Autophagy in neurons: it is not all about food.
The primary function of autophagy in most cell types is adaptation to starvation. Because neurons are protected from this type of stress, the physiological role of autophagy in normal functioning neurons was, until now, poorly understood. Using genetic manipulations to block autophagy in neurons selectively, Mizushima's and Tanaka's groups have recently presented conclusive evidence for an essential role of constitutive autophagy in neuronal survival. These studies provide new insights into the relationship between autophagy malfunctioning and neurodegenerative disorders.
Cuervo
Ana Maria
AM
Department of Anatomy and Structural Biology, Marion Bassin Liver Research Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA. amcuervo@aecom.yu.edu
D000818:Animals; D001343:Autophagy / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008954:Models, Biological; D009410:Nerve Degeneration / Q000473:pathology*; D009474:Neurons