Induction of Autophagy Pathway in Tumor Cells

The induction of autophagy in tumor cells is a complex cellular process with a dual role in cancer. In early stages or under normal conditions, it can act as a tumor suppressor by removing damaged proteins and organelles. However, in established tumors or under stress, autophagy can promote survival by recycling intracellular components, enabling cancer cells to withstand metabolic stress, resist apoptosis, evade immune responses, and survive chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Key molecular players include ATG proteins, Beclin-1, AMPK, mTOR, and HIF-1α. Therapeutic strategies involve both autophagy induction and inhibition, depending on the context. Small-molecule modulators targeting specific steps/proteins within the pathway are under investigation.

Other names

Autophagy induction in cancerAutophagic pathway modulation in tumors

Autophagy induction promotes degradation/recycling; autophagy inhibition blocks cytoprotective recycling.