Tumor Cell Lysosomal Membrane

The lysosomal membrane in tumor cells is a specialized phospholipid bilayer that encloses the lysosome, an organelle responsible for degradation and recycling of macromolecules. In cancer, the function and dynamics of lysosomes—and their membranes—are altered to support tumor growth, survival, invasion, and metastasis. It contains key proteins like LAMP1/LAMP2, V-ATPase, SNARE complexes, Cystinosin/Sialin involved in structural integrity, maintaining acidic environment, fusion events, and metabolite transport, respectively. The membrane plays a crucial role in metabolic adaptation, signaling, invasion, metastasis, and response to therapy, making it a potential therapeutic target.

Disruption or permeabilization of the lysosomal membrane leading to release of hydrolytic enzymes and induction of apoptosis or necrosis.