Deciphering the Molecular Mechanisms Governing Autophagy: A Comprehensive Overview
Nkiruka R Ukibe1, Mmesoma Jessica Nwankwo 1, Onah C. E.1, Ezinne G. Ukibe2, Blessing C. Ukibe2, Victory Ezennia Ukibe3 and *Emmanuel Ifeanyi Obeagu4
1Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Health Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, P. M. B 5025, Anambra State, Nigeria.
2Department of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, P. M. B 5025, Anambra State, Nigeria.
3Department of Radiography and Radiological Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, P. M. B 5025, Anambra State, Nigeria.
4Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Kampala International University, Uganda.
*Corresponding author: Emmanuel Ifeanyi Obeagu.
Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Kampala International University, Uganda, emmanuelobeagu@yahoo.com, ORCID: 0000-0002-4538-0161
ABSTRACT
Autophagy, an evolutionarily conserved cellular process, intricately regulates the degradation and recycling of cellular components, ensuring cellular homeostasis. The molecular orchestration of autophagy involves a sophisticated network of signaling pathways and key molecular players. Key initiation steps involve nutrient-sensing pathways, including mTOR and AMPK, converging on the ULK1 complex, triggering autophagosome formation. Subsequent stages encompass the role of the PI3K complex, recruitment of ATGs, and autophagosome expansion, leading to cargo recognition and closure. The selectivity in autophagy is achieved through cargo-specific adaptors and receptors like p62/SQSTM1, NIX/BNIP3L, and NDP52, ensuring targeted degradation of damaged organelles, misfolded proteins, and pathogens. Upon fusion with lysosomes, autolysosomes are formed, culminating in the breakdown of engulfed cargo via lysosomal hydrolases. Autophagy’s intricate interplay with cellular processes, including metabolism, immunity, and cell death pathways, underscores its multifaceted roles in physiological and pathological conditions. Dysregulated autophagy is implicated in neurodegenerative disorders, cancer, metabolic diseases, and infections, highlighting its clinical relevance. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of autophagy offers promising prospects for therapeutic interventions by targeting autophagic pathways. This overview provides insights into the molecular intricacies of autophagy, offering potential avenues for therapeutic modulation in various disease contexts.
Keywords: Autophagy, Molecular Mechanisms, Signaling Pathways, Selective Autophagy, Lysosomal Degradation, Cellular Homeostasis, Therapeutic Targets, Disease Implications.
CITE AS: Nkiruka R Ukibe, Mmesoma Jessica Nwankwo, Onah C. E., Ezinne G. Ukibe, Blessing C. Ukibe, Victory Ezennia Ukibe and Emmanuel Ifeanyi Obeagu (2024). Deciphering the Molecular Mechanisms Governing Autophagy: A Comprehensive Overview. IAA Journal of Scientific Research 11(1):7-15. https://doi.org/10.59298/IAAJSR/2024/112.6398