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Pilot neonatal screening program for lysosomal storage disorders, using lamp-1

E Ranierri1, R L Gerace, E M Ravenscroft

  • 1Department of Chemical Pathology, Women's and Children's Hospital, North Adelaide, Australia.

Insights

Lysosome associated membrane protein (LAMP-1) shows elevated levels in most lysosomal storage disorder patients. A new LAMP-1 blood spot assay is effective for newborn screening of these genetic disorders.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Genetics
  • Neonatal Medicine

Background:

  • Lysosomal storage disorders (LSDs) are a group of rare genetic diseases.
  • Elevated lysosome associated membrane protein (LAMP-1) is observed in plasma of LSD patients.
  • Newborn screening programs are crucial for early detection and intervention of genetic disorders.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop and evaluate a first-tier screening assay for lysosomal storage disorders (LSDs) using LAMP-1 levels in newborn blood spots.
  • To assess the effectiveness of LAMP-1 as a biomarker for neonatal screening of LSDs.
  • To establish a prospective pilot newborn screening program for LSDs.

Main Methods:

  • Development of a sandwich time-resolved fluorescent immunoassay for LAMP-1 detection.
  • Utilized chicken polyclonal and mouse monoclonal antibodies for the LAMP-1 assay.
  • Established stable and reproducible LAMP-1 blood-spot calibrators and quality control specimens.
  • Conducted a prospective pilot Guthrie neonatal screening program involving 11,183 infants.

Main Results:

  • The LAMP-1 assay demonstrated acceptable intra-assay (8.9% CV) and inter-assay (10% CV) variability.
  • Screened 11,183 infants, establishing population distribution data for LAMP-1 levels.
  • Median LAMP-1 level was 220 pg/l whole blood, with a 98th percentile of 483 µg/l whole blood.

Conclusions:

  • The LAMP-1 immunoassay is a stable, reproducible, and effective first-tier screening tool for lysosomal storage disorders in newborns.
  • The developed assay and pilot program demonstrate the feasibility of using LAMP-1 for neonatal screening of LSDs.
  • Early identification of LSDs through newborn screening can facilitate timely management and improve patient outcomes.

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