomal recessive, neurodegenerative disease caused by the deficiency of the lysosomal enzyme galactocerebrosidase (GALC). It is a lethal metabolic disorder, with a frequency of about 1/100000 newborns. The early childhood form represents the 85-90% of cases and the onset of symptoms is between the 3rd and the 6th month after birth. First symptoms are dysphagia, nervousness, hypertonia; convulsions are often present as well. During the advanced state, blindness and deafness show up; then a vegetative state arises which ends with death within the first 1-2 years after birth.

Unfortunately, the systemic administration (e.g. by intravenous injections) of GALC is not effective because of the presence of the blood brain barrier (BBB) that forbids the translocation of bulky proteins like GALC into the central nervous system. No cure is currently available for KD, and treatment is symptomatic and supportive only.

Our strategy to overcome this issue is to exploit active nanoparticles capable of transporting GALC across the BBB. Thanks to a previous pilot study supported of ELA, we demonstrated that with this approach it is possible to achieve GALC activity recovery in the brain of the mouse model of KD, and in cells from KD patients.

With this project, we will perform a complete pre-clinical testing in the KD murine model. An enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) protocol will be optimized based on our nanoparticles to deliver functional GALC via systemic administration into the mouse brain. We will test if this therapy can improve the pathophysiology in terms of: i. life span, ii. prevention/slow-down of neuropathological alterations, and iii. preservation of motor functions.

Given that the materials used in this study are already approved for clinical use, in case of successful project outcome, this research has the potential for a short/medium term clinical translation. Finally, we would like to point out that our methodological approach, here proposed to correct GALC deficiency, is potentially applicable to other lysosomal storage disorders with major brain involvement, such as the Metachromatic Leukodystrophy, by changing the cargo (i.e. the functional enzyme) transported by the nanoparticles.

Project financed by ELA up to: 48 000 €