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Autophagy in toxicology: cause or consequence?
Sten Orrenius1, Vitaliy O Kaminskyy, Boris Zhivotovsky
1Institute of Environmental Medicine, Division of Toxicology, Karolinska Institutet, SE-17177 Stockholm, Sweden. Sten.Orrenius@ki.se
Annual Review of Pharmacology and Toxicology
|October 18, 2012
Summary
Autophagy, a cellular process, is vital for development and tissue health but can cause cell death when persistently activated. Its role in toxicity requires further investigation.
Area of Science:
- Cellular Biology
- Physiology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Autophagy research has surged, identifying multiple forms and regulatory genes.
- Autophagy is crucial for embryonic development and adult tissue homeostasis.
- Deficiencies in autophagy are linked to various human diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current understanding of autophagy's role in cell metabolism and physiology.
- To explore the dual role of autophagy as a protective mechanism and a cause of cell death.
- To investigate the interplay between autophagy and other cell death modes in toxicological contexts.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent research on autophagy.
- Analysis of studies linking autophagy to development, homeostasis, and disease.
- Examination of toxicological data concerning autophagy and cell death.
Main Results:
- Autophagy plays a significant role in cell metabolism and physiology.
- Persistent autophagy activation can lead to cell death, especially upon exposure to toxicants.
- The interaction between autophagy and other cell death pathways is complex.
Conclusions:
- Autophagy is a critical cellular process with implications for health and disease.
- While often protective, autophagy's role in toxicity is not fully understood.
- Further research is needed to clarify the toxicological significance of autophagy.
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