Science University Research Symposium (SURS)

Cholesterol Accumulation in Hurler Syndrome

Publication Date

Fall 11-24-2025

College

College of Sciences & Mathematics

Department

Biology, Department of

SURS Faculty Advisor

Felicity Sterling

Presentation Type

Poster Presentation

Abstract

Lysosomal storage disorders (LSDs) are a group autosomal recessive disorders characterized by impaired lysosomal function, which typically leads to neurodegeneration and decreased life span. Because each condition is rare, it is difficult to develop therapeutics. Therefore, our lab is seeking to identify a common mechanism between different LSDs. Previous work in Niemann Pick Type C Disease (NPC) identified the cytoskeleton as a therapeutic target. In this study, we investigated the connection between Hurler disease, another LSD, and NPC to see if we could utilize this target in the future. First, we observed changes in cholesterol accumulation in both disorders using immunofluorescent microscopy. Second, we observed changes in lysosomal positioning and morphology. We found that although there are some similarities, there are some variations between NPC disease and Hurler Syndrome.

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