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.

Dormant tumor cells targeted to reduce breast cancer relapse

A first-of-its-kind, federally funded clinical trial has shown it's possible to identify breast cancer survivors who are at higher risk of their cancer coming back due to the presence of dormant cancer cells and to effectively treat these cells with repurposed, existing drugs.

2 Sep 2025

Disrupting protein quality control slows tumor growth in pediatric rhabdomyosarcoma

A new research paper was published in Volume 16 of Oncotarget on August 29, 2025, titled "In vivo manipulation of the protein homeostasis network in rhabdomyosarcoma."

29 Aug 2025

Can diet alone slow brain aging? Scientists say evidence is still too weak

Researchers reviewing evidence in the Annual Review of Nutrition find that healthy dietary patterns may support brain aging, but caution that scientific enthusiasm currently outpaces solid proof. Multidomain strategies combining diet with exercise, cognitive training, and vascular health show greater promise.

25 Aug 2025

RNA quality control protein PELOTA found to slow aging and extend lifespan

As aging progresses, the quality of DNA and proteins inside cells declines, known to be the cause of various degenerative diseases.

18 Aug 2025

Dementia-like protein clumping found in early pancreatic cancer cells

Cancer Research UK-funded scientists have uncovered dementia-like behaviour in pancreas cells at risk of turning into cancer. The findings provide clues that could help in the treatment and prevention of pancreatic cancer, a difficult-to-treat disease linked to 6,900 deaths in the UK every year.

17 Aug 2025

UC Irvine researchers discover naturally occurring compounds to rejuvenate aging brain cells

Researchers at the University of California, Irvine have identified a promising nonpharmaceutical treatment that rejuvenates aging brain cells and clears away the buildup of harmful proteins associated with Alzheimer's disease.

5 Aug 2025

The vicious circle of aging and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD, formerly NAFLD) and aging are locked in a vicious circle: senescence of liver cells accelerates fat accumulation, inflammation and fibrosis, while chronic steatosis in turn hastens hepatic decline.

1 Aug 2025

Using tongue coating to spot early signs of Parkinson’s disease

Tongue coating analysis reveals potential biomarkers for early Parkinson's disease detection, offering a non-invasive and cost-effective diagnostic approach.

31 Jul 2025

NR2F1 drives fibrotic cataract formation through activation of STAT3

Cataracts remain one of the most prevalent and debilitating eye conditions, often requiring surgical intervention to restore sight. Yet even after surgery, many patients develop anterior subcapsular cataracts (ASC), characterized by fibrotic tissue growth beneath the lens capsule.

29 Jul 2025

Plant compounds show promise against leishmaniasis through mitochondrial targeting

Leishmaniasis, a neglected tropical disease caused by Leishmania parasites, affects millions globally. Current synthetic treatments face limitations including toxicity, cost, and resistance.

28 Jul 2025

Researchers discover new trigger for mitophagy

Autophagy is essentially the 'rubbish collection' of our cells. If there are problems in this process, which is so important for our health, diseases such as Parkinson's can result. In their latest study, leading cell biologists at the Max Perutz Labs at the University of Vienna investigated mitophagy - a form of autophagy - and came to a remarkable conclusion: the researchers have described a new trigger for mitophagy.

26 Jul 2025

Goat milk boosts muscle health better than cow’s milk in animal study

Dairy products, especially low-fat and fortified goat milk, significantly improved muscle mass, reduced inflammation, and positively modulated gut microbiota in a mouse model of sarcopenia. These findings suggest tailored dairy interventions could help delay age-related muscle loss.

21 Jul 2025

Uncovering a protective RNA molecule in kidney stress and disease

Cells contain helper molecules called transfer RNAs (tRNAs), which carry building blocks (amino acids) to make proteins.

17 Jul 2025

Dual targeting of lipid kinases offers hope against emerging viruses

Lipid kinases are enzymes that play a critical role in both cell signalling and membrane trafficking by phosphorylating lipid molecules in the body.

14 Jul 2025

Exploring the roles of orphan nuclear receptors in MASLD pathogenesis

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), affecting approximately 30% of the global population, represents a spectrum of liver disorders ranging from simple steatosis to metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), fibrosis, and cirrhosis.

12 Jul 2025

Fasting triggers neuroprotective changes that could delay dementia

Intermittent fasting could be a neuroprotective strategy, improving gut-brain axis function and reducing inflammation linked to neurodegenerative diseases.

11 Jul 2025

XPR1 silencing enhances immune response and reduces ovarian tumor growth

A recent study published in Genes & Diseases reveals a novel role of XPR1 in promoting ovarian cancer growth by regulating autophagy and MHC-I expression.

4 Jul 2025

New protein target offers hope for chronic inflammation treatment

Chronic inflammation occurs when the immune system is stuck in attack-mode, sending cell after cell to defend and repair the body for months or even years.

2 Jul 2025

Oleic acid from olive oil reduces infection-related bone loss with age

A mouse study shows that dietary oleic acid, a key Mediterranean diet component, protects against age-related bone and microbiome damage triggered by periodontal infection. In contrast, a Western-style palmitic acid diet worsens bone loss and destabilizes the gut microbiome.

30 Jun 2025

Exploring the dual role of microRNA-223 in hepatic fibrosis

Announcing a new article publication for BIO Integration journal. Liver fibrosis is caused by excessive extracellular matrix accumulation, which in turn is driven by activation of hepatic stellate cells.

19 Jun 2025