Introduction to the Thematic Minireview Series: Autophagy

Abstract

Autophagy is a highly conserved, tightly regulated cellular process that degrades intracellular constituents via lysosomes. Autophagy mediates many normal cellular functions and is dys-regulated in numerous diseases. This Thematic Series consists of five Minireviews that highlight selected topics of current autophagy research ranging from the molecular mechanisms and regulation of autophagy to the roles of autophagy in health and disease.