Open Access

Autophagy-related signaling pathways are involved in cancer (Review)

  • Authors:
    • Caixia Chen
    • Hui Gao
    • Xiulan Su
  • View Affiliations

  • Published online on: May 3, 2021     https://doi.org/10.3892/etm.2021.10142
  • Article Number: 710
  • Copyright: © Chen et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of Creative Commons Attribution License.

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Abstract

Autophagy is a self-digestion process in cells that can maintain energy homeostasis under normal circumstances. However, misfolded proteins, damaged mitochondria and other unwanted components in cells can be decomposed and reused via autophagy in some specific cases (including hypoxic stress, low energy states or nutrient deprivation). Therefore, autophagy serves a positive role in cell survival and growth. However, excessive autophagy may lead to apoptosis. Furthermore, abnormal autophagy may lead to carcinogenesis and promote tumorigenesis in normal cells. In tumor cells, autophagy may provide the energy required for excessive proliferation, promote the growth of cancer cells, and evade apoptosis caused by certain treatments, including radiotherapy and chemotherapy, resulting in increased treatment resistance and drug resistance. On the other hand, autophagy leads to an insufficient nutrient supply in cancer cells and the destruction of energy homeostasis, thereby inducing cancer cell apoptosis. Therefore, understanding the mechanism of the double-edged sword of autophagy is crucial for the treatment of cancer. The present review summarizes the signaling pathways and key factors involved in autophagy and cancer to provide possible strategies for treating tumors.
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July-2021
Volume 22 Issue 1

Print ISSN: 1792-0981
Online ISSN:1792-1015

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Copy and paste a formatted citation
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Spandidos Publications style
Chen C, Gao H and Su X: Autophagy-related signaling pathways are involved in cancer (Review). Exp Ther Med 22: 710, 2021
APA
Chen, C., Gao, H., & Su, X. (2021). Autophagy-related signaling pathways are involved in cancer (Review). Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine, 22, 710. https://doi.org/10.3892/etm.2021.10142
MLA
Chen, C., Gao, H., Su, X."Autophagy-related signaling pathways are involved in cancer (Review)". Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine 22.1 (2021): 710.
Chicago
Chen, C., Gao, H., Su, X."Autophagy-related signaling pathways are involved in cancer (Review)". Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine 22, no. 1 (2021): 710. https://doi.org/10.3892/etm.2021.10142