Gene therapy for Krabbe disease: evidence from mouse and canine models

Globoid cell leukodystrophy (GLD) is an autosomal recessive lysosomal storage disorder caused by mutations in the β-galactosylceramidase(GALC) gene, resulting in enzyme deficiency and the progressive accumulation of galactosylsphingosine and galactosylceramide in the white matter of the central nervous system and in peripheral nerves, which in turn triggers demyelination. Although no curative therapy is currently available, studies in animal models in recent years have shown that gene therapy can ameliorate pathological and biochemical abnormalities and holds considerable promise for clinical translation. This article reviews advances in gene therapy in animal models of GLD and discusses key directions and challenges for future treatments.