Autophagy: New Questions from Recent Answers. (30th December 2012)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Reggiori, Fulvio
• Other Names: Hellwig-Bürgel T. Academic Editor.; Molenaar A. J. Academic Editor.; Montecucco A. Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: ISRN molecular biology. Volume 2012(2012)
• Publication Date: 2012-12-30
• Subjects: Molecular biology -- Periodicals; Biochemical Phenomena; Molecular biology; Periodical; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 572.8
• DOI: 10.5402/2012/738718
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2090-7907

Abstract

Abstract : Macroautophagy (hereafter autophagy) is currently one of the areas of medical life sciences attracting a great interest because of its pathological implications and therapy potentials. The discovery of the autophagy-related genes (ATGs) has been the key event in this research field because their study has led to the acquisition of new knowledge about the mechanism of this transport pathway. In addition, the investigation of these genes in numerous model systems has revealed the central role that autophagy plays in maintaining the cell homeostasis. This process carries out numerous physiological functions, some of which were unpredicted and thus surprising. Here, we will review some of the questions about the mechanism and function of autophagy that still remain unanswered, and new ones that have emerged from the recent discoveries.