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Updated: Feb 11, 2026

Monitoring Endoplasmic Reticulum Calcium Homeostasis Using a Gaussia Luciferase SERCaMP
Published on: September 6, 2015
The intersection of lysosomal and endoplasmic reticulum calcium with autophagy defects in lysosomal diseases
Elaine A Liu1, Andrew P Lieberman2
1Department of Pathology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States; Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States; Cellular and Molecular Biology Graduate Program, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States.
Abstract:
The lysosomal storage disorders (LSDs) encompass a group of more than 50 inherited diseases characterized by the accumulation of lysosomal substrates. Two-thirds of patients experience significant neurological symptoms, but the mechanisms of neurodegeneration are not well understood. Interestingly, a wide range of LSDs show defects in both autophagy and Ca2+ homeostasis, which is notable as Ca2+ is a key regulator of autophagy. The crosstalk between these pathways in the context of LSD pathogenesis is not well characterized, but further understanding of this relationship could open up promising therapeutic targets. This review discusses the role of endoplasmic reticulum and lysosomal Ca2+ in autophagy regulation and highlights what is known about defects in autophagy and Ca2+ homeostasis in two LSDs, Niemann-Pick type C disease and Gaucher disease.
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