Targeting autophagy in colorectal cancer: An update on pharmacological small-molecule compounds

Area of Science:

• Cellular Biology
• Oncology
• Molecular Medicine

Background:

• Autophagy is a fundamental cellular process involved in degradation and recycling.
• Its role in colorectal cancer is complex, exhibiting both tumor-suppressive and tumor-promoting functions.
• Understanding this dual role is crucial for developing effective cancer therapies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the dual role of autophagy in colorectal cancer.
• To discuss autophagy-associated cell death and cytoprotective pathways.
• To summarize small-molecule compounds targeting autophagy for therapeutic potential.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of autophagy pathways in colorectal cancer.
• Analysis of small-molecule compounds modulating autophagy.
• Synthesis of current understanding on autophagy's role in colorectal cancer.

Main Results:

• Autophagy can promote colorectal cancer cell survival or induce cell death.
• Specific autophagy pathways are critical in colorectal cancer progression.
• Numerous small-molecule compounds show potential to modulate these pathways.

Conclusions:

• Autophagy's Janus role in colorectal cancer necessitates context-specific therapeutic targeting.
• Small-molecule modulators of autophagy represent a promising avenue for colorectal cancer drug discovery.
• Targeting autophagy offers a novel strategy for future cancer therapeutics.