Physics

Organelle

Enzyme

Autophagy

Signalling

Biology

Gene

Optics

Kinase

Apoptosis

Crosstalk

Nutrient sensing

Lysosome

Metabolism

Signal transduction

Regulator

Cell biology

mTORC1

Biochemistry

PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway

Catabolism

Nature Cell Biology

Long known as terminal degradation stations, lysosomes have emerged as sophisticated signalling centres that govern cell growth, division and differentiation. Lysosomes interface physically and functionally with other organelles, and the master regulator mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 kinase is activated on lysosomes in response to nutrient and growth factor inputs. Lysosomes also enable autophagy, a ‘self-eating’ process essential for quality control and stress adaptation. Faulty execution of lysosomal growth and catabolic programmes drives cancer, neurodegeneration and age-related diseases. In this Review, Lawrence and Zoncu discuss the central role of the lysosome in cellular metabolism, including in macromolecular catabolism and nutrient recycling, and organelle crosstalk. They highlight the emerging function of the lysosome as a centre for nutrient sensing and metabolic signal transduction.

The lysosome as a cellular centre for signalling, metabolism and quality control