Activator protein deficiencies

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Activator Proteins - The Lipid Chaperones

  • Sphingolipid Activator Proteins (SAPs) are small, non-enzymatic glycoproteins essential for the lysosomal degradation of sphingolipids. They act as "lipid chaperones."
  • Function: Solubilize lipid substrates, extract them from membranes, and present them to specific lysosomal hydrolases.
  • Two main types:
    • Saposins (A, B, C, D): Derived from a single precursor, prosaposin.
    • GM2 Activator Protein (GM2AP): Required for the degradation of GM2 ganglioside by Hexosaminidase A.

⭐ A single PSAP gene codes for a large precursor protein that is cleaved into the four essential saposins (A, B, C, and D).

Prosaposin structure and saposin A, B, C, D domains

  • Mechanism:
  • Clinical Correlation: Deficiency of an activator protein leads to a sphingolipidosis, presenting similarly to a deficiency of the corresponding enzyme.

Clinical Syndromes - When Chaperones Fail

Activator proteins (Saposins A, B, C, and GM2A) are crucial for lipid catabolism by presenting lipids to their respective hydrolases. Deficiencies mimic the corresponding enzyme-deficient lysosomal storage disease but with normal in vitro enzyme activity.

⭐ The AB variant of Tay-Sachs disease is clinically identical to classic Tay-Sachs, but enzyme assays for Hexosaminidase A are deceptively normal because the enzyme itself is functional-only its activator is missing.

DiseaseDeficient ActivatorEnzyme (Still Active)Accumulated LipidKey Features
Tay-Sachs (AB variant)GM2AHexosaminidase AGM2 gangliosideNeurodegeneration, cherry-red spot on macula, hyperacusis.
Gaucher DiseaseSaposin CGlucocerebrosidaseGlucocerebrosideHepatosplenomegaly, pancytopenia, bone crises. Milder phenotype.
Metachromatic LeukodystrophySaposin BArylsulfatase ASulfatideCentral & peripheral demyelination, ataxia, dementia.
Krabbe DiseaseSaposin AGalactosylceramidaseGalactosylceramidePeripheral neuropathy, optic atrophy, globoid cells.
Farber DiseaseSaposin BAcid CeramidaseCeramidePainful joints, subcutaneous nodules, hoarse cry.
GM1 GangliosidosisSaposin Bβ-GalactosidaseGM1 GangliosideNeurodegeneration, hepatosplenomegaly, skeletal dysplasia.

High‑Yield Points - ⚡ Biggest Takeaways

  • Activator protein deficiencies are a rare type of lysosomal storage disease where the hydrolase enzyme is intact but non-functional due to a faulty cofactor.
  • These disorders clinically mimic their enzyme-deficiency counterparts; for instance, GM2-AP deficiency presents like Tay-Sachs disease.
  • Key function: Activator proteins (e.g., saponins) solubilize lipid substrates, making them accessible to enzymes.
  • Diagnosis is tricky: Enzyme activity in lab assays is normal or even ↑, a major clue.
  • Genetic analysis is required for definitive diagnosis.

Practice Questions: Activator protein deficiencies

Test your understanding with these related questions

A 5-month-old boy is brought to his pediatrician because his parents have noticed that he has very restricted joint movement. He was born at home without prenatal care, but they say that he appeared healthy at birth. Since then, they say that he doesn't seem to move very much and is hard to arouse. Physical exam reveals coarse facial structures and hepatosplenomegaly. Radiography reveals skeletal malformations, and serum tests show high plasma levels of lysosomal enzymes. The production of which of the following substances will most likely be disrupted in this patient?

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Flashcards: Activator protein deficiencies

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What is the mode of inheritance of Tay-Sachs disease?_____

TAP TO REVEAL ANSWER

What is the mode of inheritance of Tay-Sachs disease?_____

Autosomal recessive

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