Lysosomal storage diseases are inherited disorders of the metabolism. They originate in various dysfunctions of lysosomes. With the aid of enzymes, these organelles break down components from their own cell as well as from other cells. Disease-causing genetic mutations lead to defects in enzymes or to membrane structures of the lysosomes. As a consequence, there is a build-up of biological macromolecules – initially in cells but spreading later throughout the organism. This results in lysosomal storage diseases with neurodegenerative symptoms, which typically begin in early childhood and go along with greatly reduced life expectancy and quality of life. LMU pharmacologist Prof. Christian Grimm from the Walther Straub Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, working in cooperation with SyNergy member Prof. Dominik Paquet (Institute for Stroke and Dementia Research, University Hospital, LMU Munich) and other researchers, has now managed to modulate a specific cation channel in lysosomes.