Application of delayed extraction matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry for analysis of sphingolipids in cultured skin fibroblasts from sphingolipidosis patients

Sphingolipidoses are caused by defects of enzymes involved in the hydrolysis of sphingolipids. Using delayed extraction matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (DE MALDI-TOF-MS), we analyzed sphingolipids in cultured skin fibroblasts from patients with sphingolipidoses, including: (a) Farber disease (FD, acid ceramidase deficiency); (b) Gaucher disease (GD); (c) Niemann-Pick disease type C (NPDC); and (d) GM1-gangliosidosis (GM1G). Crude lipids were extracted from about 50 mg wet weight of cultured skin fibroblasts. After mild alkaline treatment, a sphingolipid fraction was prepared from the crude lipids and analyzed by DE MALDI-TOF-MS. The results were as follows: (a) in fibroblasts from the FD patient, the ceramide/sphingomyelin and ceramide/monohexosylceramide ratios were both significantly high; (b) in the GD patient, the glucosylceramide/sphingomyelin ratio was increased; on the other hand; (c) in the NPDC patient, the monohexosylceramide/sphingomyelin ratio was within normal range; and (d) in the GM1G patient, no specific data were obtained. Sphingolipids in cultured fibroblasts can be evaluated by DE MALDI-TOF-MS, whereas GM1-ganglioside or its asialo derivatives are not detectable. With this DE MALDI-TOF-MS method, ceramide or monohexosylceramide accumulating in cultured fibroblasts from cases of sphingolipidoses, such as FD and GD, respectively, can be easily detected.