Abstract
The lysosome, a key organelle for cellular clearance, is associated with a wide variety of pathological conditions in humans. Lysosome function and its related pathways are particularly important for maintaining the health of the cardiovascular system. In this review, we highlighted studies that have improved our understanding of the connection between lysosome function and cardiovascular diseases with an emphasis on a recent breakthrough that characterized a unique autophagosome-lysosome fusion mechanism employed by cardiomyocytes through a lysosomal membrane protein LAMP-2B. This finding may impact the development of future therapeutic applications.
Highlights
The lysosome is a membrane-bound cell organelle that contains digestive enzymes
There are many causative factors that contribute to the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases, lysosome function is tightly correlated with the progression of these diseases [4]
Using an autophagic flux assay, we found that only LAMP-2B KO hiPSC-CMs displayed an autophagy defect, which was not observed in LAMP-2A or LAMP-2C KO hiPSC-CMs
Summary
The lysosome is a membrane-bound cell organelle that contains digestive enzymes. Lysosome-mediated degradation is considered to be one of the major mechanisms by which cells degrade long-lived or damaged proteins and organelles [1]. Consistent with its key functions in maintaining cellular hemostasis, defects in lysosome functions lead to the development of many human diseases, including cardiovascular diseases [2]. Cardiovascular disease is the leading global cause of death. There are many causative factors that contribute to the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases, lysosome function is tightly correlated with the progression of these diseases [4]. We highlighted new mechanisms by which lysosomes contribute to the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases and discuss potential therapeutic strategies for clinical applications
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
