Autophagy: Divergent effects on disease
10.16781/j.0258-879x.2016.10.1189
- Author:
Zhen-Zhen ZHAN
1
Author Information
1. Research Center for Translational Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Autophagy;
Disease;
Divergent effects;
Molecular mechanism
- From:
Academic Journal of Second Military Medical University
2016;37(10):1189-1194
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Autophagy, or cellular self-eating, is a cellular pathway involving the engulfment of intracellular organelles or pathogens, leading to protein and organelle degradation, elimination of pathogens or energy recycling. The two important steps of autophagy, the discovery of autophagosome formation and organelle degradation in lysosome, have won the 2016 and 1974 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, respectively, which indicates the great significance of autophagy. The primordial and vital function of autophagy is preserved in all eukaryotic organisms, from yeast to humans. Autophagic dysfunction can result in diverse pathologicd changes, and is closely associated with microbial infection, cancer, neurodegeneration and ischemic diseases. Moreover, autophagy plays complicated and even divergent roles in different types of diseases, cells, conditions and pathological processes.
