Molecular Classification
Pathway, Cellular Process
Other Names
Autophagy, Macroautophagy, Selective Autophagy
Disease Roles
CancerNeurodegenerative diseasesInfectious diseases

Autophagy Pathway Overview

The autophagy pathway is a highly conserved cellular process responsible for degrading and recycling unnecessary or dysfunctional cellular components through lysosome-dependent mechanisms. It plays a crucial role in maintaining cellular homeostasis, especially under stress conditions. The pathway involves several key stages: initiation, nucleation, expansion & cargo sequestration, maturation & fusion, and degradation & recycling. Dysregulation of autophagy is implicated in various diseases, including cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and infectious diseases, making it a potential therapeutic target.

Mechanism of Action

mTOR inhibitors suppress mTOR activity, promoting autophagy. Autophagy inhibitors block lysosomal degradation, impairing autophagic flux.

Biological Functions

Cellular homeostasis
Degradation
Recycling
Cell survival
Immune response
Tumor suppression
Neuroprotection

Disease Associations

Cancer
Neurodegenerative diseases
Infectious diseases
Aging

Safety Considerations

  • Off-target effects of autophagy modulators
  • Context-dependent effects (e.g., autophagy can promote or inhibit cancer)
  • Potential for drug resistance

Interacting Drugs

mTOR inhibitors (e.g., Rapamycin)
Autophagy inhibitors (e.g., Chloroquine, Hydroxychloroquine)

Associated Biomarkers

Biomarker
LC3-II levels
p62/SQSTM1 levels
Autophagic flux assays