Lysosome function and autophagy

Lysosome function and autophagy comprise key cellular processes by which cells degrade and recycle cytoplasmic constituents. Lysosomes are acidic organelles containing diverse hydrolases essential for the breakdown of proteins, organelles, and pathogens. Autophagy refers to the delivery of cytosolic material to lysosomes for degradation; this is subdivided into macroautophagy (autophagosome-dependent), microautophagy (direct invagination), and chaperone-mediated autophagy (substrate-selective). These pathways are fundamental for maintaining cellular homeostasis, adapting to stress, and defending against infections. Defects in autophagy or lysosomal function contribute to a range of human diseases, including cancer, neurodegeneration, infection, and myopathies. While many drugs can modulate these processes, and many lysosomal and autophagy proteins are valid therapeutic targets, "lysosome function / autophagy" itself is not a singular, druggable molecule or receptor but rather describes a broad, systemic biological axis.

Other names

autophagocytosisself-eatingautophagic process

Inhibition of autophagosome–lysosome fusion; Inhibition or enhancement of lysosomal acidification; Induction or suppression of autophagy signaling pathways (e.g., mTOR, AMPK); Modulation of lysosomal hydrolase activity