Acronyms and Definitions
BLOC: biogenesis of lysosome-related organelles complex
Lysosome associated membrane protein (LAMP): heavily glycosylated protein that is localized in and targeted to lysosomal membranes
Lysosome-related organelle (LRO): an organelle that shares features with the lysosome but has a distinct morphology, composition, and/or function
Mannose 6-phosphate receptor (MPR): sorts and delivers newly synthesized lysosomal enzymes at the TGN, assists in delivery to endosomes, and recycles back to the TGN
Multiple vesicular body (MVB): endosomal structure that contains multiple internal vesicles; intermediate structures in the endosomal sorting pathway to lysosomes and/or lysosome-related organelles
PMEL17: also called gp100; a melanocyte-specific glycoprotein enriched in the lumen of premelanosomes, where it forms characteristic melanosomal striations
Soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive-factor attachment protein (SNAP) receptors (SNAREs): form bridging complexes that are required for intracellular membrane fusion in eukaryotes
Trans-Golgi network (TGN): a membranous network of vesicles and tubules that assists in the sorting and targeting of secreted proteins to the correct cellular destinations
Tyrosinase (TYR) and tyrosinase-related protein-1 (TYRP1): melanocyte-specific enzymes that catalyze distinct reactions in melanin synthesis in melanosomes
Vacuolar protein for sorting (VPS): defects in yeast affect vacuolar biogenesis; homologs are candidates for causing LRO disorders in higher organisms