Lysosomal atlas may help researchers studying neurological disease

Researchers released the first atlas of lysosomal proteins across major brain cell types, cataloging 790 proteins and identifying links between some proteins and conditions such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and an SLC45A1-associated disorder; the data are publicly available.

Researchers have published the first atlas mapping lysosomal proteins across major brain cell types and made the data publicly accessible. Lysosomes are cellular compartments responsible for clearing waste, and dysfunction in lysosomal genes has been linked to Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and other neurological disorders. The project expanded a tagging method called LysoTag to target specific cell types and combined it with proteomics and new analysis tools. The team reported the findings Jan. 22 in Cell and said the resource could support further study of lysosomal roles in disease. Key findings: - The atlas catalogs 790 proteins that are more likely to be found in lysosomes and indicates which proteins are enriched in neurons, astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, or microglia. - The researchers found 67 lysosomal proteins associated with Alzheimer's-related dementia, Parkinson's disease, or lysosomal storage disorders. - Cell experiments linked SLC45A1 loss to impaired lysosomal degradation, supporting a connection between SLC45A1-associated disease and lysosomal dysfunction. - The study extended LysoTag methods and added cell-type targeting and data analysis tools developed with collaborators at the Leibniz Institute on Aging. - The dataset is available on a dedicated website to enable broader scientific access and collaboration. Summary: The atlas provides a cell-type resolved map of lysosomal proteins that highlights specific proteins for further investigation. The authors plan to study many proteins with potential disease relevance and to examine SLC45A1's function in lysosomes more closely. These steps are reported as ongoing.