自噬与肿瘤

utophagy is a self-degradative process that is important for balancing sources of energy at critical times in development and in response to nutrient stress. The relationship between autophagy and cancer is complicated. It can be tumor-suppressing during the early stages of tumorigenesis. In established tumors, however, autophagy can be tumor-promoting, and cancer cells can use enhanced autophagy to survive under metabolic and therapeutic stress. In contrast, excessive stimulation of autophagy may also lead to cancer cells autophagic death (type II programmed cell death). This Review delineates the possible role of autophagy as a novel target for anticancer therapy. Analysis of autophagic signaling may identify novel therapeutic targets for modulation and therapeutic advantage.