Abstract:

Autophagy summarizes all processes in which intracellular material is degraded within the lysosome and where the macromolecular constituents are recycled. Japanese scientist Yoshinori Ohsumi discovered 15 autophagy-related genes (ATG) and elaborated autophagic mechanisms. He has won the 2016 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. His pioneering research achievements provide an important base for studying physiological and pathological effects of cell autophagy and open a new way for treatment of diseases by modulating autophagy. Autophagy is a common cellular response. The level of autophagy is low in normal condition, while physiological and pathological stimulations up-regulate autophagy significantly. ATG deletion or autophagic disfunction may cause some diseases. Recently, prevention and treatment of autophagic disfunction-related diseases by activating or inhibiting cell autophagy have been tried.

Key words: Nobel Prize, Autophagy, Autophagy-related gene