The M6P-tagged lysosomal enzymes are shipped to the late endosomes via vesicular transport.[1]Enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) for several lysosomal storage diseases relies on this pathway to efficiently direct synthetic enzymes to the lysosome where each can metabolize its particular substrate.[2] The pH in the late endosome can reach 6.0, which causes dissociation of M6P from its receptor.[1] Upon release, the enzymes are ferried to their final destination in the lysosomes.[1] The MPRs are packed into vesicles that bud off the late endosome and return to the trans-Golgi network.[1] In this way, the MPRs can be recycled.
^ abcdeAlberts, Bruce; et al. (2002). Molecular biology of the cell (4th ed.). New York: Garland Science. ISBN978-0-8153-3218-3.
^Coutinho, MF; Prata, MJ (2011-12-15). "Mannose-6-phosphate pathway: A review on its role in lysosomal function and dysfunction". Molecular Genetics and Metabolism. 105 (4). Elsevier: 542–550. doi:10.1016/j.ymgme.2011.12.012. PMID22266136.