The Function and Mechanisms of Autophagy in Spinal Cord Injury

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is one of the major causes of death and long-term disability in the world. Numerous studies have reported that autophagy plays an important role in SCI. However, the understanding of underlying mechanisms of autophagy after SCI and autophagy mechanism-based preclinical pharmacological intervention needs to be updated. This part provides an overview of current knowledge about the mechanisms of autophagy and autophagy flux as well as its potential molecular mechanisms based on the pharmacological regulation of autophagy. Although autophagic activation and the disruption of autophagy flux exist in SCI, whether autophagy is beneficial and detrimental is still under debate. We also focus on the existing and developing therapeutic options based on the potential molecular mechanisms of autophagy.