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Updated: Oct 4, 2025

Expanding the Toolkit for In Vivo Imaging of Axonal Transport
Published on: December 23, 2021
Neuronal endolysosomal transport and lysosomal functionality in maintaining axonostasis
Joseph C Roney1, Xiu-Tang Cheng1, Zu-Hang Sheng1
1Synaptic Function Section, The Porter Neuroscience Research Center, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD.
Abstract:
Lysosomes serve as degradation hubs for the turnover of endocytic and autophagic cargos, which is essential for neuron function and survival. Deficits in lysosome function result in progressive neurodegeneration in most lysosomal storage disorders and contribute to the pathogenesis of aging-related neurodegenerative diseases. Given their size and highly polarized morphology, neurons face exceptional challenges in maintaining cellular homeostasis in regions far removed from the cell body where mature lysosomes are enriched. Neurons therefore require coordinated bidirectional intracellular transport to sustain efficient clearance capacity in distal axonal regions. Emerging lines of evidence have started to uncover mechanisms and signaling pathways regulating endolysosome transport and maturation to maintain axonal homeostasis, or "axonostasis," that is relevant to a range of neurologic disorders. In this review, we discuss recent advances in how axonal endolysosomal trafficking, distribution, and lysosomal functionality support neuronal health and become disrupted in several neurodegenerative diseases.
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