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Updated: Jun 19, 2026
08:35
In Situ Immunofluorescent Staining of Autophagy in Muscle Stem Cells
Published on: June 12, 2017
Physiological functions of autophagy.
1Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo 113-8519, Japan. nmizu.phy2@tmd.ac.jp
Current Topics in Microbiology and Immunology
|October 6, 2009
Summary
Autophagy, a cellular process, is crucial for maintaining cell health and function in higher organisms. This review details its roles in amino acid balance, quality control, development, aging, and tumor suppression.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Physiology
Background:
- Autophagy research has significantly advanced, revealing complex molecular mechanisms and physiological functions.
- Initially perceived as a starvation response, autophagy's roles are now understood to be far broader.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the diverse physiological roles of autophagy in higher eukaryotes.
- To highlight autophagy's involvement in key cellular and organismal processes.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent advancements in autophagy research.
- Synthesis of findings on autophagy's functions across different biological contexts.
Main Results:
- Autophagy is essential for maintaining the amino acid pool.
- It plays a critical role in intracellular quality control and cellular homeostasis.
- Autophagy influences development, programmed cell death, tumor suppression, and the aging process.
Conclusions:
- Autophagy is a fundamental catabolic and anabolic process with multifaceted physiological relevance in higher eukaryotes.
- Understanding autophagy's diverse roles is key to addressing age-related diseases and cancer.
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