Autophagy and Cell Death: Antitumor Drugs Targeting Autophagy

Abstract

Autophagy, a degradation mechanism conserved among eukaryotes, plays an important role in cellular homeostasis by maintaining nutrients and energy balance. It is not surprising that autophagy has been associated with vari- ous pathological conditions such as neurodegeneration, aging, infection, and cancer. Its roles in cancer are complex and context-dependent. In this chapter, we will give an overview of regulation of autophagy with an emphasis in cancer and summarize the recent efforts in developing cancer therapeutics targeting autophagy.