Endolysosomal system

The **endolysosomal system** is a highly dynamic network of membrane-bound compartments—primarily endosomes and lysosomes—within eukaryotic cells. It orchestrates the uptake, sorting, trafficking, recycling, and degradation of extracellular or intracellular materials[1][3][5]. Early endosomes serve as sorting stations, directing cargo to recycling pathways or toward degradation. Late endosomes (often multivesicular bodies) mature and fuse with lysosomes, where hydrolytic enzymes degrade cargo. This system is essential for protein and organelle turnover, cellular homeostasis, signaling, and metabolic regulation[2][3][4]. Defects in components or trafficking routes of the endolysosomal system are implicated in numerous diseases, including neurodegeneration, cancer, infections, and lysosomal storage disorders[4][6][7]. While not itself a single therapeutic target, many enzymes, transporters, and signaling proteins within the system are therapeutically relevant. In conclusion, the endolysosomal system represents a compartmental network coordinating crucial biological functions, not a discrete molecular target[3][5]. Entries regarding this system as a target molecule/receptor are incorrect for structured drug targeting databases.

Other names

Endocytic pathwayEndosome-lysosome systemEndosome-lysosomal systemEndocytic-lysosomal system