Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 21, 2025

Generation of Hypoparathyroid Rats via Carbon-Nanoparticle-Assisted Parathyroidectomy
Published on: July 14, 2023
Enzyme replacement therapy for hypophosphatasia-The current paradigm.
Aaron Schindeler1,2, Karissa Ludwig3,4, Craig F Munns3,4
1Bioengineering and Molecular Medicine Laboratory, The Children's Hospital at Westmead and Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia.
Hypophosphatasia (HPP) is a rare genetic disorder affecting bone mineralization. Asfotase alfa, an enzyme replacement therapy, shows transformative potential for severe HPP cases when part of comprehensive care.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Genetics
- Metabolic Disorders
Background:
- Hypophosphatasia (HPP) is a rare inherited metabolic disorder.
- Characterized by impaired skeletal mineralization and low tissue nonspecific serum alkaline phosphatase (TNSALP) activity.
- Caused by mutations in the gene encoding TNSALP, leading to a broad phenotype including skeletal abnormalities, developmental issues, and premature death.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review preclinical data and clinical trial findings for asfotase alfa.
- To highlight the efficacy of asfotase alfa as a treatment for Hypophosphatasia.
- To emphasize the importance of an interdisciplinary approach in managing HPP with asfotase alfa.
Main Methods:
- Review of preclinical studies on asfotase alfa.
- Analysis of data from clinical trials involving asfotase alfa.
- Compilation of case reports on asfotase alfa treatment for HPP.
Main Results:
- Asfotase alfa is a fully humanized, recombinant enzyme replacement therapy.
- It is approved in several countries for severe forms of HPP (perinatal and infantile).
- Clinical data demonstrate a transformative effect of asfotase alfa in HPP management.
Conclusions:
- Asfotase alfa represents a significant advancement in HPP treatment.
- The enzyme replacement therapy shows efficacy in improving outcomes for HPP patients.
- Integrated, interdisciplinary care models enhance the effectiveness of asfotase alfa therapy.
Related Concept Videos
Roles of Electrolytes: Calcium and Phosphate
The calcium concentration in blood plasma is primarily...
Protein Kinases and Phosphatases
Protein kinases
Many proteins in the cell are regulated by phosphorylation, the addition of a phosphate group. A family of enzymes called kinases...
Transducer Mechanism: Enzyme-Linked Receptors
Major types that are helpful drug targets include:
Hormones and Bone Tissue
Hormones That Influence Osteoblasts and/or Maintain the Matrix
Several hormones are necessary for controlling bone growth and maintaining the bone matrix. The pituitary gland secretes growth hormone (GH), which, as its name implies, controls bone growth. This happens in several ways: first, it triggers chondrocyte...
Bone Remodeling
Phosphorylation
During phosphorylation, protein kinases transfer the terminal phosphate group of ATP to specific amino acid side chains of substrate proteins. Serine, threonine, and tyrosine are the most commonly...

