Our goal is to advance clinical research on rare diseases and to develop a therapy for previously untreatable lysosomal storage diseases (LSD). At the same time, we are committed to the health concerns of affected patients.
We do this by providing the scientific and medical community with insights into LSDs and by helping to develop innovative therapies. Our patients are valuable players and partners in this process. We work with a personal approach and in an atmosphere of trust.
Clinical research for lysosomal diseases is fortunately receiving more and more attention. We would like to help you stay up to date and inform you accordingly about studies currently taking place.
An overview of the current therapy concepts with gene therapy, haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (bone marrow transplantation), enzyme replacement therapy, substrate reduction therapy and chaperone therapy is scientifically presented in the article "Precision Medicine for Lysosomal Disorders" (Jul 26 2020). Furthermore, we have tried to illustrate the topic of therapy concepts for lysosomal diseases in a comic.
Cystinosis is caused by mutations in the CTNS gene encoding for the carrier protein cystinosin that has the task to transport cystin out of the lysosomal compartment. A defect of the cystinosin function results in intra-lysosomal cystin accumulation in all cells. First of all the kidneys are affected, starting with proximal tubular damage during the first year of life, followed by end-stage renal failure during mid-childhood. Also the eyes, thyroid, pancreas and muscles are affected. In some older patients also the CNS can be involved.
Lysosomal Storage Disorders (LSDs) are a group of more than 50 rare hereditary metabolic diseases. The diseases are characterized by an abnormal accumulation of various toxic substances in the body cells as a result of enzyme defects.
Lysosomal storage diseases affect the lysosome, a structure in the cells that breaks down substances such as proteins, carbohydrates and old cell parts so that the body can recycle them. As a result, various parts of the body may be affected, including the skeleton, brain, skin, heart and central nervous system. New lysosomal storage diseases continue to be identified.
