Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research ›› 2026, Vol. 30 ›› Issue (1): 145-152.doi: 10.12307/2026.508

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Regulation of lysosome function by stem cells in treatment of lysosomal storage diseases

Li Yiwen1, Liu Feixiang2, Zhang Yunke1, 2   

  1. 1First Clinical Medical College, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450046, Henan Province, China; 2Department of Encephalopathy, First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450003, Henan Province, China
  • Received:2024-10-10 Accepted:2024-12-31 Online:2026-01-08 Published:2025-07-02
  • Contact: Zhang Yunke, MD, Chief physician, Professor, Docotoral supervisor, Post-doctoral cooperative supervisor, First Clinical Medical College, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450046, Henan Province, China; Department of Encephalopathy, First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450003, Henan Province, China
  • About author:Li Yiwen, Master candidate, First Clinical Medical College, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450046, Henan Province, China
  • Supported by:
    National Natural Science Foundation of China, No. 81974564 (to ZYK); National Natural Science Foundation of China, No. 82104730 (to LFX); Central Plains Talent Program - Science and Technology Innovation Leading Talent Project - Henan Provincial Department of Science and Technology, No. 224200510027 (to ZYK); Henan Provincial “Double First-Class” Creation Discipline Traditional Chinese Medicine Scientific Research Special Project, No. HSRP-DFCTCM-2023-1-04 (to ZYK); Henan Provincial Traditional Chinese Medicine Scientific Research Special Project, No. 2023ZY1030 (to ZYK)

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Lysosomal storage diseases, as a group of rare genetic metabolic disorders, exhibit complex pathogenesis often leading to dysfunction of cells, tissues, and organs. Current therapeutic approaches have certain limitations. Stem cell transplantation, as an emerging treatment method, offers new options for patients with lysosomal storage diseases.
OBJECTIVE: To review the mechanisms of action of stem cells in regulating lysosomes for the treatment of lysosomal storage diseases and explore the feasibility of traditional Chinese medicine in treating such diseases, providing new insights for the treatment of lysosomal storage diseases with stem cells. 
METHODS: Relevant literature from 2010 to 2024 was searched in CNKI and PubMed databases using keywords “stem cells, lysosomal storage disease, lysosome” in English and Chinese. Ultimately, 78 articles were included for review and analysis. 
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) Stem cells treat lysosomal storage diseases by regulating lysosomes primarily through three aspects: regulating stem cell differentiation and replacement, improving intercellular communication and the microenvironment, and enhancing lysosomal enzyme expression through gene editing. (2) Stem cells have achieved significant effects in the treatment of some lysosomal storage diseases, such as Niemann-Pick disease, mucopolysaccharidoses, Gaucher disease, and metachromatic leukodystrophy. (3) The procedure for stem cell transplantation needs further optimization. Adverse reactions post-transplantation urgently need to be addressed, and the efficiency and safety of gene-modified stem cells also need to be further improved. In the future, more research on the treatment of lysosomal storage diseases with traditional Chinese medicine is required to reveal the relevant mechanisms for the treatment of lysosomal storage diseases with traditional Chinese medicine. 


Key words: lysosomal storage diseases, lysosome, stem cells, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, traditional Chinese medicine, Chinese herbal medicine, compound prescription, research progress

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