Not Enough and Too Much: the Rare World of Lysosomal Storage Disorders
Not Enough and Too Much: the Rare World of Lysosomal Storage Disorders
Lysosomes are the waste disposal units of cells. Genetic encoding errors may affect their enzyme function.
Not immediately apparent at birth, these rare mutations trigger uncontrolled waste product accumulation in cells and organs causing terrible damage, often with life-limiting effects.
Elizabeth’s handprinted installation explores this cumulative outcome. Reflecting science, scientist and patient, the free-standing series of pages in zig-zag form stands open — a stylised organelle.
Contained within its boundary, are waste products of Elizabeth’s creative process: working notes, plans, test prints, ephemera. Inviting a closer look, this piece may be interpreted as a ‘poorly cell’ might appear through a microscope, a bit crumpled and sad. Its contents embody the difficulties and challenges people with these disorders must carry with them daily.
It also celebrates science and art as related endeavours. Elizabeth expresses the integral joy of creativity and process common in both disciplines when pursuing novel interpretations and new discoveries.
Artist – Elizabeth Fraser
Elizabeth Fraser is an artist printmaker drawn to pattern and disorder in science. She loves interpreting themes and ideas through her processes of letterpress and linocut.
Playing with the material visualisation of language she creates unique structural pieces that invite interaction. Elizabeth has exhibited in group shows nationally and internationally.
Scientist – Liz Morris
Lead Specialist Nurse, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Our team researches Lysosomal Storage Disorders, a group of over 70 rare inherited metabolic disorders that result from defects in lysosomal function. They are characterised by an abnormal build-up of various toxic materials in the body’s cells leading to diseases such a Gaucher Disease, Fabry Disease and Mucopolysaccharidoses.
We’re focussed on biotechnology – enzyme replacement therapy, small molecules and gene therapies. Also novel imaging analysis, in depth phenotyping studies for stratified medicine.