Proton Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy Detects Cerebral Metabolic Derangement in a Mouse Model of Brain Coenzyme a Deficiency

Abstract Background Pantothenate kinase (PANK) is the first and rate-controlling enzymatic step in the only pathway for cellular coenzyme A (CoA) biosynthesis. PANK-associated neurodegeneration (PKAN), formerly known as Hallervorden–Spatz disease, is a rare, life-threatening neurologic disorder that affects the CNS and arises from mutations in the human PANK2 gene. Pantazines, a class of small molecules containing the pantazine moiety, yield promising therapeutic effects in an animal model of brain CoA deficiency. A reliable technique to identify the neurometabolic effects of PANK dysfunction and to monitor therapeutic responses is needed. Methods We applied 1H magnetic resonance spectroscopy as a noninvasive technique to evaluate the therapeutic effects of the newly developed Pantazine BBP-671. Results 1H MRS reliably quantified changes in cerebral metabolites, including glutamate/glutamine, lactate, and N-acetyl aspartate in a neuronal Pank1 and Pank2 double-knockout (SynCre + Pank1,2 dKO) mouse model of brain CoA deficiency. The neuronal SynCre + Pank1,2 dKO mice had distinct decreases in Glx/tCr, NAA/tCr, and lactate/tCr ratios compared to the wildtype matched control mice that increased in response to BBP-671 treatment. Conclusions BBP-671 treatment completely restored glutamate/glutamine levels in the brains of the mouse model, suggesting that these metabolites are promising clinically translatable biomarkers for future therapeutic trials.