Saga of Autophagy and Neurodegenerative Disorders

From eukaryotic microorganisms to humans, autophagy is a highly conserved process through the evolution of species.

Bulky cytoplasmic contents, organisms (bacteria, viruses) and soluble proteins are degraded by autophagy and reused for the synthesis of new molecules. This process is generally induced by a change of environmental conditions, such as nutrient deprivation, oxidative stress and ultraviolet radiation.

Autophagy Protects from Chemotherapy: Neuroblastoma
Pediatric tumors that originate from cells of the embryonic nervous system are neuroblastomas.

However, it has also been associated with normal procedures like development, differentiation and defence against pathogens. In spite of offering protection to cells, autophagy may also contribute to cell damage. Evangelia Kesidou and colleagues from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece collected data on molecular mechanisms of autophagy, and the role of autophagic process in acute and chronic neurode-generation.

Their review article, published in the Neural Regeneration Research (Vol. 8, No. 24, 2013), provides an update of the role of autophagic process in representative chronic and acute neurodegenerative disorders.

Source-Eurekalert

Age-Related Macular Degeneration Caused by Impaired Autophagy
Impaired function of autophagy in the fundus of the eye is responsible for the degenerative changes and loss of vision in age-related macular degeneration.

Autophagy Acts as Provider and Protector for Tumor Cells in Kidney Cancer
A complicated process known as autophagy plays an important role in providing the nutrients needed by tumor cells in kidney cancer

Boosting Autophagy In Fruit Flies Can Make Them Live Longer
A study on fruit flies has revealed that boosting a cellular cleanup-mechanism prevents the age-dependent accumulation of cellular damage in neurons, and promotes longevity.