Mitochondria dysfunction is linked to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy — when the heart becomes enlarged and cannot pump blood efficiently — in people with Pompe disease, according to a new study from China. The disease-causing mechanisms were explored in a patient-derived heart cell model with characteristics of Pompe disease, including low…

Certain protein modifications may enhance the ability of a therapeutically-delivered acid alpha-glucosidase (GAA) enzyme to be secreted and taken up by neighboring cells in models of Pompe disease, a study suggested. Such approaches could offer ways to improve the effectiveness of gene therapies for Pompe, although more work is…

Antioxidants can increase the effectiveness of enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) for Pompe disease caused by oxidative stress, the damage in cells or tissues by reactive oxygen molecules, according to a study in cells and mice. The findings also showed that enhancing autophagy — the destruction of damaged or redundant…

Walking distance improved in late-onset Pompe disease patients on enzyme replacement therapy (ERT), while their lung function and muscle strength remained unchanged, a meta-analysis has found. More studies are, however, needed to confirm these findings and “to obtain more…

A CRISPR gene-editing approach was used to correct two distinct Pompe disease mutations and to develop computer simulations for optimizing gene therapies. These computer models may help scientists develop and test gene-editing strategies for diseases, such as Pompe, that are polygenic, or caused by more…

New genetic mutations and uncommon clinical symptoms, including skeletal alterations and developmental delay, were linked to juvenile-onset Pompe disease in three rare cases, making early recognition of these anomolies an important step to providing the best care for these patients, a study says. The cases were described by researchers from…

Researchers have proposed a cheap, simple, and more sensitive screening test to identify Pompe disease and differentiate it from other neuromuscular disorders. The study, “Vacuolated PAS‐positive lymphocytes as an hallmark of Pompe disease and other myopathies related to impaired autophagy,” was published in the Journal of Cellular Physiology.

Duke Health researchers are planning to launch a Phase 1 trial to test the safety of a new investigational gene therapy they developed to treat patients with Pompe disease. They are currently screening (NCT03285126) adults with late-onset Pompe disease to select eligible participants for the upcoming trial.