Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 2, 2026

Activating Autophagy by Aerobic Exercise in Mice
Published on: February 3, 2017
Crosstalk between autophagy and apoptosis in heart disease
Kazuhiko Nishida1, Osamu Yamaguchi, Kinya Otsu
1Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-2 Yamadaoka, Suita 565-0871, Osaka, Japan.
Abstract:
Autophagy is a cell survival mechanism that involves degradation and recycling of cytoplasmic components, such as long-lived proteins and organelles. In addition, autophagy mediates cell death under specific circumstances. Apoptosis, a form of programmed cell death, has been well characterized, and the molecular events involved in apoptotic death are well understood. Damaged cardiomyocytes that show characteristics of autophagy have been observed during heart failure. However, it remains unclear whether autophagy is a sign of failed cardiomyocyte repair or is a suicide pathway for the failing cardiomyocytes. Although autophagy and apoptosis are markedly different processes, several pathways regulate both autophagic and apoptotic machinery and autophagy can cooperate with apoptosis. This review summarizes the evidence for crosstalk between autophagy and apoptosis.
Related Concept Videos
Autophagic Cell Death
Autophagy and Apoptosis
Autophagy can activate apoptosis. In normal conditions, the autophagy activating protein Beclin-1 and pro-apoptotic...
Cellular Injury V: Apoptosis and Autophagy
Autophagy
An autophagic pathway consists of a series of signaling events activated in response to diverse stress and physiological conditions such as food deprivation,...
Apoptosis
Delivery Pathways to the Lysosome
Endocytosis
In endocytosis, the cell membrane takes up macromolecules and particles from the surrounding medium. Clathrin-mediated...
Pathophysiology of Heart Failure

