News

Plasma levels of a molecule called galactosylsphingosine are low enough that they do not interfere with the detection of the Gaucher disease biomarker glucosylsphingosine, or Lyso GL-1, a study using a new analytic approach has found. The study, “Galactosylsphingosine does not interfere with the quantitation of…

Morocco needs better facilities specialized in the screening, diagnosis, and management of Gaucher disease to prevent underdiagnosis of the disorder, a report of two cases suggests. Additionally, clinicians should consider other disease markers besides β-glucocerebrosidase, due to the fact that nearly 1 in 5 patients…

A case report describing a man who was diagnosed with multiple myeloma and found to be a Gaucher disease carrier highlights the increased risk for cancer, especially multiple myeloma, associated with Gaucher disease. The case study, “A 30-Year-Old Carrier of Gaucher Disease with Multiple Myeloma,”…

A new microscopy technique enables visualization of beta-glucocerebrosidase (GBA) given in enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) to people with Gaucher disease. This could help improve treatment efficiency in this patient population, the researchers suggested. The study, “Localization of Active Endogenous and Exogenous GBA by Correlative Light-Electron Microscopy…

Using machine-learning approaches, researchers unraveled how certain mutations in the GBA gene — responsible for Gaucher disease — affect the function of the glucocerebrosidase enzyme at the molecular level. The study with that finding, “Mechanism of glucocerebrosidase activation and dysfunction in Gaucher disease unraveled by molecular dynamics and deep…

Gaucher disease took center stage at a recent medical conference in Vienna, Austria, organized by Ari Zimran, MD, director of the Gaucher Clinic at Israel’s Shaare Zedek Medical Center. “Gaucher is an amazing model for rare diseases, because even though here in Israel it’s far more common —…

Patients with Gaucher disease type 1 may experience a complication involving the lower portion of the spinal cord, known as cauda equina syndrome, which causes long-term spine instability and neurodeficits if not treated early and with caution. Turkish researchers reported a rare case of such a complication in the study, “…

Modified versions of a compound already used in Gaucher disease research are more selective and potent blockers of the key beta-glucosidase (GBA) enzyme and can be used to create superior Gaucher models in zebra fish, according to a study. The study, “Functionalized Cyclophellitols Are Selective Glucocerebrosidase…

From genetically engineered rice cells, scientists have produced human beta-glucocerebrosidase (GCase) — the enzyme deficient in Gaucher disease — with some of the therapeutic properties of the treatment Cerezyme, a study reports. This method may offer a safer, more cost-effective alternative to the…

Discouraged by doctors. Ridiculed by classmates. Challenged on the homefront. Despite the physical and emotional trauma endured by Madeline Collin — who has Gaucher disease — this cheerful 24-year-old says her ambition in life is “to be a voice of hope and encouragement.” The British university student talked about her struggles…