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Related Concept Videos

Lysosomal Hydrolases01:22

Lysosomal Hydrolases

Lysosomes are the site for the degradation of macromolecules and biological polymers released during membrane trafficking events such as secretory, endocytic, autophagic, and phagocytic pathways. The membrane-enclosed area of the lysosome, called the lumen, contains hydrolytic enzymes active in an acidic environment. These acid hydrolases are functional at a pH between 4.5 and 5 and are involved in cellular processes such as cell signaling, energy metabolism, restoration of the plasma membrane,...
Lysosomes01:31

Lysosomes

Lysosomes are membrane-enclosed spherical sacs derived from the Golgi apparatus. The most important function of the lysosome is degrading macromolecules and biological polymers that are released during membrane trafficking events such as the secretory, endocytic, autophagic, and phagocytic pathways. The degradation is carried out by several hydrolytic enzymes active in an acidic environment of the lysosomal lumen. These acid hydrolases are involved in cellular processes such as cell signaling,...
Lysosomes01:31

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Lysosomes are membrane-enclosed spherical sacs derived from the Golgi apparatus. The most important function of the lysosome is degrading macromolecules and biological polymers that are released during membrane trafficking events such as the secretory, endocytic, autophagic, and phagocytic pathways. The degradation is carried out by several hydrolytic enzymes active in an acidic environment of the lysosomal lumen. These acid hydrolases are involved in cellular processes such as cell signaling,...
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Ion Exchange01:17

Ion Exchange

Ion exchange chromatography separates charged molecules from a solution by reversibly exchanging them with mobile, or 'active', ions associated with the oppositely charged stationary phase. This method can be used to separate ions, soften and deionize water, and purify solutions. The polymers comprising the ion-exchange column are high-molecular-weight and chemically stable polymers, crosslinked to be porous and essentially insoluble. They are also functionalized with either acidic or basic...
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Assessing Lysosomal Alkalinization in the Intestine of Live Caenorhabditis elegans
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A cation counterflux supports lysosomal acidification.

Benjamin E Steinberg1, Kassidy K Huynh, Alexandre Brodovitch

  • 1Program in Cell Biology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada M5G 1X8.

The Journal of Cell Biology
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Lysosomal acidification relies on counter-ion flux. This study shows that cations, not just anions, support lysosome acidification, challenging previous assumptions about cellular ion transport.

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Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Physiology
  • Ion Transport

Background:

  • Lysosomal acidification is crucial for cellular degradation.
  • Proton accumulation requires counter-ion flux to overcome opposing voltage.
  • Anion influx was previously considered the primary mechanism for lysosomal acidification.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of different counter-ions in lysosomal acidification.
  • To determine if anion conductance defects explain impaired lysosomal acidification in CFTR- or ClC-7-deficient cells.

Main Methods:

  • Developed a method for reversible permeabilization of plasma and lysosomal membranes in intact cells.
  • Dialyzed cytosol and lysosome lumen to control ion concentrations.
  • Ratiometrically monitored lysosomal pH to assess acidification.

Main Results:

  • Replacing cytosolic chloride with impermeant anions did not significantly affect proton pumping.
  • Permeant cations in the lysosomal lumen supported acidification.
  • Lysosomes in CFTR- and ClC-7-deficient cells acidified to similar pH levels.

Conclusions:

  • Cations, alongside chloride, contribute to lysosomal acidification.
  • Defects in lysosomal anion conductance do not fully explain impaired lysosomal acidification.
  • The impaired microbicidal capacity of CF phagocytes is not solely due to defects in lysosomal anion conductance.