Autophagy Regulation by the Translation Machinery and Its Implications in Cancer

Pilar Sarah Acevo-Rodríguez1, Giovanna Maldonado2, Susana Castro-Obregón1

  • 1PSA-R and SC-O, División de Neurociencias, Instituto de Fisiología Celular, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Mexico City, Mexico.

Frontiers in Oncology
|April 2, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Defects in protein synthesis (translation) disrupt cellular recycling (autophagy), contributing to cancer development. Understanding this link offers new therapeutic strategies for cancer treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Cellular Biology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Metabolic pathways and molecular processes are interconnected, with dysregulation potentially leading to cancer.
  • Defects in protein synthesis (translation) are increasingly recognized as a cause of autophagy dysregulation.
  • Autophagy is a vital cellular process for maintaining homeostasis and viability, especially under stress.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent advances on the crosstalk between translation and autophagy machineries.
  • To elucidate the impact of this interaction on tumorigenesis.
  • To summarize the therapeutic potential of targeting this interaction in cancer treatment.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent scientific advances.
  • Synthesis of information on molecular mechanisms.
  • Analysis of the role in cancer development and therapeutic strategies.

Main Results:

  • Emerging evidence highlights the significant role of translation defects in autophagy dysregulation.
  • The interplay between translation and autophagy is crucial for cellular homeostasis and has profound effects on cancer.
  • This crosstalk represents a promising target for novel anti-cancer therapies.

Conclusions:

  • The intricate relationship between translation and autophagy is a key factor in cancer.
  • Targeting the molecular mechanisms governing this interaction holds potential for innovative cancer therapies.
  • Further research into this crosstalk is essential for developing effective treatments.

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