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Autophagy

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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.
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 3, 2026

In Situ Immunofluorescent Staining of Autophagy in Muscle Stem Cells

In Situ Immunofluorescent Staining of Autophagy in Muscle Stem Cells

Published on: June 12, 2017

Autophagy Modulation in Disease Therapy: Where Do We Stand?

Michael P Nelson¹, John J Shacka²

¹Department of Pathology, Neuropathology Division, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Sparks Clinics Room SC 930B, 1720 7 Ave S., Birmingham, AL 35294, USA.

Current Pathobiology Reports

|January 29, 2014

Summary

Autophagy research has advanced, enabling new therapies for diseases like cancer. This review explores current autophagy modulation strategies and drug development for various conditions.

Keywords:

Alzheimer's disease Parkinson's disease autophagy cancer disease treatment ischemia neurodegeneration neuropathology pathobiology pharmacological therapy reperfusion stroke

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siRNA Electroporation to Modulate Autophagy in Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1-Infected Monocyte-Derived Dendritic Cells

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Published on: October 28, 2019

Area of Science:

Cellular Biology
Molecular Biology
Pharmacology

Background:

Autophagy, a fundamental cellular process, has been studied for over 50 years.
Recent advancements have unlocked its therapeutic potential for diverse diseases.
The field is rapidly growing, with increasing research and therapeutic applications.

Purpose of the Study:

To provide a comprehensive overview of the current landscape of autophagy modulation in disease therapy.
To highlight the expanding role of autophagy research in developing targeted therapeutics.
To review novel and repurposed drugs being investigated for autophagy-related conditions.

Main Methods:

Literature review of recent studies on autophagy and its therapeutic applications.
Analysis of emerging treatment strategies involving autophagy modulators.
Examination of drug repurposing efforts for autophagy-targeted therapies.

Main Results:

Autophagy modulation is a promising therapeutic avenue for various diseases, notably cancer.
Established modulators like chloroquine and rapamycin are being creatively applied.
Repurposed drugs, such as astemizole, show potential in autophagy-related treatments.
The field is dynamic, with ongoing development of novel therapeutic approaches.

Conclusions:

Autophagy research has matured, leading to the development of targeted therapeutics.
The strategic modulation of autophagy holds significant promise for treating complex diseases.
Continued investigation into autophagy mechanisms and drug development is crucial for future therapies.