Why should autophagic flux be assessed?

Acta Pharmacol Sin. 2013 May;34(5):595-9. doi: 10.1038/aps.2012.184. Epub 2013 Mar 11.

Abstract

As autophagy is involved in cell growth, survival, development and death, impaired autophagic flux has been linked to a variety of human pathophysiological processes, including neurodegeneration, cancer, myopathy, cardiovascular and immune-mediated disorders. There is a growing need to identify and quantify the status of autophagic flux in different pathological conditions. Given that autophagy is a highly dynamic and complex process that is regulated at multiple steps, it is often assessed accurately. This perspective review article will focus on the autophagic flux defects in different human disorders and update the current methods of monitoring autophagic flux. This knowledge is essential for developing autophagy-related therapeutics for treating the diseases.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Autophagy*
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / metabolism
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / pathology
  • Humans
  • Immune System Diseases / metabolism
  • Immune System Diseases / pathology
  • Muscular Diseases / metabolism
  • Muscular Diseases / pathology
  • Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Neoplasms / pathology
  • Neurodegenerative Diseases / metabolism
  • Neurodegenerative Diseases / pathology