Autophagy in cardiomyopathies

Publication date: Available online 1 March 2019Source: Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - Molecular Cell ResearchAuthor(s): Antonia T.L. Zech, Sonia R. Singh, Saskia Schlossarek, Lucie CarrierAbstractAutophagy (greek auto: self; phagein: eating) is a highly conserved process within eukaryotes that degrades long-lived proteins and organelles within lysosomes. Its accurate and constant operation in basal conditions ensures cellular homeostasis by degrading damaged cellular components and thereby acting not only as a quality control but as well as an energy supplier. An increasing body of evidence indicates a major role of autophagy in the regulation of cardiac homeostasis and function. In this review, we describe the different forms of mammalian autophagy, their regulations and monitoring with a specific emphasis on the heart. Furthermore, we address the role of autophagy in several forms of cardiomyopathy and the options for therapy.
Source: Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) Molecular Cell Research - Category: Molecular Biology Source Type: research