Lysosomes play a major role in cellular metabolism and human health. Lysosomes are main catabolic organelles of the cell and play a central role in cellular processes including autophagy, plasma membrane repair, cellular clearance and cell signaling (1). Lysosomal dysfunction has been associated with several diseases including degenerative disorders of the brain and muscular system (1). Among other regulators of lysosome function, transcription factor EB (TFEB) stands out the most as it regulates both lysosome biogenesis and functions such as autophagy, lysosomal exocytosis, macromolecule degradation and mTOR signaling (2)(Figure 1).

TFEB induces the transcription of various lysosomal genes by binding to a 10-base E-box like sequence at the promoter region termed as coordinated lysosomal expression and regulation (CLEAR)(2). TFEB activity is regulated at the various levels including posttranslational modifications and protein-protein interactions. TFEB is largely cytosolic and inactive in resting cells under nutrient-rich conditions (3). However, during starvation and in stress conditions such as caused by ethanol treatment or lysosomal dysfunction, TFEB translocates to the nucleus to regulate the transcription of its target genes (4).