Gaucher disease (type 1): Physical and kinetic properties of liposomal and soluble ‘acid’ β‐glucosidase

‘Acid’ β‐glucosidase of human spleen, from either normal controls or patients with type 1 (adult) Gaucher disease, was incorporated into phosphatidylcholine liposomes. The non‐incorporated (soluble) Gaucherenzyme had a higher apparent molecular weight than had the corresponding control. Liposomal ‘acid’ β‐glucosidase prepared from Gaucher‐spleen was more thermostable than was the corresponding normal enzyme; it was also stimulated by acidic lipids to a much lesser extent. The results suggest that the genetic mutation in type 1 (adult) Gaucher disease has multiple effects on the glycoprotein form of ‘acid’ β‐glucosidase.