SLC39A8 deficiency: biochemical correction and major clinical improvement by manganese therapy

摘要

Purpose: SLC39A8 deficiency is a severe inborn error of metabolism that is caused by impaired function of manganese metabolism in humans. Mutations in SLC39A8 lead to impaired function of the manganese transporter ZIP8 and thus manganese deficiency. Due to the important role of Mn2+ as a cofactor for a variety of enzymes, the resulting phenotype is complex and severe. The manganese-dependence of beta-1,4-galactosyltransferases leads to secondary hypoglycosylation, making SLC39A8 deficiency both a disorder of trace element metabolism and a congenital disorder of glycosylation. Some hypoglycosylation disorders have previously been treated with galactose administration. The development of an effective treatment of the disorder by high-dose manganese substitution aims at correcting biochemical, and hopefully, clinical abnormalities.