SLC7A11 is an unconventional H+ transporter in lysosomes

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SLC7A11 is an unconventional H+ transporter in lysosomes

Macromolecular degradation in lysosomes require maintenance of an acidic pH of 4.5–5.0.

The researchers in this study discovered, SLC7A11, the protein target of the ferroptosis-inducing compound erastin, that acts as an unconventional proton exporter in lysosomes and mediates a slow lysosomal H+ leak through downward flux of cystine and glutamate, two H+ equivalents with uniquely large but opposite concentration gradients across lysosomal membranes.

SLC7A11 regulates proteolytic degradation, ferroptotic cell death, and Parkinson’s disease pathology and its deficiency or inhibition caused lysosomal over-acidification, reduced degradation, accumulation of storage materials, and ferroptosis, as well as facilitated α-synuclein aggregation in neurons. 

https://www.cell.com/cell/fulltext/S0092-8674(25)00406-4

https://sciencemission.com/H-transporter-in-lysosomes