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Interplay between apoptosis and autophagy, a challenging puzzle: new perspectives on antitumor chemotherapies
C Bincoletto1, A Bechara, G J S Pereira
1Departamento de Farmacologia, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
Abstract:
Autophagy is a mechanism of protection against various forms of human diseases, such as cancer, in which autophagy seems to have an extremely complex role. In cancer, there is evidence that autophagy may be oncogenic in some contexts, whereas in others it clearly contributes to tumor suppression. In addition, studies have demonstrated the existence of a complex relationship between autophagy and cell death, determining whether a cell will live or die in response to anticancer therapies. Nevertheless, we still need to complete the autophagy-apoptosis puzzle in the tumor context to better address appropriate chemotherapy protocols with autophagy modulators. Generally, tumor cell resistance to anticancer induced-apoptosis can be overcome by autophagy inhibition. However, when an extensive autophagic stimulus is activated, autophagic cell death is observed. In this review, we discuss some details of autophagy and its relationship with tumor progression or suppression, as well as role of autophagy-apoptosis in cancer treatments.
Insights
Autophagy, a cellular process, plays a dual role in cancer, sometimes promoting and sometimes suppressing tumors. Understanding its interplay with apoptosis is key for effective cancer therapies.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Oncology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Autophagy is a fundamental cellular process involved in maintaining homeostasis and responding to stress.
- Its role in cancer is complex, acting as both a tumor suppressor and a promoter depending on the context.
- Autophagy's relationship with apoptosis (programmed cell death) significantly influences cancer cell survival and response to therapy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the multifaceted role of autophagy in cancer progression and suppression.
- To elucidate the intricate connection between autophagy and apoptosis in the context of cancer.
- To discuss the implications of autophagy modulation for cancer treatment strategies.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing studies on autophagy in cancer.
- Analysis of the interplay between autophagy and apoptosis pathways.
- Examination of therapeutic strategies involving autophagy modulators.
Main Results:
- Autophagy can exhibit oncogenic or tumor-suppressive functions in different cancer types and stages.
- Inhibition of autophagy can overcome tumor cell resistance to apoptosis-induced by anticancer drugs.
- High levels of autophagic stimulus can lead to autophagic cell death.
Conclusions:
- Clarifying the autophagy-apoptosis balance is crucial for optimizing chemotherapy protocols.
- Targeting autophagy presents a promising avenue for novel cancer treatment strategies.
- Further research is needed to fully harness autophagy modulators in clinical oncology.
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