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Updated: May 15, 2026
05:30
Live-cell Imaging of Lysosomal Membrane Permeabilization During Necroptosis
Published on: November 14, 2025
The endolysosomal system in cell death and survival
Urška Repnik1, Maruša Hafner Česen, Boris Turk
1Department of Biochemistry and Molecular and Structural Biology, J. Stefan Institute, Jamova 39, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
Cold Spring Harbor Perspectives in Biology
|January 4, 2013
Summary
Lysosomal proteases, normally contained within organelles, can trigger and amplify apoptosis if released. The endocytic system aids the autophagic system in resisting cell death stimuli.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- The endocytic pathway degrades cellular compounds using hydrolases.
- Lysosomal proteases, if released into the cytosol, can initiate and amplify apoptosis.
- The endocytic pathway interacts with the autophagic pathway.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss the mechanisms of lysosomal membrane permeabilization.
- To explore the role of lysosomal proteases in apoptosis.
- To examine the therapeutic potential of targeting lysosomal membrane permeabilization.
Main Methods:
- Literature review on endocytic and autophagic pathways.
- Analysis of studies on lysosomal membrane destabilization.
- Discussion of protease activity in cell death signaling.
Main Results:
- Lysosomal proteases can initiate and amplify apoptotic signaling.
- The endocytic system supports the autophagic system in resisting apoptosis.
- Specific compounds can destabilize lysosomal membranes.
Conclusions:
- Lysosomal membrane permeabilization is a critical step in triggering cell death.
- Intervention in lysosomal membrane permeabilization holds therapeutic potential.
- The interplay between endocytosis, autophagy, and apoptosis is crucial for cellular homeostasis.
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