Abstract: FR-PO817
Preclinical Studies of N-Acetylmannosamine (ManNAc) for Glomerular Diseases
Session Information
- Glomerular Diseases: Immunology, Inflammation - I
November 08, 2019 | Location: Exhibit Hall, Walter E. Washington Convention Center
Abstract Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Category: Glomerular Diseases
- 1202 Glomerular Diseases: Immunology and Inflammation
Authors
- Huizing, Marjan, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, United States
- Troost, Jonathan P., University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
- Leoyklang, Petcharat, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, United States
- Bodine, Steven P., NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, United States
- Kretzler, Matthias, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
- Gahl, William, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, United States
- Kopp, Jeffrey B., NIDDK, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, United States
- Malicdan, May christine, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, United States
Background
Glomerular hyposialylation of glycoproteins and glycolipids has been implicated in human and experimental nephrotic syndromes. In this study we assessed the prevalence of glomerular hyposialylation in human nephrotic syndromes and explored therapeutic potential of the sialic acid precursor N-acetylmannosamine (ManNAc) in three different nephrotic mouse models.
Methods
We created neuraminidase-induced and adriamycin-induced nephrotic mice and a nephrotic knock-in mouse model deficient in Gne, a central enzyme in sialic acid biosynthesis. ManNAc was administered in drinking water (~1 g/kg/d) to all three mouse models and clinical/biochemical parameters were assessed at different timepoints. Human glomerular sialylation was assessed by lectin histochemistry and confocal imaging in kidney biopsies of 123 well-phenotyped subjects with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS; 69 subjects), minimal change disease (MCD; 29 subjects), or membranous nephropathy (MN; 25 subjects) supplied by the Nephrotic Syndrome Study Network (NEPTUNE).
Results
In all three mouse models, ManNAc administration increased glomerular sialylation and markedly reduced proteinuria and podocyte injury within a week of treatment. Hyposialylation was detected in an unexpectedly high percentage (>60%) of human kidney biopsies across all three disease entities, indicating that this condition may occur frequently, remains greatly unexplored and, importantly, may be treatable. Analysis of the association of sialylation status to clinical, pathological or other documented subject data showed a trend of correlation of severe glomerular hyposialylation with decreased eGFR, increased interstitial fibrosis and increased tubular atrophy, in particular in FSGS subjects.
Conclusion
These encouraging preclinical data, together with minimal toxicity of oral ManNAc therapy in humans (demonstrated in Phase 1 and 2 clinical trials for the rare hyposialylation disorder GNE myopathy) led to obtaining an Investigational New Drug approval to start a Phase 1 clinical trial to evaluate the safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics of ManNAc in subjects with primary podocyte diseases (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02639260). Preliminary results of this ongoing study are promising regarding safety and tolerability in subjects with glomerular disease.
Funding
- NIDDK Support