The multifaceted role of autophagy in cancer. (10th May 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Russell, Ryan C; Guan, Kun‐Liang
• Is Part Of: EMBO journal. Volume 41:Number 13(2022)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2022-05-10
• Subjects: ATG -- autophagy -- cancer -- chloroquine -- metabolism; Molecular biology -- Periodicals; 572.805
• DOI: 10.15252/embj.2021110031
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0261-4189

Abstract

Abstract: Autophagy is a cellular degradative pathway that plays diverse roles in maintaining cellular homeostasis. Cellular stress caused by starvation, organelle damage, or proteotoxic aggregates can increase autophagy, which uses the degradative capacity of lysosomal enzymes to mitigate intracellular stresses. Early studies have shown a role for autophagy in the suppression of tumorigenesis. However, work in genetically engineered mouse models and in vitro cell studies have now shown that autophagy can be either cancer‐promoting or inhibiting. Here, we summarize the effects of autophagy on cancer initiation, progression, immune infiltration, and metabolism. We also discuss the efforts to pharmacologically target autophagy in the clinic and highlight future areas for exploration. Abstract : This review summarizes the diverse contributions of the cellular degradation pathway autophagy to cancer initiation, progression, immune infiltration, and metabolism, and discusses related potential therapeutic intervention points.