Lysosome Marker related Antibody Products

Lysosome marker antibodies can aid in studying lysosomal functions and dynamics. Amerigo Scientific carries a variety of lysosome marker antibodies with exceptional specificity, sensitivity, and versatility, highlighting precision in lysosomal research, and providing you with the best tools for your cell biology scientific exploration.

Lysosomes Overview

Lysosomes are membrane-bound organelles present in eukaryotic animal cells, containing digestive enzymes that degrade many kinds of biomolecules like nucleic acids and proteins. Structurally, they are spherical vesicles surrounded by a single phospholipid bilayer membrane, which isolates its acidic interior from the cytoplasm. Lysosomes form when vesicles originating from the Golgi apparatus fuse with endosomes. lysosomes maintain cellular homeostasis by degrading damaged organelles, recycling cellular components, repairing cell membranes, and participating in immune responses by digesting pathogens. Additionally, they regulate processes like nutrient sensing, apoptosis, and cell signaling, thereby playing essential roles in cellular metabolism and defense.

Lysosomal Enzymes

Lysosomal enzymes are hydrolytic enzymes primarily responsible for breaking down various biomolecules within lysosomes. All lysosomal enzymes are acid hydrolases, functioning optimally under acidic pH conditions maintained by the lysosomal membrane but are inactive at the neutral pH found in the cytosol. Their activity is tightly regulated to prevent damage to cellular structures, typically through pH-dependent activation within the acidic lysosomal environment and through post-translational modifications. Types of lysosomal enzymes include

• Cathepsin Proteases, which degrade proteins;
• Lysosomal Acid Lipases (LAL), essential for lipid hydrolysis;
• Sulfatases, involved in breaking down sulfate esters;
• Nucleases, which degrade nucleic acids.

Dysregulation or deficiencies in these enzymes lead to lysosomal storage disorders, highlighting their importance in maintaining cellular function and metabolism.

Role of Lysosome in Endocytosis, Phagocytosis and Autophagocytosis

In endocytosis, cells internalize extracellular molecules and particles by creating vesicles at the plasma membrane. These vesicles, called early endosomes, mature into late endosomes by acquiring lysosomal enzymes through fusion with lysosomes. This transformation allows late endosomes to become capable of digesting their contents. Ultimately, late endosomes fuse with lysosomes to form endolysosomes, where acidic pH and hydrolytic enzymes degrade the internalized material.

Phagocytosis is a process through which specialized cells engulf large particles such as pathogens or cell debris. Upon engulfment, the resulting phagosome fuses with lysosomes, forming a phagolysosome. Lysosomal enzymes within the phagolysosome degrade the ingested material, aiding in immune defense and nutrient acquisition.

Autophagy involves the recycling of damaged organelles and proteins within the cell. During autophagy, double-membrane structures called autophagosomes sequester cytoplasmic components destined for degradation. Autophagosomes then fuse with lysosomes, forming autolysosomes. Here, lysosomal enzymes degrade the engulfed material, releasing breakdown products that can be reused by the cell for energy or biosynthesis.

Fig.1 The lysosome is the terminal compartment for endocytosis, phagocytosis, and autophagy.¹

Amerigo Scientific provides lysosomal marker antibodies as efficient tools for your lysosome-centered functional studies and visualization studies to track lysosomal fusion. These antibodies have been proven to reliably detect key lysosomal targets. Some lysosomal marker targets are listed below.

Please contact us promptly if you require more information or collaboration opportunities.