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Origin of α-mannosidase activity in CSF
Anna Tasegian1, Silvia Paciotti1, Maria Rachele Ceccarini1
1Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy.
The International Journal of Biochemistry & Cell Biology
|April 1, 2017
Summary
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) alpha-mannosidase activity originates from the brain, not plasma. This lysosomal enzyme profile in CSF may indicate neurodegenerative disorders like Parkinson's disease.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Neuroscience
- Enzymology
Background:
- Alpha-mannosidase is a key enzyme involved in glycoprotein metabolism.
- Its activity in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is not fully understood, particularly its origin.
- Investigating CSF alpha-mannosidase may offer insights into neurological conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the origin of alpha-mannosidase activity in human CSF.
- To compare the isoenzyme profiles of alpha-mannosidase in the frontal gyrus, CSF, and plasma.
- To assess the potential of CSF alpha-mannosidase as a biomarker for neurodegenerative diseases.
Main Methods:
- DEAE-cellulose chromatography was employed to analyze alpha-mannosidase activity.
- Samples analyzed included human frontal gyrus, CSF, and plasma.
- Isoenzyme profiles were characterized based on pH optima.
Main Results:
- CSF alpha-mannosidase isoenzyme profiles closely resembled those found in the frontal gyrus.
- Human plasma exhibited a distinct alpha-mannosidase profile, dominated by an intermediate form (pH optimum 5.5).
- Lysosomal alpha-mannosidase forms A and B (pH optimum 4.5) were present in both frontal gyrus and CSF.
Conclusions:
- The intermediate form of alpha-mannosidase in plasma does not appear to cross the blood-brain barrier.
- Alpha-mannosidase activity in CSF is of lysosomal and brain origin.
- CSF alpha-mannosidase levels may serve as a biomarker reflecting brain pathology in neurodegenerative disorders, including Parkinson's disease.