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Updated: Jan 16, 2026

Studying Triple Negative Breast Cancer Using Orthotopic Breast Cancer Model
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Studying Triple Negative Breast Cancer Using Orthotopic Breast Cancer Model

Published on: March 20, 2020

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Autophagy-Related Proteins in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: From Molecular Insights to Therapeutic Applications

Meng-Ke Ma1,2, Da-Qiang Li1,2

  • 1Department of Oncology, Cancer Institute, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.

International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|September 27, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is aggressive and hard to treat. Autophagy-related proteins (ARPs) are key regulators in TNBC, influencing its progression and response to therapy.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cancer Research

Background:

  • Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive subtype with poor outcomes due to heterogeneity and lack of targeted therapies.
  • Autophagy-related proteins (ARPs) are increasingly recognized as critical regulators in TNBC pathogenesis.
  • ARPs influence malignant transformation, disease progression, and therapeutic responsiveness in TNBC.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the diverse functions and molecular mechanisms of ARPs in TNBC.
  • To highlight the context-dependent roles of ARPs in therapeutic resistance and exploitation.
  • To provide insights into ARPs as potential therapeutic targets in TNBC.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on autophagy-related proteins in triple-negative breast cancer.
  • Analysis of canonical autophagy-dependent and non-canonical pathways involving ARPs.
  • Examination of evidence linking ARPs to TNBC progression and treatment outcomes.

Main Results:

  • ARPs play multifaceted roles in TNBC, acting as metabolic gatekeepers and modulating malignant behaviors.
  • ARPs contribute to both therapeutic resistance and potential therapeutic vulnerabilities in TNBC.
  • The functions of ARPs are context-dependent, impacting disease progression and treatment efficacy.

Conclusions:

  • ARPs are central players in TNBC, influencing its aggressive nature and therapeutic challenges.
  • Understanding the dual roles of ARPs is crucial for developing novel therapeutic strategies against TNBC.
  • Targeting ARPs offers a promising avenue for overcoming treatment resistance in triple-negative breast cancer.
Keywords:
autophagycancer progressiontherapeutic responsivenesstriple-negative breast cancer

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