A cellular recycling process where damaged proteins and organelles are engulfed and degraded. Important for cellular maintenance and longevity. Fasting, AMPK activation, and certain peptides may promote autophagy.
"Autophagy" is filed under Cell Biology in the PeptideAtlas glossary, alongside 6 other terms in that group.
The term applies directly to 2 compound profiles here: Tat-Beclin 1 (evidence D), Rapamycin (evidence B). Each profile states the strength of the human evidence rather than only what the compound is claimed to do.
1 other glossary entry refer to this term in their own definition, which is usually the fastest way to see how it is used in practice.
A cellular energy sensor activated when ATP levels are low (e.g., during exercise or fasting). AMPK activation promotes glucose uptake, fatty acid oxidation, mitochondrial biogenesis, and autophagy. AICAR (a nucleoside analog, not a peptide) activates AMPK indirectly via its intracellular metabolite ZMP; the mitochondrial-derived peptide MOTS-c also activates AMPK signaling.
A phospholipid found almost exclusively in the inner mitochondrial membrane, essential for the function of respiratory chain complexes and ATP production. Cardiolipin damage is linked to aging and metabolic disease. The peptide SS-31 (Elamipretide) selectively binds cardiolipin to stabilize mitochondrial function.
The inward folds of the inner mitochondrial membrane where the electron transport chain and ATP synthase are located. Cristae structure determines mitochondrial efficiency. Cardiolipin stabilization by SS-31 helps maintain normal cristae architecture.
Programmed cell death — a controlled process by which damaged or unnecessary cells self-destruct. Senolytic peptides like FOXO4-DRI work by re-enabling apoptosis in senescent cells that have become resistant to it.
Compounds where this applies: Tat-Beclin 1, Rapamycin.
Terms that reference this one: AMPK (AMP-Activated Protein Kinase).
More Cell Biology terms: Cardiolipin, Cristae, Apoptosis, Mitochondrial Biogenesis, Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB), Satellite Cells.