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Selective autophagy in cancer development and therapy

Ivan Dikic1, Terje Johansen, Vladimir Kirkin

  • 1Frankfurt Institute for Molecular Life Sciences and Institute of Biochemistry II, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Main, Germany. ivan.dikic@biochem2.de

Cancer Research
|April 29, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Autophagy, a cell survival process, paradoxically aids and suppresses tumor growth. Selective autophagy, mediated by receptors like p62/SQSTM1, plays a key role in cancer development and therapy.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Autophagy is a conserved cellular process crucial for survival during stress.
  • Tumor cells utilize autophagy for survival, yet autophagy also acts as a tumor suppressor.
  • This presents a complex role for autophagy in cancer.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the dual role of autophagy in cancer.
  • To elucidate the mechanisms of selective autophagy in cancer pathogenesis.
  • To discuss the implications of selective autophagy for cancer treatment.

Main Methods:

  • Review of recent studies on autophagy and cancer.
  • Analysis of the role of receptor molecules like p62/SQSTM1.
  • Discussion of selective autophagy principles.

Main Results:

  • Autophagy's role in cancer is context-dependent, acting as both a promoter and suppressor.
  • Selective autophagy, utilizing specific receptors, is critical for cancer development.
  • p62/SQSTM1 is a key receptor linking targets to autophagosomes.

Conclusions:

  • Selective autophagy is a significant factor in cancer pathogenesis.
  • Understanding selective autophagy offers potential new therapeutic strategies for cancer treatment.

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