Acidic vesicular organelles (AVOs) are cellular compartments that are characterized by their low pH and include lysosomes, autophagosomes, and autolysosomes. They play a central role in several cellular processes, including degradation of intracellular components, recycling of cellular constituents, and autophagy.
Autophagy and Its Role in Cancer
Cell Survival Mechanism:
Autophagy is often activated under stressful conditions such as nutrient deprivation, hypoxia, or chemotherapy. By degrading and recycling damaged proteins and organelles, autophagy helps cancer cells survive under adverse conditions.
Tumor Suppressor Function:
In early stages of tumorigenesis, autophagy can limit genomic instability and inflammation by removing damaged organelles and misfolded proteins. Thus, it can act as a barrier to malignant transformation.
Tumor Promotion:
In established tumors, autophagy may support cancer cell survival. Enhanced autophagy can provide energy and metabolic substrates, thereby facilitating tumor growth and resistance to therapy.
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