Lysosomal proteomics and disease

A recent trend in proteomic studies has been to analyze macromolecular complexes such as subcellular organelles instead of complete cells or tissues. This "divide and conquer" approach circumvents some of the formidable problems associated with whole proteome analyses and allows focus on a subset of proteins that may be involved in a particular process or disease of interest. One organelle that has been the focus of considerable attention in proteomic studies is the lysosome, an acidic, membrane-delimited compartment that plays an essential role in the degradation and recycling of biological macromolecules. Lysosomal proteomics have been driven in part by the well-established involvement of this organelle in numerous human diseases, but also by the availability of approaches to selectively visualize and/or isolate subsets of lysosomal proteins. In terms of clinical application, proteomic studies of the lysosome have led to the identification of gene defects in three human hereditary diseases. This review summarizes past progress, current limitations and future directions in the field of lysosomal proteomics.