Screening and analysis of genes involved in regulation of lysosomal dynamics

溶酶体是负责降解各种大分子的膜细胞器。溶酶体与其他膜细胞器的融合是溶酶体降解的关键，然而，溶酶体融合的分子机制尚不清楚。在本研究中，我以线虫为模式生物，对参与溶酶体动力学调控的基因进行了遗传筛选，发现小GTP酶Ar18可能与啤酒花复合体协同作用，调节溶酶体融合。

Lysosomes are membrane organelles responsible for degradation of various macromolecules. Fusion of lysosomes with other membrane organelles is critical for the lysosomal degradation ; however, the molecular mechanism underlying the lysosomal fusion is poorly understood. In the present study, I performed genetic screening for genes involved in regulation of lysosomal dynamics using the nematode C. elegans as a model organism and found that the small GTPase Arl8 may cooperatively function with the HOPS complex to regulate lysosomal fusion.