From the Guidelines

Autophagy is a normal cellular process.

Autophagy is a lysosome-dependent degradation process that plays a fundamental role in determining cell fate under various stress conditions 1.
It is often considered a pro-survival mechanism, helping cells survive under stress conditions, such as nutrient deprivation, by recycling cellular components and providing energy and building blocks.
Autophagy can remove damaged organelles and proteins, protecting cells from accumulating harmful materials that could trigger cell death.

The role of autophagy can vary depending on the context, with evidence suggesting it can promote cell survival or trigger cell death, depending on the intensity and duration of the stress 1.
In some cases, autophagy can remove damaged cellular components, while in others, it may contribute to cell death.

It is crucial to tightly regulate autophagy within a narrow window to harness its beneficial effects while minimizing any potential negative consequences, particularly in the context of disease conditions 1.
Dysregulation of autophagy has been implicated in various diseases, highlighting the need for further research into its mechanisms and regulation.

From the Research

Autophagy is the main catabolic process by which cells recycle cytoplasmic components and superfluous or damaged organelles to preserve metabolic homeostasis under normal conditions and promote survival under stress 2.
It is a tightly regulated and dynamic process that has critical roles in development and cell differentiation, immune function, organismal health, and lifespan 2.
Autophagy is also involved in the degradation and recycling of long-lived proteins and cytoplasmic organelles, and is an essential part of growth regulation and maintenance of homeostasis in multicellular organisms 3.

Basal levels of autophagy ensure the physiological turnover of old and damaged organelles, while the massive accumulation of autophagic vacuoles may represent either an alternative pathway of cell death or an ultimate attempt for cells to survive by adapting to stress 4.
Autophagy can operate as a pro-survival mechanism by providing cells with metabolic substrates to meet their energetic demands under stressful conditions, such as nutrient deprivation, or favor the selective elimination of damaged organelles 4.
Defective or dysregulated autophagy accelerates ageing and increases susceptibility to diseases, such as neurodegenerative disorders and cancer, among others 2, 3, 5.

Autophagy is a normal process that occurs in cells under normal conditions, and is involved in the breakdown of proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids 5.
It plays a critical role in wide range of normal human physiological processes, including development, cell differentiation, and immune function 2, 3.
Autophagy is also important for maintaining cellular homeostasis and promoting survival under stress conditions, such as nutrient deprivation 4, 5.