Lysosomal Disorders of the Brain

Lysosomal storage diseases are inherited metabolic disorders characterized by severe pathology, typically involving the brain. Although individually rare, they collectively represent a significant group of diseases that primarily present in early infancy or childhood. In recent years considerable progress has been made in understanding the molecular mechanisms that lead to disordered function of the lysosomal system and to lysosomal storage. Unravelling the basis for these diseases is providing unique insight into the normal biology of cells and pointing the way to the development of therapeutic strategies for their treatment. Lysosomal Disorders of Brain details recent advances in the molecular and cellular pathologies of these diseases and in the development of effective therapies. After an overview of the biology of the endosomal-lysosomal system and the types of diseases resulting from defects in this system, the book describes in detail the molecular mechanisms of storage, model systems and pathophysiological mechanisms, and finally, new advances toward treatment. With each chapter written by leading experts in their field, this book will be valuable for scientists and clinicians in helping them understand the role of lysosomes in normal cells and mechanisms underlying these disorders, how they can be diagnosed, and the treatment options that are currently available.