Targeting Oncogene-Induced Autophagy: A New Approach in Cancer Therapy?. (19th June 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zhang, Fuquan; Cheong, Jit Kong
• Other Names: Sun Shi-Yong Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: Journal of cancer research. Volume 2013(2013)
• Publication Date: 2013-06-19
• Subjects: Cancer -- Research -- Periodicals; Cancer -- Research; Neoplasms; Periodicals; 616.994
• DOI: 10.1155/2013/350863
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2356-7201

Abstract

Abstract : Autophagy is a tightly controlled self-degradation process utilised by cells to sustain cellular homeostasis and to support cell survival in response to metabolic stress and starvation. Thus, autophagy plays a critical role in promoting cell integrity and maintaining proper function of cellular processes. Defects in autophagy, however, can have drastic implications in human health and diseases, including cancer. Described as a double-edged sword in the context of cancer, autophagy can act as both suppressor and facilitator of tumorigenesis. As such, defining the precise role of autophagy in a multistep event like cancer progression can be complex. Recent findings have implicated a role for components of the autophagy pathway in oncogene-mediated cell transformation, tumour growth, and survival. Notably, aggressive cancers driven by Ras oncoproteins rely on autophagy to sustain a reprogrammed mitochondrial metabolic signature and evade cell death. In this review, we summarize our current understanding of the role of oncogene-induced autophagy in cancer progression and discuss how modulators of autophagic responses can bring about therapeutic benefit and eradication of a subset of cancers that are addicted to this ancient recycling machinery.