Also called mitophagy · selective autophagy
Autophagy ("self-eating") is the cellular process of sequestering damaged proteins, organelles, and pathogens in autophagosomes and degrading them in lysosomes. It is upregulated by caloric restriction and AMPK activation; impaired autophagy is associated with age-related accumulation of cellular debris. It is a focus of longevity and mitochondrial research.
Research use only. This definition is an educational reference, not medical advice or dosing guidance.