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Related Concept Videos

Autophagy01:27

Autophagy

Autophagy is a self-digesting process by which a cell protects itself from threats both within and outside the cell, ranging from abnormal proteins to invading bacteria. In this process, obsolete components of the cell and invading microbes are degraded by hydrolytic enzymes active in an acidic environment of the lysosomal lumen.
An autophagic pathway consists of a series of signaling events activated in response to diverse stress and physiological conditions such as food deprivation,...
Delivery Pathways to the Lysosome01:36

Delivery Pathways to the Lysosome

Eukaryotic cells use different mechanisms to eliminate toxic waste obsolete and worn-out substances. Lysosomes play a pivotal role in this, and hence, these substances are carried to the lysosome from other parts of the cell and extracellular space through different pathways. The most elaborately studied pathways to the lysosome are the endocytic pathways.
Endocytosis
In endocytosis, the cell membrane takes up macromolecules and particles from the surrounding medium. Clathrin-mediated...
Cellular Injury V: Apoptosis and Autophagy01:22

Cellular Injury V: Apoptosis and Autophagy

Cells respond to damage and stress through highly coordinated processes that decide whether they survive or undergo controlled self-destruction. Two major pathways involved in this regulation are apoptosis, a type of programmed cell death, and autophagy, a survival mechanism that helps cells adapt to adverse conditions.ApoptosisApoptosis removes aged or injured cells to maintain tissue balance. During this process, the cell shrinks, chromatin condenses and fragments, and membrane-bound...
Autophagic Cell Death01:18

Autophagic Cell Death

Christian de Duve discovered “autophagy,” a process in which cellular components are engulfed by membrane-bound organelles called autophagosomes. The autophagosomes then fuse with lysosomes to digest the enclosed contents. Autophagy is generally activated in cells to prevent cell death. However, cell death is triggered when the damage is beyond repair.
Autophagy and Apoptosis
Autophagy can activate apoptosis. In normal conditions, the autophagy activating protein Beclin-1 and pro-apoptotic...
Phagocytosis of Apoptotic Cells01:17

Phagocytosis of Apoptotic Cells

Cells undergoing apoptosis form apoptotic bodies that must be removed immediately to prevent inflammation, autoimmune diseases, and necrosis. Phagocytosis is carried out by professional phagocytes such as macrophages or  immature dendritic cells. Non-professional phagocytes such as  epithelial cells and fibroblasts also take part in this process; however, they are not as effective as professional phagocytes. 
Normal cells contain receptors that prevent them from being recognized by phagocytes.
Lysosomes01:31

Lysosomes

Lysosomes are membrane-enclosed spherical sacs derived from the Golgi apparatus. The most important function of the lysosome is degrading macromolecules and biological polymers that are released during membrane trafficking events such as the secretory, endocytic, autophagic, and phagocytic pathways. The degradation is carried out by several hydrolytic enzymes active in an acidic environment of the lysosomal lumen. These acid hydrolases are involved in cellular processes such as cell signaling,...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 25, 2026

Exploring the Regulation of Lipid Droplet Catabolism through Lipophagy
07:20

Exploring the Regulation of Lipid Droplet Catabolism through Lipophagy

Published on: January 31, 2025

Molecules and their functions in autophagy.

Jong Ok Pyo1, Jihoon Nah, Yong Keun Jung

  • 1School of Biological Science/Bio-MAX Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul 151-747, Korea.

Experimental & Molecular Medicine
|January 20, 2012
PubMed
Summary

Autophagy, a cellular self-degradation process, involves specific genes and molecular mechanisms for cell survival. Recent research clarifies autophagy induction via mTOR and autophagosome formation, highlighting key protein complexes.

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Last Updated: May 25, 2026

Exploring the Regulation of Lipid Droplet Catabolism through Lipophagy
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Exploring the Regulation of Lipid Droplet Catabolism through Lipophagy

Published on: January 31, 2025

Live Cell Imaging of Early Autophagy Events: Omegasomes and Beyond
09:00

Live Cell Imaging of Early Autophagy Events: Omegasomes and Beyond

Published on: July 27, 2013

Study of Protein-protein Interactions in Autophagy Research
14:08

Study of Protein-protein Interactions in Autophagy Research

Published on: September 9, 2017

Area of Science:

  • Cellular Biology
  • Molecular Mechanisms
  • Autophagy Research

Background:

  • Autophagy is a fundamental cellular process for degrading and recycling damaged components via the autophagosomal-lysosomal pathway.
  • Genetic screens in yeast have identified numerous genes crucial for regulating autophagy.
  • These autophagy-related genes are conserved in higher eukaryotes, playing vital roles in cell survival and homeostasis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To summarize recent advancements in understanding the molecular mechanisms of autophagy.
  • To highlight key molecules, protein complexes, and regulatory pathways involved in autophagy.
  • To provide an overview of the current state of autophagy research.

Main Methods:

  • Review of recent scientific literature and genetic screening data.
  • Focus on molecular pathways, including mTOR signaling.
  • Analysis of protein complexes involved in autophagosome nucleation and elongation, such as the class III phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase complex and ubiquitin-like conjugation systems.

Main Results:

  • Significant progress has been made in elucidating the molecular machinery of autophagy.
  • The regulation of autophagy induction by mTOR is well-established.
  • Key mechanisms for autophagosome formation, including nucleation and elongation, have been identified.

Conclusions:

  • The molecular basis of autophagy is increasingly understood, revealing complex regulatory networks.
  • Further research is needed to address remaining questions about autophagy regulation and function.
  • This review emphasizes the critical role of specific molecules and complexes in governing the autophagy process.