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Related Concept Videos

Autophagy01:27

Autophagy

5.9K
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,...
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Delivery Pathways to the Lysosome01:36

Delivery Pathways to the Lysosome

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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...
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Autophagic Cell Death01:18

Autophagic Cell Death

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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...
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Diversity of Protists II01:27

Diversity of Protists II

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Alveolates are a group of organisms recognized by the presence of alveoli, which are cytoplasmic sacs located beneath the cell membrane. While their function remains uncertain, alveoli may help regulate water balance by controlling how much water enters and leaves the cell. In dinoflagellates, these structures may serve as armor plates. There are three major types of alveolates: ciliates, which move using cilia; dinoflagellates, which use flagella for movement; and apicomplexans, which are...
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Phagocytosis of Apoptotic Cells01:17

Phagocytosis of Apoptotic Cells

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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...
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Phagocytosis00:41

Phagocytosis

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Cells pull particles inward and engulf them in spherical vesicles in an energy-requiring process called endocytosis. Phagocytosis (“cellular eating”) is one of three major types of endocytosis. Cells use phagocytosis to take in large objects—such as other cells (or their debris), bacteria, and even viruses.
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Feb 19, 2026

In Vitro and In Vivo Detection of Mitophagy in Human Cells, C. Elegans, and Mice
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In Vitro and In Vivo Detection of Mitophagy in Human Cells, C. Elegans, and Mice

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Autophagy in apicomplexan parasites.

Sébastien Besteiro1

  • 1DIMNP, UMR5235, CNRS, Université de Montpellier, Place Eugène Bataillon, CC107, 34095 Montpellier Cedex 5, France.

Current Opinion in Microbiology
|November 3, 2017
PubMed
Summary

Autophagy, a cellular recycling process, is being explored in apicomplexan parasites. Researchers found its machinery may have dual roles in degradation and apicoplast function.

Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Parasitology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Autophagy is a fundamental cellular process for recycling components, well-studied in yeast and mammals.
  • Its role in early-diverging eukaryotes, particularly apicomplexan parasites, remains largely unknown.
  • Apicomplexans cause significant human and animal diseases.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the function and machinery of autophagy in apicomplexan parasites.
  • To explore potential non-canonical roles of autophagy in these organisms.
  • To understand the involvement of autophagy in apicoplast biology.

Main Methods:

  • Comparative analysis of autophagy-related genes in apicomplexans.
  • Functional studies in model apicomplexan parasites like Plasmodium and Toxoplasma.

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Investigating the Phagocytosis of Leishmania using Confocal Microscopy

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Live Cell Imaging of Early Autophagy Events: Omegasomes and Beyond
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In Vitro and In Vivo Detection of Mitophagy in Human Cells, C. Elegans, and Mice
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  • Microscopy and biochemical assays to assess autophagy and apicoplast interactions.

    • Main Results:

    • Evidence suggests autophagy-related machinery is conserved in apicomplexans.
    • Autophagy appears to play a role in the degradation of cellular components.
    • A non-canonical function linked to the apicoplast, an essential organelle, was identified.

    Conclusions:

    • Autophagy in apicomplexan parasites likely serves both canonical degradative and non-canonical functions.
    • The apicoplast may be a novel target or interactor of the autophagic pathway.
    • Further research into apicomplexan autophagy could reveal new therapeutic strategies.