Investigating the role of lysosomal exocytosis in Alzheimer’s disease

Many studies have implicated the endosomal‐lysosomal system in the production of beta‐amyloid (Aβ), but the actual compartments involved in Aβ secretion have never been visualized. Although lysosomes are expected to be a site of Aβ clearance, studies have also shown them to be a site of Aβ accumulation. Lysosomal exocytosis is well recognized as a major secretory pathway in non‐neuronal cells but is virtually unstudied in neurons. This project investigates the role and mechanism of lysosomal secretion in neurons. We hypothesize that lysosomal exocytosis is a pathway for Aβ release and could be modulated by Rab27b in iPSC‐derived human neurons.