autophagoszómába

Autophagosome is a double-membraned vesicle that forms during autophagy, a cellular process for degrading and recycling damaged organelles and misfolded proteins. The autophagosome engulfs the cellular cargo within its lumen. It originates from a precursor membrane structure called the phagophore, which expands and curves to enclose the target material. Once the autophagosome is fully formed, it fuses with a lysosome. This fusion event creates an autolysosome, where the contents of the autophagosome are degraded by lysosomal enzymes. This degradation process is essential for maintaining cellular homeostasis, removing cellular waste, and providing nutrients during periods of starvation. Dysregulation of autophagosome formation and function is implicated in various diseases, including cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and infectious diseases. The precise molecular mechanisms governing autophagosome biogenesis and cargo recognition are areas of active research. Understanding the autophagosome pathway is crucial for developing therapeutic strategies for these conditions.