Endocytosis-lysosome-autophagy pathway

The endocytosis-lysosome-autophagy pathway encompasses a network of membrane-trafficking and degradation processes that maintain cellular homeostasis through the delivery and breakdown of material in lysosomes[3][5][7]. Endocytosis internalizes extracellular substances for delivery to lysosomes via endosomes, while autophagy targets cytoplasmic components for lysosomal degradation. These pathways converge at the lysosome, which serves as a central hub for degradation and recycling, with key regulatory and signaling functions that are essential for cellular survival, stress response, development, and immune defense. Dysregulation is implicated in a variety of pathologies including neurodegeneration, cancer, infection, and aging-related diseases[1][2][3][7]. Because this query suggests a pathway, not a molecule, be aware that therapeutic targeting occurs via modulation of individual proteins (e.g., mTOR, ATG family, LAMPs, Rabs, etc.) within this process rather than against the pathway itself[3][7].

Other names

Endocytic-autophagic pathwayEndosome-lysosome-autophagy axisEndosomal-lysosomal-autophagy system

Agents act via modulation of individual pathway components (PI3K, mTOR, lysosomal pH, etc.), not the overall pathway as a unit[7].