cDNA encoding human acid ß-glucosidase (N-acylsphingosyl-1 -O-ß-D-glucoside: glucohydrolase, EC 3.2.1.45) expressed catalytically active enzyme in transfected COS- 1 or infected Spodoptera frugiperda (Sf9) cells. The expression plasmid p91023(B) (p91023B/Glc) and a Baculovirus (AcMNPV/Glc) containing the cDNA were constructed and used with the respective cells. By immunoblotting a glycosylated, 63-kilodalton human acid-ß-glucosidase was detected in the transfected or infected cells. A 56-kilodalton human polypeptide was obtained after complete deglycosylation with N-Glycanase®. The expressed human enzymes also had partial endoglycosidase H sensitivity. The human enzyme expressed at high levels in Sf9 cells and had normal immunologic properties. With the partially purified enzyme from Sf9 cells, intact function of active site was indicated by normal k(cat) and K(mapp) or K(i)app values for alternative substrates or potent inhibitors, respectively. The expressed enzyme was also activated normally by the negatively charged lipid, taurocholate. The results of these studies indicate that the Baculovirus expression system could provide a convenient source of normal human enzyme for structure/function investigations. In addition, this expression system should prove useful for the identification and evaluation of putative étiologie point mutations in Gaucher disease variants with kinetically altered residual enzymes.

This communication describes a patient with an intradural lipoma that occupied the entire cervical canal and extended into the 4th ventricle. The diagnosis was made preoperatively by use of computed tomography of the head and the spine.

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