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Autophagy: a necessary evil in cancer and inflammation

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Abstract

Autophagy, a highly regulated cellular process, assumes a dual role in the context of cancer. On the one hand, it functions as a crucial homeostatic pathway, responsible for degrading malfunctioning molecules and organelles, thereby maintaining cellular health. On the other hand, its involvement in cancer development and regression is multifaceted, contingent upon a myriad of factors. This review meticulously examines the intricacies of autophagy, from its molecular machinery orchestrated by Autophagy-Related Genes (ATG) initially discovered in yeast to the various modes of autophagy operative within cells. Beyond its foundational role in cellular maintenance, autophagy reveals context-specific functions in processes like angiogenesis and inflammation. Our analysis delves into how autophagy-related factors directly impact inflammation, underscoring their profound implications for cancer dynamics. Additionally, we extend our inquiry to explore autophagy’s associations with cardiovascular conditions, neurodegenerative disorders, and autoimmune diseases, illuminating the broader medical relevance of this process. Furthermore, this review elucidates how autophagy contributes to sustaining hallmark cancer features, including stem cell maintenance, proliferation, angiogenesis, metastasis, and metabolic reprogramming. Autophagy emerges as a pivotal process that necessitates careful consideration in cancer treatment strategies. To this end, we investigate innovative approaches, ranging from enzyme-based therapies to MTOR inhibitors, lysosomal blockers, and nanoparticle-enabled interventions, all aimed at optimizing cancer treatment outcomes by targeting autophagy pathways. In summary, this comprehensive review provides a nuanced perspective on the intricate and context-dependent role of autophagy in cancer biology. Our exploration not only deepens our understanding of this fundamental process but also highlights its potential as a therapeutic target. By unraveling the complex interplay between autophagy and cancer, we pave the way for more precise and effective cancer treatments, promising better outcomes for patients.

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Acknowledgements

It is with gratitude that the authors affirm the assistance of Delhi Technological University for the completion of this study.

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The study was designed and conceived by all authors. Data analysis and paper writing were done by the first and second authors. Each author made revisions to the manuscript. It is understood that all authors have reviewed the final manuscript version and agreed to be held accountable for its content.

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Correspondence to Asmita Das.

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The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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The study conducted at the Department of Biotechnology at Delhi Technological University in India was an observational study. According to the ethical guidelines of Delhi Technological University, ethical approval was not required for this study as it did not involve any humans or animals. The study was conducted under the supervision of Dr. Asmita Das and Dr. Prakash Chandra, who ensured compliance with the university’s ethical guidelines.

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Mathur, A., Ritu, Chandra, P. et al. Autophagy: a necessary evil in cancer and inflammation. 3 Biotech 14, 87 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13205-023-03864-w

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13205-023-03864-w

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