17/01/2025
This is called autophagy where a cell breaks down and recycles old, damaged, or abnormal substances within its cytoplasm. The word autophagy literally means "self-eating".
How it works
Damaged organelles and proteins are sequestered into a double-membrane structure called an autophagosome
The autophagosome fuses with a lysosome, where proteolytic enzymes break down the contents
The broken down parts are recycled for important cell functions
What it does
Maintains energy homeostasis
Removes misfolded proteins
Clears damaged organelles
Eliminates intracellular pathogens
Promotes cellular senescence
Protects against genome instability
Prevents necrosis
When it's important During periods of stress or starvation, During development, In response to nutrient stress, In the maintenance of homeostasis, and In the regulation of neuronal function and survival.
How it may affect cancer
Autophagy may protect cancer cells by providing extra nutrients or by keeping anticancer drugs from destroying them
Autophagy may also contribute to cancer by promoting survival of tumor cells.
