A Gene Network Regulating Lysosomal Biogenesis and Function

Master Controller Cellular organelles allow the localized regulation of specialized processes. Under certain conditions, such as increased growth, organelles may be required to alter their function. Coordinated regulation of the gene networks required for mitochondrial and endoplasmic reticulum function has been observed. Now, Sardiello et al. (p. 473 ; published online 25 June) have discovered a gene network regulating the lysosome, the major organelle involved in the degradation of internalized macromolecules. Many lysosomal genes were regulated by a single transcription factor, TFEB. TFEB itself can be activated when the lysosome malfunctions and can regulate both the abundance of lysosomes found in the…