Glucose Phosphate Isomerase Deficiency Research Articles

Genetic Analysis of Two Novel GPI Variants Disrupting H Bonds and Localization Characteristics of 55 Gene Variants Associated with Glucose-6-phosphate Isomerase Deficiency.

Glucose-6-phosphate isomerase (GPI) deficiency is a rare hereditary nonspherocytic hemolytic anemia caused by GPI gene variants. This disorder exhibits wide heterogeneity in its clinical manifestations and molecular characteristics, often posing challenges for precise diagnoses using conventional methods. To this end, this study aimed to identify the novel variants responsible for GPI deficiency in a Chinese family. The clinical manifestations of the patient were summarized and analyzed for GPI deficiency phenotype diagnosis. Novel compound heterozygous variants of the GPI gene, c.174C>A (p.Asn58Lys) and c.1538G>T (p.Trp513Leu), were identified using whole-exome and Sanger sequencing. The AlphaFold program and Chimera software were used to analyze the effects of compound heterozygous variants on GPI structure. By characterizing 53 GPI missense/nonsense variants from previous literature and two novel missense variants identified in this study, we found that most variants were located in exons 3, 4, 12, and 18, with a few localized in exons 8, 9, and 14. This study identified novel compound heterozygous variants associated with GPI deficiency. These pathogenic variants disrupt hydrogen bonds formed by highly conserved GPI amino acids. Early family-based sequencing analyses, especially for patients with congenital anemia, can help increase diagnostic accuracy for GPI deficiency, improve child healthcare, and enable genetic counseling.

Glucose phosphate isomerase deficiency demasked by whole-genome sequencing: a case report

BackgroundGlucose-6-phosphate isomerase deficiency is a rare genetic disorder causing hereditary nonspherocytic hemolytic anemia. It is the second most common glycolytic enzymopathy in red blood cells. About 90 cases are reported worldwide, with symptoms including chronic hemolytic anemia, jaundice, splenomegaly, gallstones, cholecystitis, and in severe cases, neurological impairments, hydrops fetalis, and neonatal death.Case presentationThis paper details the case of the first Danish patient diagnosed with glucose-6-phosphate isomerase deficiency. The patient, a 27-year-old white female, suffered from lifelong anemia of unknown origin for decades. Diagnosis was established through whole-genome sequencing, which identified two GPI missense variants: the previously documented variant p.(Thr224Met) and a newly discovered variant p.(Tyr341Cys). The pathogenicity of these variants was verified enzymatically.ConclusionsWhole-genome sequencing stands as a potent tool for identifying hereditary anemias, ensuring optimal management strategies.

The novel compound heterozygous variants identified in a Chinese family with glucose phosphate isomerase deficiency and pathogenicity analysis

Background and Aims:Glucose phosphate isomerase (GPI) deficiency is an extremely rare autosomal recessive disorder caused by mutations in the GPI gene. In this research, the proband displaying typical manifestations of haemolytic anaemia and his family members were recruited to analyse the pathogenicity of the detected variants.Methods:Peripheral blood samples were collected from the family members and genomic DNA was extracted and targeted for capture and sequencing. The effect of the candidate pathogenic variants on splicing was further investigated using the minigene splicing system. The computer simulation was also used for further analysis of the detected data.Results:The proband carried the compound heterozygous variants c.633 + 3 A > G and c.295G > T in the GPI gene, which have never been reported before. In the genealogy, co-segregation of the mutant genotype with the phenotype was established. The minigene study showed that intronic mutations resulted in abnormal pre-mRNA splicing. Specifically, the two aberrant transcripts: r.546_633del and r.633 + 1_633 + 2insGT were transcribed by the minigene plasmid expressing the c.633 + 3 A > G variant. The missense mutation c.295G > T in exon 3 resulted in altering glycine at codon 87 to cysteine which was predicted to be pathogenic in an in silico analysis. Deeper analyses revealed that the Gly87Cys missense mutation led to steric hindrance. Compared to the wild-type, the mutation G87C led to a significant increase in intermolecular forces.Conclusion:Overall, the novel compound heterozygous variants in the GPI gene contributed to the etiology of the disease. Genetic testing can assist in the diagnosis. The novel gene variants identified in the present study has further expanded the mutational spectrum of GPI deficiency, which can better guide family counselling.

Hereditary nonspherocytic hemolytic anemia caused by glucose-6-phosphate isomerase (GPI) deficiency in a Chinese patient: a case report

BackgroundGlucose phosphate isomerase (GPI) deficiency is a rare autosomal recessive disorder that causes hereditary nonspherocytic hemolytic anemia (HNSHA). Homozygous or compound heterozygous mutation of the GPI gene on chromosome 19q13 is the cause of GPI deficiency. Fifty-seven GPI mutations have been reported at the molecular level.Case presentationA 5-month-old boy was presented with repeated episodes of jaundice after birth. He suffered from moderate hemolytic anemia (hemoglobin levels ranging from 62 to 91 g/L) associated with macrocytosis, reticulocytosis, neutropenia, and hyperbilirubinemia. Whole-exome sequencing showed that he has a missense mutation c.301G > A (p.Val101Met) in exon 4 and a frameshift mutation c.812delG (p.Gly271Glufs*131) in exon 10. Mutation p.Gly271Glufs*131 is a novel frameshift null mutation in GPI deficiency.ConclusionIn a patient with recurrent jaundice since birth, mutations in the GPI gene associated with HNSHA should be evaluated. The c.812delG (p.Gly271Glufs*131) variant may be a novel mutation of the GPI gene. Compound heterozygous mutations c.301G > A (p.Val101Met) and c.812delG (p.Gly271Glufs*131) are not relevant to neurological impairment.

A study of clinicopathological and genetic profile of largest cohort of Glucose Phosphate Isomerase deficiency cases from a single centre

A study of clinicopathological and genetic profile of largest cohort of Glucose Phosphate Isomerase deficiency cases from a single centre

Clinical, laboratory, and mutational profile of children with glucose phosphate isomerase deficiency: a single centre report.

Glucose phosphate isomerase (GPI) deficiency is an autosomal recessive condition with mutations in the GPI gene on chromosome 19q13.1. Patients present with congenital non-spherocytic hemolytic anemia, and occasionally intellectual disability. In this study, we describe the clinical, hematological and biochemical parameters in the largest single-center cohort consisting of 17 GPI-deficient cases. Demographic and clinical data were noted, and red cell enzyme activity levels were estimated. Mutation analysis was done by single-stranded-conformation polymorphism, restriction-fragment length polymorphism and Sanger's sequencing of exon 12 of the GPI gene. The male-to-female ratio was 0.7:1, median age at diagnosis was 5.0years, 82.3% of patients had severe neonatal jaundice, and 13.3% had subtle neurological manifestations. Median Hb and MCV levels were 6.3g/dl and 130.2fl. Splenectomized patients required fewer transfusions. Sixteen of 17 patients had the pathogenic c.1040G > A (p.Arg347His) homozygous mutation in exon12 of the GPI gene, and one had the pathogenic c.1414C > T(p.Arg472Cys) homozygous mutation in exon 16. In summary, we report that neonatal jaundice, macrocytosis and high prevalence of p.Arg347His variant were predominant in GPI deficiency with prominent lack of neurological manifestations, and we emphasize the benefits of splenectomy and the need for genetic counseling.

Use of Next Generation Sequencing Panel to Clarify Undiagnosed Cases of Hereditary Hemolytic Anemias

Background. Hereditary chronic hemolytic anemias (CHAs) is an heterogeneous group of rare disorders including defects of the RBC membrane (hereditary spherocytosis (HS), elliptocytosis (HE), pyropoikilocytosis (HPP), or defects of cation permeability, hereditary stomatocytosis (HSt)), defects of RBC metabolism (affecting glycolysis, the pentose-phosphate shunt or nucleotide metabolism), hemoglobinopathies, and disorders of erythropoiesis (e.g. congenital dyserythropoietic anemia, CDAs). All these diseases are complex and frequently difficult to diagnose. The laboratory tools for the diagnosis of CHAs include routine tests but also require more specialized analyses, available only in few dedicated laboratories. In our experience, a conclusive diagnosis is not reached in about 15-20% of cases despite detailed and exhaustive investigations. Genetic analysis is not widely used in these disorders due to the clinical and molecular heterogeneity, and is usually performed only when the hematologic diagnostic workup gives a clear diagnostic orientation. The advent of next generation sequencing (NGS) methods however has made diagnosing complex genetic disorders feasible.Aim. We developed and applied a NGS targeted panel to identify the underlying genetic cause in a selected series of patients with undiagnosed CHAs.Methods. A total of 35 cases with CHAs from 26 families were studied. In 21 subjects no definitive diagnosis was previously done despite extensive investigation, in 7 the conventional diagnostic workup was unreliable due to transfusions or sample shipping. In addition three HS/HE families (7 cases) with intra-family clinical variability were studied to elucidate the molecular basis of the atypical phenotype. Using SureDesign software (Agilent) we created a NGS based panel containing 40 genes associated with RBC membrane disorders (13 genes), enzymopathies (20), CDAs (7), and 9 other candidate or modifier genes. Libraries were obtained by HaloPlexHS Target Enrichment System Kit and sequenced on a MiSeq platform (Illumina). The panel was validated on previously characterized CHAs patients. Mutations were confirmed by Sanger method.Results. We identified pathogenic variants that enabled a definitive diagnosis in 19 cases (13 families). Results are reported in Table 1.RBC enzyme defects were identified in 5 patients: two cases of pyruvate kinase deficiency (one of them with normal PK activity in absence of transfusions), one case of glucosephosphate isomerase deficiency, and one of NADH-CytB5R deficiency (in a case with methemoglobinemia). Notably, we were able to detect a triosephosphate isomerase deficiency in a 7 month child with anemia but no neuromuscular manifestations at the time of the study, thus permitting an early diagnosis in this rare disease.Dyserythropoietic anemias. SEC23B gene mutations associated with CDAII were identified in one patient. A new pathogenic variant in ALAS2 gene was detected in a female with macrocytic anemia, suggesting a diagnosis of congenital sideroblastic anemia; HUMARA analysis showed a skewed X-Chr inactivation pattern; the mutation was transmitted by the asymptomatic mother.RBC membrane defects. Three cases carried the known pathogenic variant p.R2456H in PIEZO1 gene, associated with hereditary xerocytosis. A mutation in ABCG8 gene associated with congenital sitosterolemia was detected in case F10-413, who had a long-lasting diagnosis of overhydrated HSt suggested by a right shifted ekacytometric curve.Complex genotypes were identified in 3 families with HS/HE: case F11-817 (mixed HS/HE phenotype) carried two pathogenic variants in SPTA1 and SLC4A1, whereas the brother with typical HE had only the SPTA1 variant; case F12-73 with HPP and combined 68% spectrin and 56% ankyrin deficiency, had two different in trans mutations in SPTA1, one of them associated in cis with the alpha-LELY allele. Finally, case F13-723 (severe HS with 50% band 3 deficiency) had 3 different variants in SLC4A1 gene, the father presenting only one missense mutation, thus justifying intra-family clinical variability.Conclusions. NGS platform is a powerful tool to elucidate the molecular causes in patients with CHAs where traditional hematologic testing failed, leading in this series to the clarification of 50% of the examined families. Extensive clinical and hematologic information is needed to support the interpretation of molecular data. [Display omitted] Disclosuresvan Wijk:Agios Pharmaceuticals: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding. Barcellini:Alexion: Honoraria; Agios: Honoraria, Research Funding; Novartis: Honoraria. Bianchi:Agios Pharmaceuticals: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees.

Niche-Selective Inhibition of Pathogenic Th17 Cells by Targeting Metabolic Redundancy

Targeting glycolysis has been considered therapeutically intractable owing to its essential housekeeping role. However, the context-dependent requirement for individual glycolytic steps has not been fully explored. We show that CRISPR-mediated targeting of glycolysis in Tcells in mice results in global loss of Th17 cells, whereas deficiency of the glycolytic enzyme glucose phosphate isomerase (Gpi1) selectively eliminates inflammatory encephalitogenic and colitogenic Th17 cells, without substantially affecting homeostatic microbiota-specific Th17 cells. In homeostatic Th17 cells, partial blockade of glycolysis upon Gpi1 inactivation was compensated by pentose phosphate pathway flux and increased mitochondrial respiration. In contrast, inflammatory Th17 cells experience a hypoxic microenvironment known to limit mitochondrial respiration, which is incompatible with loss of Gpi1. Our study suggests that inhibiting glycolysis by targeting Gpi1 could be an effective therapeutic strategy with minimum toxicity for Th17-mediated autoimmune diseases, and, more generally, that metabolic redundancies can be exploited for selective targeting of disease processes.

Study of pathophysiology and molecular characterization of congenital anemia in India using targeted next-generation sequencing approach.

Most patients with anemia are diagnosed through clinical phenotype and basic laboratory testing. Nonetheless, in cases of rare congenital anemias, some patients remain undiagnosed despite undergoing an exhaustive workup. Genetic testing is complicated by the large number of genes that are involved in rare anemias, due to similarities in the clinical presentation. We sought to enhance the diagnosis of patients with congenital anemias by using targeted next-generation sequencing. The genetic diagnosis was performed by gene capture followed by next-generation sequencing of 76 genes known to cause anemia syndromes. Genetic diagnosis was achieved in 17 of 21 transfusion-dependent patients and undiagnosed by conventional workup. Four cases were diagnosed with red cell membrane protein defects, four patients were diagnosed with pyruvate kinase deficiency, one case of adenylate kinase deficiency, one case of glucose phosphate isomerase deficiency, one case of hereditary xerocytosis, three cases having combined membrane and enzyme defect, two cases with Diamond-Blackfan anemia (DBA) and 1 with CDA type II with 26 different mutations, of which 21 are novel. Earlier incorporation of this NGS method into the workup of patients with congenital anemia may improve patient care and enable genetic counselling.

In silico study of peculiarities of metabolism of erythrocytes with glucosephosphate isomerase deficiency

Glucose phosphate isomerase (GPI) deficiency, the third most common cause of hereditary nonspherocytic hemolytic anemia, is associated with the mutation of the GPI gene. The results of the GPI deficiency are premature aging of erythrocytes, macrocytosis, reticulocytosis, minor splenomegaly, hyperbilirubinemia and hyperferritinemia, and hemolytic crisis under the influence of exogenous oxidants such as infections or drugs. Regarding the the lack of GPI correction drugs, the theoretical substantiation of supportive therapy based on system biology approaches that would allow the analysis of the relationships between numerical metabolic processes in a cell would be beneficial. The stoichiometric model of erythrocytes’ steady state metabolism, including the pathways of Embden-Meyerhof and pentose phosphate (PPP), purine metabolism cycles and glutathione synthesis, has been developed. To predict the redistribution of metabolic flows in erythrocytes under conditions of GPI deficiency, we used the flux balance analysis (FBA). In this approach, calculations of the elementary flux modes (EFMs) and the control-effective flux (CEF) have been performed. Using the CEF evaluation approach, effective profiles of enzymatic reactions depending on the degree of enzyme deficiency were obtained. It has been shown that these relationships can be the basis for future experimental studies. Analysis of the profiles of enzymatic reactions of metabolic networks suggests that erythrocytes are capable of metabolizing other substrates that contribute to overcoming the effects of energy stress in the case of enzymopathies. So, it is shown that erythrocytes can effectively use SAM and adenosine as alternative energy sources. It has been established that the GPI enzymopathy results in a decrease in the flow through the glycolysis and pentose phosphate pathway, resulting in a decrease in the content of such reducing agents as NADPH and GSH, ATP. The processes of the GSH synthesis from amino acids in the cell are shown to be suppressed. Decreased content of NADPH and GSH cause the premature aging of erythrocytes. The target therapeutic approaches that influence the behaviour of the metabolic network of erythrocytes are discussed.

Glucose Phosphate Isomerase Deficiency: High Prevalence of p.Arg347His Mutation in Indian Population Associated with Severe Hereditary Non-Spherocytic Hemolytic Anemia Coupled with Neurological Dysfunction

Glucose-6-phosphate isomerase (GPI) deficiency is an autosomal recessive genetic disorder causing hereditary non-spherocytic hemolytic anemia (HNSHA) coupled with a neurological disorder. The aim of this study was to identify GPI genetic defects in a cohort of Indian patients with HNSHA coupled with neurological dysfunction. Thirty-five patients were screened for GPI deficiency in the HNSHA patient group; some were having neurological dysfunction. Enzyme activity was measured by spectrophotometric method. The genetic study was done by single-stranded conformation polymorphism (SSCP) analysis, restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis by the restriction enzyme AciI for p.Arg347His (p.R347H) and confirmation by Sanger's sequencing. Out of 35 patients, 15 showed 35% to 70% loss of GPI activity, leading to neurological problems with HNSHA. Genetic analysis of PCR products of exon 12 of the GPI gene showed altered mobility on SSCP gel. Sanger's sequencing revealed a homozygous c1040G > A mutation predicting a p.Arg347His replacement which abolishes AciI restriction site. The molecular modeling analysis suggests p.Arg347 is involved in dimerization of the enzyme. Also, this mutation generates a more labile enzyme which alters its three-dimensional structure and function. This report describes the high prevalence of p.Arg347His pathogenic variant identified in Indian GPI deficient patients with hemolytic anemia and neuromuscular impairment. It suggests that neuromuscular impairment with hemolytic anemia cases could be investigated for p.Arg347His pathogenic variant causing GPI deficiency because of neuroleukin activity present in the GPI monomer which has neuroleukin action at the same active site and generates neuromuscular problems as well as hemolytic anemia.

Molecular diagnosis of unexplained haemolytic anaemia using targeted next-generation sequencing panel revealed (p.Ala337Thr) novel mutation in GPI gene in two Indian patients

Glucose-6-phosphate isomerase (GPI) deficiency is an autosomal recessive genetic disorder causing congenital haemolytic anaemia (CHA). Diagnosis of GPI deficiency by the biochemical method is unpredicted. Molecular diagnosis by identifying genetic...

Glucose phosphate isomerase (GPI) Tadikonda: Characterization of a novel Pro340Ser mutation

ABSTRACTAfter a thirty-year lag, we serendipitously reestablished contact with a patient with glucose phosphate isomerase deficiency and hydrops fetalis first reported in 1987. We now provide a clinical update and provide results of mutation analysis in this patient, from Southern India. The patient now an adult female of 36 years of age has moderate anemia but requires no transfusions except with some intercurrent illnesses. Exome sequencing studies showed a homozygous c.1018C>T (Pro340Ser) mutation in exon 12 of the glucose phosphate isomerase gene and later confirmed by direct sequencing. This mutation has not been previously described. To our knowledge, this is also the first known homozygous mutation in the hydrophobic core of the protein and is a highly deleterious mutation by in silico analysis and by clinical history in the family. Flow cytometry studies of band 3 content with eosin maleimide showed a unique tail of red cells on histograms, reflecting the dense red cells (presumably ATP depleted) seen on blood smears; similar findings were seen in patients with pyruvate kinase and phosphoglycerate kinase deficiency.

Two novel mutations (p.(Ser160Pro) and p.(Arg472Cys)) causing glucose-6-phosphate isomerase deficiency are associated with erythroid dysplasia and inappropriately suppressed hepcidin

Glucose-6-phosphate isomerase (GPI) deficiency, a genetic disorder responsible for chronic nonspherocytic hemolytic anemia, is the second most common red blood cell glycolytic enzymopathy. We report three patients from two unrelated families of Czech and Slovak origin with macrocytic hemolytic anemia due to GPI deficiency. The first patient had 15% of residual GPI activity resulting from two new heterozygous missense mutations c.478T>C and c.1414C>T leading to substitutions p.(Ser160Pro) and p.(Arg472Cys). Two other patients (siblings) inherited the same c.1414C>T p.(Arg472Cys) mutation in a homozygous constitution and lost approximately 89% of their GPI activity. Erythroid hyperplasia with dysplastic features was observed in the bone marrow of all three patients. Low hepcidin/ferritin ratio and elevated soluble transferrin receptor detected in our GPI-deficient patients suggest disturbed balance between erythropoiesis and iron metabolism contributing to iron overload.

Iron Overload and Cytokine Serum Levels in Congenital Hemolytic Anemias

▪Background: Congenital hemolytic anemias (CHAs) are a heterogeneous group of inherited RBC disorders including membrane and enzyme defects and dyserythropoietic anemias. Iron overload is a well recognized complication of hereditary hemoglobinopathies, both in transfusion-dependent and independent cases. However, little is known in congenital hemolytic anemias, with the exception of anecdotic reports in pyruvate kinase deficiency and dyserythropoietic anemias.Aim: to describe the clinical and hematological features at diagnosis and enrolment, to investigate iron overload by hepatic and cardiac T2* MRI, and to study inflammatory/regulatory cytokine profiles (IL-6, TNF-alpha, IFN-gamma, IL-10, IL-17) and hepcidin levels in patients with CHAs. Confounding factors such as hemocromatosis genotyping, metabolic syndrome, and hepatic viral profile were also considered.Methods: Between July 2015 and April 2016, 38 patients were enrolled (13 hereditary spherocytosis -HS, 3 hereditary stomatocytosis - HSt, 8 congenital dyserythropoietic anemia type II - CDAII, 13 pyruvate kinase deficiency - PKD, 1 glucose-phosphate isomerase deficiency). HS cases were enrolled on the basis of ferritin >300 ng/mL at diagnosis. Cytokine levels were detected in serum by ELISA. Comparisons were made by Students T test (continuous) and Fisher’s exact test (categorical), and correlations by Pearson’s linear coefficient.Results: The main clinical and hematological findings are shown in table. Median Hb values progressively decreased in the 4 groups considered, being close to normal in HS and moderately reduced in CDAII patients, whereas hemolytic parameters were comparable among groups. Consistently with clinical severity, ferritin values were particularly high in CDAII (together with transferrin saturation-TfS) and PKD patients, notwithstanding chelation in about half cases of both groups. Of note, only 2 PKD patients were transfusion-dependent, suggesting that other factors are involved in iron overload. Splenectomy had been performed in 17/38 (44.7%), mainly CDAII. Liver iron concentration (LIC) showed a great heterogeneity in all groups, with a trend towards higher values in CDAII; 16/36 (44%) patients had a LIC>4 mg/g DW (23%, 33%, 38% and 88% in HS, HSt, PKD and CDAII, respectively). Cardiac T2* value was normal in all subjects, with the exception of a HS and a CDAII case. Regarding possible cofactors, 12/16 displayed at least one of the following: 1 homozygous for HFE C282Y and 1 for H63D mutations, 3 HCV+, 4 BMI>25, 2 alcohol abuse, 3 heterozygous for HFE mutations. The following positive correlations were observed at enrolment: LIC and ferritin (r=0.68, p<0.05), LIC and TfS (r=0.34, p=0.05), and cardiac T2* and TfS (r=0.34, p<0.05). Moreover Hb values at diagnosis negatively correlated with LIC (r=0.37, p<0.05). Interestingly, among the 28 cases with ferritin <800 ng/mL, 10 (36%) displayed liver iron overload (LIC>4), of whom 5 with the above listed cofactors. As regards cytokine levels, IL-10 was significantly increased in HS, PKD and CDAII groups compared with normal cases; TNF-alpha was decreased in HS and PKD, and IFN-gamma increased in HS and CDAII. Ferritin values were positively correlated with IL-6 and IFN-gamma, and TfS negatively with IL-6 (r= -0.38, p<0.05). Hepcidin values were slightly increased in CHAs compared with normal controls, and correlated positively with ferritin (r=0.33; p<0.05), and negatively with TfS (r= -0.56; p<0.001). Finally, hepcidin levels were positively correlated with IL-6 (r=0.62; p<0.001), and negatively with IFN-gamma (r=0.3; p<0.05).Conclusion: Iron overload is highly prevalent in CHAs, particularly in PKD and CDAII, is independent from transfusion support, and is also observed in cases with ferritin <800 ng/mL. T2* MRI is the gold standard approach to evaluate iron overload in CHAs (as in other congenital anemias) and its use is advisable, particularly in the presence of cofactors, for early chelation. Cytokine studies suggest the existence of a positive loop among ferritin, hepcidin, and inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6 and IFN-gamma, and of a negative loop among TfS, hepcidin, and the same inflammatory cytokines. These findings disclose important hints to understand the multiple biological mechanisms of iron overload, and support the rationale for new emerging therapies. [Display omitted] DisclosuresBarcellini:Agios: Consultancy.

Hereditary nonspherocytic hemolytic anemia caused by red cell glucose-6-phosphate isomerase (GPI) deficiency in two Portuguese patients: Clinical features and molecular study

Glucose-6-phosphate isomerase (GPI) deficiency cause hereditary nonspherocytic hemolytic anemia (HNSHA) of variable severity in individuals homozygous or compound heterozygous for mutations in GPI gene. This work presents clinical features and genotypic results of two patients of Portuguese origin with GPI deficiency. The patients suffer from a mild hemolytic anemia (Hb levels ranging from 10 to 12.7g/mL) associated with macrocytosis, reticulocytosis, hyperbilirubinemia, hyperferritinemia and slight splenomegaly. Genomic DNA sequencing revealed in one patient homozygosity for a new missense mutation in exon 3, c.260G>C (p.Gly87Ala), and in the second patient compound heterozygosity for the same missense mutation (p.Gly87Ala), along with a frameshift mutation resulting from a single nucleotide deletion in exon 14, c.1238delA (p.Gln413Arg fs*24). Mutation p.Gln413Arg fs*24 is the first frameshift null mutation to be described in GPI deficiency. Molecular modeling suggests that the structural change induced by the p.Gly87Ala pathogenic variant has direct impact in the structural arrangement of the region close to the active site of the enzyme.

Diagnostic Power of Laser Assisted Optical Rotational Cell Analyzer (LoRRca MaxSis) Evaluated in 118 Patients Affected By Hereditary Hemolytic Anemias

▪Introduction: Hereditary hemolytic anemias (HAs) is a group of heterogeneous disorders mainly due to defects of red cell (RBC) membrane and metabolism. HAs of RBC membrane are classified according to the morphological appearance on a blood smear: the more common are hereditary spherocytosis (HS), elliptocytosis, followed by stomatocytosis (dehydrated, DHSt and overhydrated, OHSt). Among RBC enzyme defects associated with chronic hemolysis, pyruvate kinase (PK) deficiency is the most common, followed by glucose-6-phosphate isomerase (GPI), pyrimidin 5' nucleotidase (P5'N), and more rarely, other enzymes deficiencies. Because of the rarity and heterogeneity of these diseases, diagnosis may be often challenging despite the availability of a battery of laboratory tests. Ektacytometry, and more recently, laser-assisted optical rotational cell analyser (LoRRca MaxSis, Mechatronics Instruments, NL), able to measure RBC deformability in osmotic gradient conditions (Osmoscan), is reported to be a useful tool in the detection of RBC membrane disorders and in particular for the differential diagnosis of HSt. Few data are available in other haemolytic anemias.Methods: We evaluated the diagnostic power of laser-assisted optical rotational cell analyser in 84 cases with RBC membrane disorders (69 HS, 7 HE, 7 DHSt, 1 OHSt) and 26 enzymopathies: 19 PK deficiency (14 not splenectomised), 4 GPI deficiency and 3 P5N deficiency. Moreover, we analysed 8 congenital diserythropoietic anemia type II (CDA II), of whom 3 not splenectomised. A reference curve interval was obtained from 89 healthy controls. The evaluated parameters were: Omin (osmotic value at which the EI reaches its minimum, coinciding with the 50% hemolysis in osmotic fragility assays), EImax (maximal deformability obtained near the isotonic osmolality), and Ohyper (osmotic value at which the EI reaches half of its maximum value, representing cellular hydration status).Results: Considering membrane defects, all the 69 HS, regardless the biochemical defect, showed typical altered ektacytometry curves, with a decreased EImax (0.516±0.05 vs 0.595±0.008 for controls, p<0.0001) and right shifted Omin (167±11.4 vs 143.7±7.2, p<0.0001); the 7 HE cases displayed a trapezoidal feature and a decreased EImax (0.547±0.05 vs 0.595±0.008, p<0.001). Among the hereditary stomatocytosis, the 7 DHSt were characterized by a left-shifted curve (Fig 1a).Concerning RBC enzymopathies, we found that all the GPI deficient cases showed altered enlarged Osmoscan curves associated with significant increased Ohyper (539±36 vs 462±13.4, p<0.0001), whereas not splenectomised patients with PK deficiency showed an Osmoscan curve characterised by an increased EImax (0.601±0.01 vs 0.595±0.008), although not significant (Fig 1b). Osmoscan curve in not splenectomised CDAII falls in the low reference area of normal controls. However, Omin and EImax were signifificantly different from HS patients thus permitting a differential diagnosis (Omin 149.3 ±3.0 vs 167±11.4, p<0.01; EImax 0.578±0.02 vs 0.516±0.05, p<0.05) (Fig 1c).We separately analysed splenectomised and not splenectomised patients. Interestingly, for some diseases (PK, P5N, CDAII and OHSt) Osmoscan curve after splenectomy, falls in a defined atypical area, regardless the pathology (Fig 1d).Conclusion: The Osmoscan curves were diagnostic for all the HS and HE cases analysed, with Omin and EImax parameters significantly different from controls. DHSt cases always showed typical left-shifted curve. Interestingly, Ohyper was firstly described increased in GPI deficiency, offering a new diagnostic tool for this rare enzyme defect. The interpretation of Osmoscan requires caution in splenectomised cases as splenectomy may interfere with the RBC deformability. In conclusion, the Osmoscan analysis performed by LoRRca Maxsis represents a useful and feasible first step screening test in the diagnosis of RBC membrane disorders and other rare haemolytic anemias. [Display omitted] DisclosuresNo relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Glucose Phosphate Isomerase Deficiency In 2 Patients With Novel Mutations Presenting As Severe Neurologic Abnormalities and Transfusion Dependent Hemolytic Anemia

▪ IntroductionGlucose phosphate isomerase (GPI) deficiency is the third most common red cell enzymopathy. GPI is an enzyme that reversibly catalyzes the conversion of glucose-6-phosphate into fructose 6-phosphate in the second step of glycolysis. Patients afflicted by GPI deficiency have chronic hemolysis and may also suffer from acute hemolytic crises. There are 184 known mutations of the GPI gene and to date, a neurological deficit is found in only five patients and only two of these have been characterized at a molecular level. We report 2 patients with previously unknown mutations of the GPI gene associated with, severe neurologic abnormalities and hemolytic anemia. Case 1He was born at 38 weeks gestation; marked pallor and hepatosplenomegaly were noted at birth. The bilirubin was elevated at birth (indirect 7.5 mg/dl and direct 2.2mg/dl) requiring phototherapy. He has transfusion dependent anemia since birth. Enzymes studied were performed which showed GPI levels of 2.02 EU/gm hb ( normal range 16.3-24.7 ) and elevated glucose 6 phosphate dehydrogenase , pyruvate kinase and hexokinase. The pyrimidine 5'-nucleotidase screen was normal. In his subsequent course, he started to have seizures at 6 months of age, refractory to anticonvulsant therapy. He has severe hypotonia and global developmental delay. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain showed generalized cerebral atrophy with no evidence of kernicterus. Case 2He was noted to have anemia and marked hepatosplenomegaly at birth. He required exchange transfusions and phototherapy in the neonatal period. He has subsequently suffered from lifelong transfusion-dependent hemolytic anemia. He also suffers from developmental delay, ataxia, spasticity, and seizures. Of note, MRI did not exhibit evidence of kernicterus.Table. Mutations of the GPI gene in both the patientsMutation : Change in amino acid and locationLocation of amino acid in GPI crystal structureCarrier parentCASE 1Histidine to arginine at codon 191 (H191R)located in alpha helix tenFatherGlycine to tryptophan at codon 381 (G381W)located in beta sheet fourMotherCASE 2Arginine to glutamine at codon 104 (R104Q)boundary of alpha helix sevenMotherLeucine to phenylalanine at codon 297 (L297F).located in alpha helix fifteenFatherThe mutations were predicted to be pathogenic (probably damaging) by PolyPhen. Both these mutations were in a highly conserved residue. Genetic probe for preimplantation diagnosis is being used for selection of an embryo which is does not have GPI deficiency and is also a potential HLA match with the hope of undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation to avoid the complications of chronic transfusions and iron overload. DiscussionGPI has many functions. In dimeric form, it exhibits its catalytic function. In monomeric form, it acts as a neurotrophic growth factor, neuroleukin, which in vitro promotes survival of neurons. Abnormalities in neuroleukin have been found in motor neuron disease and in patients with central nervous system abnormalities in patients with acquired immunodeficiency disease. These effects of GPI/neuroleukin and relative deficiency in brain and neurons of this protein may explain the neurologic presentation. Decreased phosphatide phosphatase 1 activity, a lipogeneic enzyme due to mTOR activation by accumulated glucose-6-phosphate has been suggested to contribute to the neurologic symptoms. Why some of these mutation are associated with neurologic deficits while most others are not is not known. It has been speculated that the mutations which affect the folding may cause altered structure and function causing neurologic symptoms as well as hemolytic anemia while mutations affecting the catalytic site presents only as hemolytic anemia without neurologic symptoms. Disclosures:No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Hereditary non-spherocytic hemolytic anemia and severe glucose phosphate isomerase deficiency in an Indian patient homozygous for the L487F mutation in the human GPI gene

Homozygous glucose phosphate isomerase (GPI) deficiency is one of the most important erythroenzymopathies causing hereditary non-spherocytic hemolytic anemia (HNSHA). We report an Indian patient with HNSHA showing 85 % reduction in GPI activity resulting from a homozygous missense replacement g.1459C > T in exon 16, leading to a substitution of the protein residue L487F mutation. This mutation has been detected previously in a compound heterozygous state along with another mutation in a GPI deficient patient elsewhere. To our knowledge, this is the first report of HNSHA associated with GPI deficiency with the homozygous L487F mutation, as well as the first report from India of GPI deficiency. Molecular modeling using the human crystal structure of GPI as a model was performed to determine how this mutation could affect enzyme structure and function. The enzyme is present in a dimeric form necessary for normal activity; the L487F mutation causes a loss of the ability of GPI to dimerize, which decreases the thermostability of the enzyme and results in significant changes in erythrocyte metabolism.

Glucose-6-phosphate isomerase deficiency results in mTOR activation, failed translocation of lipin 1α to the nucleus and hypersensitivity to glucose: Implications for the inherited glycolytic disease

Inherited glucose-6-phosphate isomerase (GPI) deficiency is the second most frequent glycolytic erythroenzymopathy in humans. Patients present with non-spherocytic anemia of variable severity and with neuromuscular dysfunction. We previously described Chinese hamster (CHO) cell lines with mutations in GPI and loss of GPI activity. This resulted in a temperature sensitivity and severe reduction in the synthesis of glycerolipids due to a reduction in phosphatidate phosphatase (PAP). In the current article we attempt to describe the nature of this pleiotropic effect. We cloned and sequenced the CHO lipin 1 cDNA, a gene that codes for PAP activity. Overexpression of lipin 1 in the GPI-deficient cell line, GroD1 resulted in increased PAP activity, however it failed to restore glycerolipid biosynthesis. Fluorescence microscopy showed a failure of GPI-deficient cells to localize lipin 1α to the nucleus. We also found that glucose-6-phosphate levels in GroD1 cells were 10-fold over normal. Lowering glucose levels in the growth medium partially restored glycerolipid biosynthesis and nuclear localization of lipin 1α. Western blot analysis of the elements within the mTOR pathway, which influences lipin 1 activity, was consistent with an abnormal activation of this system. Combined, these data suggest that GPI deficiency results in an accumulation of glucose-6-phosphate, and possibly other glucose-derived metabolites, leading to activation of mTOR and sequestration of lipin 1 to the cytosol, preventing its proper functioning. These results shed light on the mechanism underlying the pathologies associated with inherited GPI deficiency and the variability in the severity of the symptoms observed in these patients.