[Disorders of glycoprotein degradation]

Glycoprotein consist of oligosaccharides chains covalently attached to the polypeptide backbone. They are synthesized by two pathways; sugar nucleotide pathway and dolichol pathway. The degradation of glycoproteins occurs predominantly in the lysosomes through the ordered actions of lysosomal proteases, glycosidases, and aspartylglucosaminidase. Genetic deficiencies of these enzymes cause progressive accumulation of partially degraded oligosaccharides and glycopeptides, resulting in specific lysosomal storage diseases. Clinically, the diseases are characterized by the various degree of mental retardation, coarse facies, dysostosis multiplex, and visceromegaly. Although the urinary screening test for storage compounds is highly supportive, the definitive diagnosis of the disease is based on the measurement of lysosomal enzyme activity. This paper presents the review of clinical and biochemical features of this group of diseases including alpha-mannosidosis, beta-mannosidosis, fucosidosis, sialidosis, and aspartylglucosaminuria. Recent advances in molecular genetics in fucosidosis and aspartylglucosaminuria are also reviewed.