Autophagy is a fundamental biological process essential for cell survival and maintaining cellular balance. The term comes from the Greek autós (self) and phagein (to eat), literally describing a mechanism through which the cell "digests" and recycles its own damaged or non-functional components.
This process occurs through the formation of structures called autophagosomes, which engulf cellular material to be degraded and transport it to lysosomes, where it is broken down and repurposed into new energy or structural resources.
Autophagy plays a crucial role in several areas:
• Protection against cellular damage: It removes misfolded proteins and dysfunctional organelles, preventing the accumulation of toxic substances.
• Response to stress: It allows cells to survive in nutrient-deficient conditions by recycling their own components to produce energy.• Prevention of neurodegenerative diseases: It helps clear protein aggregates associated with disorders like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
• Regulation of the immune system: It contributes to eliminating intracellular pathogens, such as bacteria and viruses.
Since autophagy tends to decline with age, its reduction has been linked to aging, chronic inflammation, and the development of degenerative diseases. Recent studies suggest that stimulating autophagy through diet, exercise, or natural compounds (such as spermidine) may help keep the brain and body healthy.