Uncovering a key enzyme opens possible therapeutic avenues for lysosomal diseases

Lipid recycling in organelles called lysosomes depends on the lipid BMP, which was thought to be resistant to degradation by lysosomal enzymes. It emerges that the enzyme PLA2G15 breaks down BMP, and inhibiting PLA2G15 extends lifespan in a mouse model of Niemann–Pick type C1, a neurodegenerative disorder marked by impaired lysosomal lipid metabolism. Blocking the enzyme PLA2G15 prevents neuronal cell death in a mouse model of Niemann–Pick type C1 disease.