Autophagy News and Research

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Autophagy is a normal process in which a cell destroys proteins and other substances in its cytoplasm (the fluid inside the cell membrane but outside the nucleus), which may lead to cell death. Autophagy may prevent normal cells from developing into cancer cells, but it may also protect cancer cells by destroying anticancer drugs or substances taken up by them.

Cell death crosstalk network drives acute respiratory distress syndrome

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) remains one of the deadliest complications of severe infections, sepsis, trauma, and viral pneumonia, yet decades of research have produced few targeted therapies capable of improving patient outcomes.

14 Jul 2026

Combination treatment strategy uses cells' waste removal functions to dismantle multiple myeloma

New research out of VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center provides promising evidence for an innovative combination treatment strategy that uses cells' waste removal functions to effectively dismantle multiple myeloma.

13 Jul 2026

Spermidine supplement improves COVID 19 vaccine response in older adults

As we age, the immune system gradually declines and becomes less effective at responding to infections and vaccines.

25 Jun 2026

Scientists map genetic changes controlling the immune sensor STING

The immune system depends on molecular alarms that detect danger inside cells. One of these alarms is STING, short for "stimulator of interferon genes".

24 Jun 2026

New study uncovers how prostate cancer cells evade treatment

Cancer cells are remarkably good at adapting to stress. When treatments damage them, they often find new ways to survive, fueling drug resistance and disease progression.

16 Jun 2026

Scientists reveal how cGAS-STING fuels brain inflammation and neurodegeneration

The cGAS-STING pathway is emerging as a key driver of chronic neuroinflammation through its effects on glial activation, neuronal stress, blood-brain barrier integrity, and type I interferon signaling. The review highlights why selective, context-dependent modulation of cGAS-STING could help treat neurodegenerative diseases, while preserving its essential roles in antiviral defense and tumor surveillance.

10 Jun 2026

New geroscience initiative aims to accelerate anti‑aging therapies

Albert Einstein College of Medicine has launched the Batia and Idan Ofer program for Validation of Interventions Targeting Aging and Longevity (BIO-VITAL), a new initiative designed to help biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies advance therapies that target the biology of aging.

9 Jun 2026

Scientists discover new intracellular immune defense against infections

When we think of the immune system, most people imagine white blood cells putting up a fight against invading germs within our bloodstream.

4 Jun 2026

New nutrient-sensing mechanism offers hope for neurodegenerative diseases

Researchers from the University of Cambridge highlight new ways that neurons and many cell types use to sense nutrients - opening potential novel therapeutic avenues for disorders such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.

28 May 2026

Bioinformatics accelerates discovery of marine-derived bioactive therapeutic peptides

Marine organisms have evolved a remarkable arsenal of host-defense peptides under conditions of extreme variability and constant pathogen exposure. Generally defined as short chains of 2 to 20 amino acid residues, these molecules have become a focal point for biomedicine, food science, and materials science.

22 May 2026

Targeted mitochondrial therapy accelerates healing of diabetic chronic wounds

Impaired mitophagy and the accumulation of damaged mitochondria are key drivers of endothelial cell (EC)dysfunction in diabetic wounds.

10 May 2026

Scientists discover a potential new way to slow ALS disease progression

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease that causes the progressive loss of motor neurons, which in most cases leads to respiratory failure within three to five years after diagnosis.

30 Apr 2026

Obesity may leave immune cells stuck in inflammatory mode after weight loss

A new EMBO Reports study suggests that obesity can leave a lasting epigenetic imprint on CD4 T cells, delaying the restoration of adaptive immune balance after weight loss. Using mouse models and human cohorts, researchers linked this immune “memory” to DNA methylation changes, saturated fatty acids, autophagy, and immune senescence.

28 Apr 2026

Obesity leaves lasting molecular tags on the immune system

People who live with obesity are 'tagging' a memory of being overweight on a key part of the immune system - leaving people with ongoing risk of obesity-related conditions years after losing weight, according to a 10 year-long study published in EMBO Reports.

27 Apr 2026