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Autophagy and its link to type II diabetes mellitus

Jai-Sing Yang1, Chi-Cheng Lu1, Sheng-Chu Kuo2

  • 1Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, Taichung 404, Taiwan.

Biomedicine
|June 15, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Autophagy is a cellular process crucial for survival, but its dysfunction is linked to diseases like type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This review explores autophagy's complex roles in T2DM pathogenesis and pancreatic beta cell function.

Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Metabolic Disorders
  • Molecular Mechanisms

Background:

  • Autophagy is a Nobel Prize-recognized cellular mechanism vital for maintaining physiological balance and promoting cell survival.
  • Defects in autophagy are implicated in numerous diseases, including cancer, neurodegeneration, aging, and diabetes mellitus (DM).
  • Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a prevalent metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia due to impaired insulin secretion or action, often involving insulin resistance and pancreatic beta cell failure.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review and summarize the multifaceted roles of autophagy in the context of type 2 diabetes mellitus.
  • To elucidate the involvement of autophagy in pancreatic beta cell dysfunction and the development of insulin resistance.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of scientific articles on autophagy and type 2 diabetes mellitus.
  • Synthesis of current research findings on the molecular mechanisms linking autophagy to T2DM.

Main Results:

  • Autophagy plays a dual role in T2DM, providing nutrients for cellular energy and clearing damaged cellular components.
  • Autophagy is critically involved in maintaining pancreatic beta cell function and mitigating insulin resistance.

Conclusions:

  • Autophagy is a key player in the pathophysiology of type 2 diabetes mellitus.
  • Understanding autophagy's role offers potential therapeutic targets for T2DM management.

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