Targeting neurological abnormalities in lysosomal storage diseases

Trends Pharmacol Sci. 2022 Jun;43(6):495-509. doi: 10.1016/j.tips.2021.11.005. Epub 2021 Nov 27.

Abstract

Central nervous system (CNS) abnormalities and corresponding neurological and psychiatric symptoms are frequently observed in lysosomal storage disorders (LSDs). The genetic background of individual LSDs is indeed unique to each illness. However, resulting defective lysosomal function within the CNS can transition normal cellular processes (i.e., autophagy) into aberrant mechanisms, facilitating overlapping downstream consequences including neurocircuitry dysfunction, neurodegeneration as well as sensory, motor, cognitive, and psychological symptoms. Here, the neurological and biobehavioral phenotypes of major classes of LSDs are discussed alongside therapeutic strategies in development that aim to tackle neuropathology among other disease elements. Finally, focused ultrasound blood-brain barrier opening is proposed to enhance therapeutic delivery thereby overcoming the key hurdle of central distribution of disease modifying therapies in LSDs.

Keywords: autophagy; central nervous system abnormalities; lysosomal storage disease; neurological symptoms; psychiatric symptoms.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Autophagy
  • Blood-Brain Barrier
  • Central Nervous System Diseases*
  • Humans
  • Lysosomal Storage Diseases* / drug therapy
  • Lysosomal Storage Diseases* / genetics
  • Lysosomes