Christian Grimm

Lysosomes are cell organelles involved in the breakdown of proteins, lipids, and other macromolecules. Lysosomal dysfunction can result in endolysosomal storage disorders (LSDs) such as mucolipidoses or mucopolysaccharidoses but is also implicated in the development of metabolic diseases, neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, retinal diseases and pigmentation disorders, trace metal deficiencies such as iron deficiency, and cancer. Highly critical for the proper function of lysosomes, endosomes, and lysosome-related organelles (LROs) is the tight regulation of various fusion and fission processes and the regulation of proton and other cation concentrations within the endolysosomal system (ES).

TRPML cation channels (TRPML1, 2 and 3) and Two-pore channels (TPCs) have recently emerged as important regulators of such processes within the endolysoosmal system and appear to be essential for a proper communication between the various endolysosomal vesicles. We use lysosomal patch-clamp techniques, molecular and cell biology techniques as well as knockout mouse models to study the physiological roles and activation mechanisms of these ion channels.