We invite you to delve deeper into this fascinating study by reading the full article, published in Bioelectricity (May 2025) : Read the whole article

A Fresh Perspective on a Classic Organelle

Long regarded as the cell’s recycling center, the lysosome has rapidly emerged as a central hub of cellular signaling, homeostasis, and metabolic control. In a new review article published in Bioelectricity, researchers from Nanion Technologies, Oria Bioscience, and global academic institutions explore the expanding role of lysosomal ion channels and transporters, as well as how they are shaping our understanding of human disease.

This comprehensive paper provides an overview of the channels and transporters that regulate lysosomal pH, calcium signaling, membrane potential, and solute exchange. These functions are increasingly linked to diseases such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, cancer, and lysosomal storage disorders.

What the Paper Covers

Using advanced electrophysiological techniques like Automated Patch Clamp (APC) and Solid-Supported Membrane Electrophysiology (SSME), the authors combine cutting-edge insights with novel data on several key channels.

Highlights include:

• TRPML1: A calcium channel critical for lysosomal exocytosis and autophagy. Dysfunction is linked to mucolipidosis IV, Parkinson’s disease, and cancer progression.
• TMEM175: A potassium/proton channel essential for lysosomal pH and membrane potential. Genetic associations link it strongly to Parkinson’s disease and bone mineralization disorders.
• TPC2: A sodium/calcium channel activated by NAADP. Plays a role in autophagy, cholesterol metabolism, and the intracellular entry of viruses like Ebola and SARS-CoV-2.
• CLN7 (MFSD8): A chloride channel mutated in Batten disease, causing neurodegeneration through impaired lysosomal acidification and calcium handling.
• P2X4: An ATP-gated cation channel present on lysosomal membranes. It regulates lysosomal membrane fusion and is implicated in autoimmune modulation and liver regeneration.
• BK channels: Large-conductance potassium channels that fine-tune lysosomal calcium release and support membrane dynamics. Dysfunction is linked to lysosomal storage disorders and neurodegeneration.
• TRPM2: A redox-sensitive calcium-permeable channel involved in oxidative stress response, metabolic inflammation, and autophagic flux regulation.

Why It Matters

Lysosomal ion channels are no longer a niche topic: they are rapidly becoming high-priority drug targets. From neurodegeneration to cancer to rare genetic disorders, these channels sit at the intersection of cell biology, genetics, and therapeutic innovation.

Moreover, advances in biophysical tools now make it possible to study these channels with precision and scalability. This opens the door to drug screening, functional studies, and the development of first-in-class organelle-targeted therapies.

Oria’s Role

At Oria Bioscience, we are committed to advancing the understanding of subcellular targets and empowering the tools needed to explore them. This paper marks an exciting step forward, highlighting not only the scientific relevance of lysosomes but also the growing need for reliable, high-purity organelle preparations.

We are proud to support this evolving field by offering advanced lysosomal preparations compatible with electrophysiology and imaging platforms. By making organelle-level research more accessible and scalable, we aim to accelerate discoveries that could transform how we treat some of the most challenging diseases of our time.

Stay tuned for more updates and insights from our team as we continue to explore the fascinating world of cellular biology.

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