Research Progress on the Anticancer Molecular Mechanism of Targets Regulating Cell Autophagy

Area of Science:

• Cell Biology
• Molecular Oncology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Autophagy is a fundamental cellular process crucial for maintaining homeostasis and survival in both normal and tumor cells.
• Dysregulated autophagy is implicated in aging, neurodegeneration, infectious diseases, immune disorders, and cancer development.
• Autophagy exhibits a dual role in cancer, impacting cell survival, proliferation, death, and chemotherapy resistance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To elucidate the intricate mechanism of autophagy.
• To review the multifaceted role of autophagy in normal and cancerous cells.
• To summarize research on the anticancer molecular mechanisms of autophagy-regulating targets.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of autophagy mechanisms.
• Analysis of autophagy's role in normal and cancer cells.
• Synthesis of research on autophagy-targeting anticancer strategies.

Main Results:

• Autophagy's dual role in cancer progression and treatment response is highlighted.
• Natural products and their derivatives show potential in modulating autophagy for anticancer effects.
• Regulation of autophagy presents a viable strategy for enhancing tumor therapy.

Conclusions:

• Understanding autophagy's mechanism and role is key to cancer research.
• Developing autophagy modulators (inhibitors or activators) can improve anticancer efficacy.
• Natural product-derived small molecules offer a promising avenue for autophagy-based cancer treatment.