Effects of Cancer on Lysosomal Function
Endocytosis, autophagy, and phagocytosis of lysosomes are among the most essential functions in cancer and healthy organisms. Lysosomes are an important source of cellular nutrients and the cornerstone of rapid cancer cell division. The development and progression of cancer induce fundamental changes in lysosomes, and the functional state and spatial distribution of lysosomes are closely related to cancer cell proliferation, energy metabolism, invasion and metastasis, and immune escape. Lysosomes as central contributors to cancer development and progression make them attractive targets for anticancer therapy. Therefore, understanding lysosomal function and its alterations during cancer development and progression can help develop novel lysosomal-based anticancer therapies.
Fig. 1. Multiple lysosomal functions in cancer cells. (Kallunki T, et al., 2013)
Services
The functional state and distribution of lysosomes influence various malignant biological events in cancer cells and regulate the development and progression of cancer. Our skilled scientists use advanced technologies to monitor and determine the functional state of lysosomes in real time. At CD BioSciences, we are committed to providing our global clients with comprehensive services for the analysis of cancer-induced changes in lysosomal function by assessing lysosomal function in cancer. Our strategies include:
Measurement of Lysosomal Enzyme Activity in Cancer
Cytofluorometric Method
We use a method based on naphthol AS-TR derivatives and the use of methoxynaphthylamine derivatives as substrates and 5'-nitro salicylaldehyde as coupling agent to analyze lysosomal histone protease activity. This method is more sensitive and capable of multiparameter analysis.
Cytophotometric Method
We used this method for quantitative histochemical analysis of lysosomal enzyme activity. In addition to measuring enzyme reactions in tissues and cells, it provides a better reflection of in vivo enzyme kinetics than that obtained in vitro by biochemical methods in dilute solutions.
Measurement of Lysosome Size in Cancer
We monitor lysosomal volume changes in cancer by real-time imaging and fluorescent labeling techniques.
Measurement of Lysosomal Exocytosis in Cancer
We provide a very precise and quantitative method (total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy) to capture lysosomal exocytosis events from individual cells, allowing measurement of the extent of lysosomal exocytosis over time.
Based on the above assessment of lysosomal function in cancer, we have developed multiple mouse models of cancer to assess the following roles of lysosomes in cancer progression.
- Lysosomes and cancer energy metabolism.
- Lysosomes and cancer cell proliferation.
- Lysosomes and cancer invasion and metastasis.
- Lysosomes and cancer angiogenesis.
- Lysosomes and cancer immunity.
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Reference
- Kallunki T, Olsen O D, Jäättelä M. (2013) Cancer-associated lysosomal changes: friends or foes?[J]. Oncogene. 32(16): 1995-2004.