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Cell Death
Eukaryotes
Autophagy
Self-digestion pathway recycling cellular components via lysosomal degradation.
Overview
Macroautophagy involves formation of autophagosomes that engulf cytoplasmic contents. Initiated by ULK1, nucleated by Beclin-1/VPS34, and elongated by ATG12-ATG5-ATG16L1 and LC3-PE conjugation systems. Autophagosomes fuse with lysosomes for content degradation.
Cellular Location
Cytoplasm → lysosomes
Clinical Significance
Cellular quality control; dysregulation linked to neurodegeneration, cancer, and infections; mTOR inhibitors induce autophagy.
Key Molecules
Key Enzymes
Related Pathways
PI3K/AKT/mTOR Pathway
Regulates cell survival, growth, and metabolism via phosphoinositide signaling.
Intrinsic Apoptosis (Mitochondrial)
Cell death triggered by internal stress via mitochondrial cytochrome c release.
AMPK Pathway
Cellular energy sensor activating catabolic and inhibiting anabolic pathways.