Lysosome pH Dynamics in Physiology and Disease: Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutic Insights

An acidic lysosomal lumen (pH ~4.5) is essential for the degradative and signaling functions of this organelle, which serves as a central hub for cellular homeostasis. Lysosome pH (pHlys), however, is not static but dynamically regulated by the coordinated action of the V-ATPase, counterion fluxes, membrane composition, and nutrient-sensitive signaling networks.

This review integrates recent advances in the molecular mechanisms regulating pHlys with emerging insights on how dysregulated pHlys contributes to pathologies in neurodegenerative disorders, lysosomal storage diseases, and cancers with changes in lumenal proteolytic activity and macromolecular degradation.

We discuss how pHlys acts as both a sensor and effector in lysosome biology, shaping transcriptional responses, membrane trafficking, and stress adaptation. We also review tools to measure pHlys, ranging from fluorescent dyes to genetically encoded biosensors and nanomaterial-based probes, and evaluate their use in disease-modeling applications.

By highlighting pHlys as a nodal point in cellular functions, this review underscores the relevance of pHlys as a diagnostic marker and therapeutic target. Restoring pHlys in diseases offers translational potential to re-establish proteostasis and limit associated pathologies.