Autophagy fights disease through cellular self-digestion

Nature. 2008 Feb 28;451(7182):1069-75. doi: 10.1038/nature06639.

Abstract

Autophagy, or cellular self-digestion, is a cellular pathway involved in protein and organelle degradation, with an astonishing number of connections to human disease and physiology. For example, autophagic dysfunction is associated with cancer, neurodegeneration, microbial infection and ageing. Paradoxically, although autophagy is primarily a protective process for the cell, it can also play a role in cell death. Understanding autophagy may ultimately allow scientists and clinicians to harness this process for the purpose of improving human health.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aging / physiology
  • Animals
  • Autophagy / immunology
  • Autophagy / physiology*
  • Cell Death
  • Cell Survival
  • Humans
  • Immunity, Innate / immunology
  • Neoplasms / pathology
  • Neurodegenerative Diseases / pathology