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In Vitro and In Vivo Detection of Mitophagy in Human Cells, C. Elegans, and Mice
Published on: November 22, 2017
17.8K
Emerging roles of mitotic autophagy
Eugenia Almacellas1, Caroline Mauvezin2,3
1Molecular Cell Biology of Autophagy, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK.
Journal of Cell Science
|June 10, 2022
Summary
Lysosomes and autophagy are crucial for cellular balance, but their role in cell division (mitosis) is debated. This review explores their functions in mitosis, highlighting lysosomes as key to genomic stability and therapeutic potential.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Lysosomes maintain cellular homeostasis and degrade waste via autophagy.
- The role of lysosomes and autophagy during mitosis remains controversial.
- Organelle dynamics change during mitosis for proper chromosome distribution.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the latest advances in understanding lysosome and autophagy function during mitosis.
- To clarify the controversial role of autophagy in mitosis and its impact on genomic stability.
- To highlight the therapeutic potential of targeting autophagy for drug development.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent research on autophagy, lysosomes, and mitosis.
- Analysis of signaling cascades, autophagic proteins, and lysosomal functions.
- Discussion of evidence supporting or refuting autophagy's role in mitosis.
Main Results:
- Evidence suggests selective autophagy and functional lysosomes are required for faithful chromosome segregation.
- Lysosomes may act as guardians of mitotic progression through functions beyond degradation.
- Autophagy inhibition during mitotic entry might protect genetic material.
Conclusions:
- The involvement of autophagy in mitosis is complex, influenced by signaling, protein function, and lysosome roles.
- Lysosomes play critical roles in maintaining genomic stability during mitosis.
- Targeting autophagy presents therapeutic opportunities for drug development.
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