The function of lysosomes and their role in Parkinson’s disease

Abstract Lysosomes are cellular organelles that are important for the degradation and recycling of various biomolecules. Specialized lysosomal membrane proteins, as well as soluble enzymes, are important for the efficient turn-over of lysosomal substrates. A deficiency in the degradative capacity of lysosomes leads to severe pathologies referred to as lysosomal storage disorders. There is increasing evidence for the importance of lysosomal function in neurodegenerative disorders, including Parkinson’s disease. One reason for this might be the vulnerability of neuronal cells. Since neurons do not undergo further cell division, non-degraded substrates accumulate in aging cells, causing a buildup of toxicity. Recent genomic screenings identified a number of lysosome-associated genes as potential risk factors for Parkinson’s disease, which are discussed in this review. Moreover, it is outlined how targeting lysosomal function might help in developing novel therapeutic strategies.