From lysosomes to storage diseases and back: A personal reminiscence

Abstract

When the editors of this book invited me to write an introduction, my first reaction was that many others were more qualified to introduce a topic that has enjoyed so many recent developments of major importance, including singularly successful clinical applications, unusual for genetic diseases. The task, I felt, would be much better fulfilled by one of the pioneers of the field, several of whom are still in the forefront of research today. Then, it occurred to me that, as a witness to the circuitous pathway whereby lysosomes and storage diseases were first brought together, I had a story to tell that could perhaps be of interest, and hold some instructive aspects, especially to the younger generations. In order to stay within the boundaries of my competence, my story is restricted to events with which I have been personally associated. To put those events