Biochemistry

Autophagy

Cellular recycling of damaged organelles and proteins — suppressed by growth signals.

Definition

Autophagy clears dysfunctional mitochondria and misfolded proteins. It is upregulated by fasting and AMPK activation; suppressed by mTOR and growth signaling. Considered a candidate longevity mechanism.

Related terms

mTORMechanistic target of rapamycin — a kinase central to growth, protein synthesis, and autophagy regulation.
AMPKAMP-activated protein kinase — the master cellular energy sensor; target of MOTS-c.
SenescencePermanent cell-cycle arrest associated with aging and tissue dysfunction.

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