Cell | August 26, 2021

Logan T, Simon MJ, Rana A, Cherf GM, Srivastava A, Davis SS, Low RLY, Chiu CL, Fang M, Huang F, Bhalla A, Llapashtica C, Prorok R, Pizzo ME, Calvert MEK, Sun EW, Hsiao-Nakamoto J, Rajendra Y, Lexa KW, Srivastava DB, van Lengerich B, Wang J, Robles-Colmenares Y, Kim DJ, Duque J, Lenser M, Earr TK, Nguyen H, Chau R, Tsogtbaatar B, Ravi R, Skuja LL, Solanoy H, Rosen HJ, Boeve BF, Boxer AL, Heuer HW, Dennis MS, Kariolis MS, Monroe KM, Przybyla L, Sanchez PE, Meisner R, Diaz D, Henne KR, Watts RJ, Henry AG, Gunasekaran K, Astarita G, Suh JH, Lewcock JW, DeVos SL and Di Paolo G

Cell. 2021

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cell.2021.08.002

Abstract

GRN mutations cause frontotemporal dementia (GRN-FTD) due to deficiency in progranulin (PGRN), a lysosomal and secreted protein with unclear function. Here, we found that Grn–/– mice exhibit a global deficiency in bis(monoacylglycero)phosphate (BMP), an endolysosomal phospholipid we identified as a pH-dependent PGRN interactor as well as a redox-sensitive enhancer of lysosomal proteolysis and lipolysis. Grn–/– brains also showed an age-dependent, secondary storage of glucocerebrosidase substrate glucosylsphingosine. We investigated a protein replacement strategy by engineering protein transport vehicle (PTV):PGRN—a recombinant protein linking PGRN to a modified Fc domain that binds human transferrin receptor for enhanced CNS biodistribution. PTV:PGRN rescued various Grn–/– phenotypes in primary murine macrophages and human iPSC-derived microglia, including oxidative stress, lysosomal dysfunction, and endomembrane damage. Peripherally delivered PTV:PGRN corrected levels of BMP, glucosylsphingosine, and disease pathology in Grn–/– CNS, including microgliosis, lipofuscinosis, and neuronal damage. PTV:PGRN thus represents a potential biotherapeutic for GRN-FTD.