JNCASR identifies key protein complex role in autophagy impacting Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and cancer

The Hindu
The Hindu
7h ago
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JNCASR found the exocyst complex critical to autophagy, suggesting new therapeutic targets for neurodegenerative diseases and cancer.
JNCASR identifies key protein complex role in autophagy impacting Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and cancer
A What happened
Autophagy is the cell’s self-cleaning process clearing damage and preventing infection, vital for neuron longevity. JNCASR researchers identified that seven out of eight exocyst complex proteins are necessary for autophagosome biogenesis, a pivotal step in autophagy. Dysregulation impairs cell cleanup, linked to Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and cancer, where autophagy can both suppress and support tumor growth. This finding advances understanding of autophagy regulation and aids development of targeted treatments.
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Key insights

  • 1

    Dual role of autophagy in cancer: Autophagy initially suppresses tumor formation by maintaining cellular health but later supports tumor survival and growth, complicating therapeutic approaches.

  • 2

    Exocyst complex’s expanded cellular functions: Beyond its known role in molecule transport, the exocyst complex is integral to autophagosome formation, indicating multifunctionality in cellular health maintenance.

  • 3

    Targeting autophagy regulation as therapy: Modulating the exocyst complex and autophagy could restore defective cellular cleanup mechanisms in neurodegenerative diseases and cancer, offering new treatment avenues.

Takeaways

The discovery of the exocyst complex’s role in autophagy deepens insight into cellular cleanup mechanisms and provides a promising target for therapies against major diseases linked to cellular degradation.

Topics

Science & Research Biology Health & Medicine Medicine Medical Research