Autophagy and Lysosome Storage Disorders.

Lysosomal storage disorders (LSDs) are one of the most common human genetic metabolic diseases caused by gene mutations. Up to now, more than 70 LSDs have been identified and mainly divided into five categories. LSDs are mainly caused by defects in the function of enzymes or lysosomal-related proteins in lysosomes, which causes progressive accumulation of undigested macromolecules within the cell and results in stress and dysfunction in cells, tissues and organs. LSDs can result in multiple systemic damages, including the nervous system, skeletal system and reticuloendothelial system, especially in the early stages of the disease. The central nervous system is severely affected. Lysosome is the final degradative organelles for autophagy by which macromolecules and damaged cellular components and organelles are degraded. Impairment in autophagy is a central and common mechanism underlying many LSDs. The modulation of autophagy has been considered as novel therapeutic approach for LSDs.