Autophagy - A Biomedical Paradigm

Autophagy is emerging as an important biomedical paradigm with the potential to impact broadly on fundamental biological and translational advances. Autophagy is a homeostatic response of eukaryotic cells to external and internal triggers, allowing them to maintain the quality and quantity of their cytoplasmic components. When properly regulated, autophagy supports normal cellular and developmental processes, whereas autophagic dysfunction is associated with a broad spectrum of human physiological and diseases states. These include aging, musculoskeletal diseases, chronic inflammatory conditions and innate and adaptive immunity, cancer, metabolic disorders, and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Huntington’s and Parkinson’s diseases. In parallel with the discoveries related to the fundamental cellular and molecular mechanisms of autophagy, the contributions of this process to the basis of diverse diseases is being uncovered at a rapid pace. The growth in both breath and depth of the field opens new prospects for therapeutic applications. This GRC meeting will capture the latest in molecular, cellular, physiological, and medical advances in the field of autophagy.