Role of Lysosomes in Intracellular Degradation

Lysosomes as part of the endolysosomal system represent the terminal degradative compartments of the cell, where biological macromolecules, organelles, and fluids are degraded, thereby providing building blocks for de novo synthesis of new macromolecules. In addition, they are involved in membrane repair, pathogen defense, antigen presentation, cell death, and cell signaling. Hydrolases have a major role in lysosomal processes, in particular proteases (cathepsins), glycosidases, and lipases. Any defects in lysosome function can lead to different pathologies such as lysosomal storage diseases. In addition, excessive activities of lysosomal proteases are linked to osteoporosis and inflammation-associated diseases such as cancer, atherosclerosis, and arthritis.