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The Prospects of Therapeutic Potential and Drug Development Targeting Autophagy in Cancer

Jinku Bao1, Bo Liu2, Chuanfang Wu3

  • 1Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, Sichuan, China. baojinku@scu.edu.cn.

Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology
|July 17, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Autophagy, a cellular self-protection process, has a dual role in cancer development. It can inhibit tumors but also support tumor growth by providing energy and nutrients.

Area of Science:

  • Cellular Biology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Autophagy is a fundamental cellular process for degrading damaged components.
  • Emerging research highlights autophagy's complex involvement in tumor development.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the multifaceted role of autophagy in tumorigenesis.
  • To discuss the implications of autophagy modulation for cancer therapy.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of autophagy's function in cellular health and disease.
  • Analysis of studies investigating autophagy's impact on tumor initiation and progression.

Main Results:

  • Autophagy acts as a tumor suppressor by removing damaged cells.
  • Conversely, autophagy can promote tumor survival under nutrient deprivation by supplying energy.
  • This dual role is context-dependent, influenced by tumor stage and microenvironment.

Conclusions:

  • Autophagy's role in cancer is complex and context-specific.
  • Targeting autophagy with inducers or inhibitors presents a promising therapeutic strategy for various cancers.
Keywords:
AutophagyDrug developmentTargeted therapy

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