Lysosomes as Oxidative Targets for Cancer Therapy

Area of Science:

• Cell Biology
• Cancer Biology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Lysosomes are vital organelles for cellular homeostasis, involved in nutrient degradation and recycling.
• Cancer cells exhibit heightened lysosomal activity to support proliferation and adaptation.
• Increased lysosomal function renders cancer cells susceptible to lysosomal membrane permeabilization (LMP).

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the role of lysosomes in cancer cell death induction.
• To explore the regulation of lysosomal cell death by reactive oxygen species (ROS) in cancer.
• To discuss the therapeutic potential of lysosomotropic agents in cancer treatment.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on lysosomes, cancer, ROS, and cell death.
• Analysis of factors mediating LMP in cancer.
• Examination of the downstream effects of lysosomal disruption.

Main Results:

• Lysosomal disruption leads to increased ROS, lipid peroxidation, and mitochondrial dysfunction.
• Released cathepsins degrade cellular components, contributing to cell death.
• Cancer cell death can occur through apoptosis, autosis, or ferroptosis.

Conclusions:

• Lysosomes play a critical role in cancer cell death pathways.
• ROS signaling is a key regulator of lysosome-mediated cell death in cancer.
• Lysosomotropic agents represent a promising strategy for cancer therapy.