Metabolism in Autophagy
Metabolism in Autophagy
When an organism is under the stress, cells choose to navigate the autophagy mechanism towards the weak members. These members will be degraded and their content divided so that the rest of our system can get enough nutrients. In case of a foreign intruder, once again autophagy will be activated, to extract the intruder and clean the environment. Everything is done with two main purposes-to survival and maintain homeostasis.
During a lifetime, our body enters a variety of stressful circumstances. When under the attack of a dangerous virus, invasion of bacteria, or when the development of cancer occurs, the body chooses to avoid feeding. Nutrients brought to our system will be food and later energy for our intruder but when we approach autophagy, our body has a good chance to recognize foreign particles and all those which will affect homeostasis.
Degradation of cellular components and promotion of survival in metabolic distress is the core of autophagy. The line between this valuable mechanism used for good purpose vs degradation of useful components is thin and must be well followed. The body is in distress when not enough necessary nutrients are provided so naturally will approach autophagy. Finally, research shows that well-controlled autophagy can significantly contribute to cell metabolism, synthesize cell signaling.
“Autophagy can simultaneously contribute to cell metabolism and initiate a pathway to sensitize cells to apoptotic death. This pathway may promote tissue homeostasis by ensuring that only cells with high resistance to apoptosis may utilize autophagy as a survival mechanism when growth factors are limiting and nutrient uptake decreases.”
(https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19398886/)
The assumed period for autophagy is 14h of fasting and up. Molecular-biological techniques of western blot and immunofluorescent microscopy can be used for monitoring specific protein levels of LC3-II. This protein is part of autophagosomes and lysosomes when going under degradation so to detect its levels means that process occurs.
Besides these laboratory tests, there is also an option of observation by a microscope, where we can see all bodies dependently and go through the process.
The dynamic process of autophagy can be presented with its flux- obtaining several major points: autophagosome formation, maturation, fusion with lysosomes, subsequent breakdown, return of macromolecules into the cytosol.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4002868/
Abstract
“Impaired autophagic flux has been linked to a variety of human pathophysiological processes, including neurodegeneration, cancer, myopathy, cardiovascular and immune-mediated disorders.”
Knowing this fact, we aim to discover the exact reasons behind impaired autophagic flux. Following biochemistry and laboratory markers can correctly lead to an exact metabolic path. Finally, monitoring of autophagic flux is “essential for autophagy-related therapeutics for treating the diseases”.
Impaired cytoplasmatic organelles, as well as misfolded proteins, will be also degraded through autophagy steps:1. formation of autophagosomes, 2. the fusion of autophagosomes with lysosomes, and 3. degradation. Enzymes used for breaking the connection between autophagosomes and lysosomes are hydrolases (cathepsin above all).
The latest research shows the role of autophagy in embryonic development. When misregulated, it can lead to a variety of human diseases.
“The accumulation of autophagosomes could indicate either autophagic activation or a blockage of downstream steps in autophagy, such as inefficient fusion or decreased lysosomal degradation4,8. Therefore, the mere detection of the number of autophagosomes and the presence of LC3 processing is insufficient for an overall evaluation of the entire autophagic system.”
Finally, a couple of interesting questions for everyday life.
Does coffee break autophagy? Research shows that coffee consumption in mice can lead to fasten autophagy for up to 4h. Any consumed drink below 50kcal will not break the autophagy process easily.
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How can I speed up autophagy?
Low-sugar diet and no industrial products in the diet.
Fasting, intermittent fasting, and almost fasting.
Diet rich in proteins, poor in carbs.
Protein Cycling.
Exercise.
Heating
Good quality of sleep.
