Autophagy in colitis-associated colon cancer: exploring its potential role in reducing initiation and preventing IBD-Related CAC development

Autophagy. 2023 Sep 18. doi: 10.1080/15548627.2023.2259214. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTColitis-associated colon cancer (CAC) is a distinct form of colorectal cancer that emerges from prolonged colitis in individuals with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Chronic inflammation is considered as the most critical contributor to the development and progression of CAC, with the degree and persistence of the inflammatory response being the primary drivers of CAC progression in individuals with IBD. Macroautophagy/autophagy, which is a cellular process that aids in preserving the intestinal mucosal barrier and regulating intestinal inflammation, is effective in reducing IBD progression. However, the precise contribution of impaired autophagy to CAC pathogenesis has yet to be fully elucidated. Nevertheless, it is thought that autophagy may reduce the risk of CAC by regulating intestinal inflammation and other factors. This review summarizes recent research on CAC development and investigates the possible functions of autophagy in reducing CAC initiation. Furthermore, we explore the functional transformation of autophagy after CAC transformation and propose that promoting autophagy as a means of attenuating CAC initiation may serve as a novel strategy for preventing IBD-related CAC.PMID:37723664 | DOI:10.1080/15548627.2023.2259214
Source: Autophagy - Category: Cytology Authors: Source Type: research