PBD Project-Basic research for the benefit of those living with peroxisomal disorders

Peroxisomes are cellular organelles that contribute to several crucial metabolic processes. Despite being present in almost all eukaryotic cells, these organelles were regarded as little more than the cell's 'rubbish bin' for years following their discovery. The trigger that stimulated research into the roles of peroxisomes in human pathophysiology was the identification of peroxisomal defects as the cause of a group of inherited metabolic disorders. In this latest article in our series on patient advocacy, we interview Andrew Longenecker, CEO of PBD Project, and Dr. Einat Zalckvar, who has carried out research into yeast and mammalian peroxisomes and peroxisomal disorders for over a decade.