Validation of Aspartylglucosaminidase Activity Assay for Human Serum Samples: Establishment of a Biomarker for Diagnostics and Clinical Studies

Novel treatment strategies are emerging for rare, genetic diseases, resulting in clinical trials that require adequate biomarkers for the assessment of the treatment effect. For enzyme defects, biomarkers that can be assessed from patient serum, such as enzyme activity, are highly useful, but the activity assays need to be properly validated to ensure a precise, quantitative measurement. Aspartylglucosaminuria (AGU) is a lysosomal storage disorder caused by the deficiency of the lysosomal hydrolase aspartylglucosaminidase (AGA). We have here established and validated a fluorometric AGA activity assay for human serum samples from healthy donors and AGU patients. We show that the validated AGA activity assay is suitable for the assessment of AGA activity in the serum of healthy donors and AGU patients, and it can be used for diagnostics of AGU and, potentially, for following a treatment effect.

Automated summary

Novel treatment strategies for rare genetic diseases require reliable biomarkers to assess treatment effect. In this study, a validated fluorometric AGA activity assay was established for assessing AGA activity in human serum samples. The assay proved to be suitable for diagnosing AGU and potentially monitoring treatment effect.