Health-by Glenn
Autophagy
The human body is complex – whilst much is known about human physiology, there is more to be discovered. Evidence from research into autophagy is showing some understanding of how autophagy is regulated, and which pathways are involved.
Autophagy occurs in most cells and tissues and serves as a natural ‘cleansing and disposal service’. The process itself involves many autophagy related genes, enzymes and proteins.
Pathways that are known to be involved in autophagy regulation include the protein sensing pathway mTOR and the energy sensing pathway AMPK (1).
When there is adequate protein, and its breakdown products amino acids, mTOR inhibits autophagy. When these amino acids become low mTOR itself is inhibited and a cascade of events lead to autophagy initiation.
Similarly, when energy is low the AMPK pathway is activated, and this influences autophagy processes to begin.
Once initiated inside the cells, autophagy works to select damaged and old cell contents and surrounds or engulfs them – these are then broken down by specialist organelles inside the cell, called lysosomes.
Although some of the material may be deemed too damaged and is disposed of, other material can be recycled and reused. For example, some proteins may be used for repair or regeneration of other cells.
Autophagy Is a key process that helps to protect the body from a build-up of waste that can impact functioning. A dysregulated autophagy process is now known to play a role in the development of many health issues including neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s (2) and Parkinson’s (3), cancer and cardiovascular disease (4).
Autophagy benefits:
- Suppresses tumour formation
- Increases resilience to stress
- Improves mental health
- Promotes longevity
- Reduces inflammation
- Improves immune function
- Supports energy production
The Scotch Files 