Advances in the molecular genetics of metachromatic leukodystrophy

Metachromatic leukodystrophy is a lysosomal storage disorder caused by the deficiency of arylsulphatase A (EC 3.1.6.1). This results in the intralysosomal storage of cerebroside sulphate, which leads to a progressive demyelination of the nervous system. The patients usually die within a few years from the onset of symptoms. Clinically, there are different forms of the disease and the molecular basis for this heterogeneity is unknown. The gene for arylsulphatase A has recently been cloned and provides a necessary tool for the exact description of the molecular defects occurring in the different forms of metachromatic leukodystrophy. Metachromatic leukodystrophy can also be caused by the deficiency of an arylsulphatase A activator protein (sphingolipid activator protein B). The cDNA for the precursor of this protein has been isolated and a mutant cDNA of one patient has been analysed. A substantial arylsulphatase A deficiency can also occur in healthy individuals, a phenotype termed pseudodeficiency. Two concurrent mutations have been identified in this low arylsulphatase A activity allele. This permitted the development of a rapid assay which allows the detection of the pseudodeficiency allele. Bone marrow transplantation has been tried in several metachromatic leukodystrophy patients and there is evidence that this treatment might slow or even halt the progression of the disease. A final conclusion as to whether bone marrow transplantation is a suitable therapy for metachromatic leukodystrophy cannot be drawn yet.