Crosstalk between Autophagy and Nanomaterials: Internalization, Activation, Termination.

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Science
• Cell Biology
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Nanomaterials (NMs) possess unique properties driving their biomedical applications.
• Autophagy is a fundamental cellular process linked to NM interactions.
• Understanding NM-autophagy interplay is vital for safe and effective NM use.

Purpose of the Study:

• To summarize recent advances in nanomaterial-induced or inhibited autophagy (NM-phagy).
• To provide a comprehensive mechanistic overview of NM-phagy, covering internalization, activation, and termination.
• To bridge the understanding between autophagy and nanomaterials.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on NM-phagy.
• Analysis of NM internalization pathways and associated molecular components (e.g., clathrin, AP-2, Arf6, Rab, UVRAG).
• Examination of stress-induced mechanisms (oxidative stress, organelle damage, toxicity) and signaling pathways involved.

Main Results:

• Detailed review of NM internalization routes and their impact on autophagy initiation.
• Elucidation of stress responses triggered by NMs that modulate autophagy.
• Identification of key signaling molecules and pathways governing NM-phagy.

Conclusions:

• Mechanistic insights into NM-phagy aid in understanding cellular responses to NMs.
• This knowledge can guide the development of NMs that regulate autophagy for therapeutic benefit.
• Highlights current challenges and future research directions in NM-phagy.