Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 6, 2026

In Vitro Enzyme Measurement to Test Pharmacological Chaperone Responsiveness in Fabry and Pompe Disease
Published on: December 20, 2017
Treatments for lysosomal storage disorders
1Charles Dent Metabolic Unit, Box 92, National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Queen Square, London WC1N 3BG, UK. robin.lachmann@uclh.nhs.uk
Lysosomal storage disorders (LSDs) are genetic diseases with over 70 types. While new therapies like enzyme-replacement therapy (ERT) and substrate-reduction therapy (SRT) show promise, significant challenges remain, especially for brain-related conditions.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Genetics
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Over 70 human diseases stem from lysosomal dysfunction.
- Historically, allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation was the primary therapy for lysosomal storage disorders (LSDs).
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the progress and current landscape of therapeutic strategies for lysosomal storage disorders.
- To highlight the effectiveness and limitations of existing treatments and identify areas of unmet clinical need.
Main Methods:
- Review of licensed treatments for LSDs.
- Discussion of enzyme-replacement therapy (ERT) and substrate-reduction therapy (SRT).
- Exploration of emerging therapeutic approaches, including chaperone molecules.
Main Results:
- Licensed treatments are now available for seven LSDs.
- Enzyme-replacement therapy (ERT) is effective for some enzyme-deficiency disorders but faces challenges in tissue delivery.
- Substrate-reduction therapy (SRT) is licensed, and chaperone molecules for ERT are in late-stage development.
Conclusions:
- Significant advancements have been made in treating LSDs, with multiple therapeutic options emerging.
- Unmet clinical needs persist, particularly for LSDs affecting the central nervous system.
- LSDs are at the forefront of genetic disorder treatment development, with future innovations anticipated.
Related Concept Videos
Lysosomal Hydrolases
Lysosomes
Lysosomes
Delivery Pathways to the Lysosome
Endocytosis
In endocytosis, the cell membrane takes up macromolecules and particles from the surrounding medium. Clathrin-mediated...
Cystic Fibrosis: Management
Sinus disease and chronic sinusitis...
Protein Import into the Peroxisomes
Peroxisomal Protein Import:
Peroxisomes lack the genetic machinery required to code for their own proteins. Hence, most peroxisomal membrane, lumenal and transmembrane proteins are synthesized in the cytoplasm or ER and transported to the peroxisome...

