Gaucher disease: perspectives on a prototype lysosomal disease

Gaucher disease is an autosomal recessive trait and the most common lysosomal storage disease. The pathogenesis evolves from the diminished activity of the lysosomal hydrolase, acid β-glucosidase and the resultant accumulation of glucosylceramide within lysosomes. The pathogenic mechanisms are poorly understood. During the past 2 decades, progress has been made in understanding the biochemical basis and molecular biology of the disease, but more fundamental knowledge is required to relate these advances to the cell and whole body phenotypes. Despite this lack of understanding, enzyme replacement therapy has proved a successful and effective management for Gaucher disease. However, basic details of this therapeutic efficacy require elucidation. Here, we review the current state of the molecular pathogenesis and provide our perspective of some major issues for continued advances in this prototype lysosomal storage disease.