Abstract
Autophagy is a highly conserved cytoplasmic degradation pathway that has an impact on many physiological and disease states, including immunity, tumorigenesis and neurodegeneration. Recent studies suggest that autophagy may also have important functions in embryogenesis and development. Many autophagy gene-knockout mice have embryonic lethality at different stages of development. Furthermore, interactions of autophagy with crucial developmental pathways such as Wnt, Shh (Sonic Hedgehog), TGFβ (transforming growth factor β) and FGF (fibroblast growth factor) have been reported. This suggests that autophagy may regulate cell fate decisions, such as differentiation and proliferation. In the present article, we discuss how mammalian autophagy may affect phenotypes associated with development.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
