LC3 and Beclin-1 as Markers of Autophagic Activity in Breast Cancer

Abstract

Autophagy is a catabolic pathway meaning "self-eating" that facilitates nutrient recycling from damaged and aged organelles and other impaired cellular components through lysosomal degradation. Regulation of this process has been associated with the development of cancer. It can play different roles at different tumors and developmental stages of tumors. In breast cancer, similarly, autophagy functions as a mechanism promoting survival or leading to death. Whereas, it is very important to define the role of autophagy as an effective treatment strategy in breast cancer cells. Therefore, in this review, the role of inhibited autophagy is discussed with specific RNAs targeting Beclin-1 and LC3 genes in breast cancer.