Autophagy at the interface of endothelial cell homeostasis and vascular disease

Abstract

Autophagy is an essential intracellular process for cellular quality control. It enables cell homeostasis through the selective degradation of harmful protein aggregates and damaged organelles. Autophagy is essential for recycling nutrients, generating energy to maintain cell viability in most tissues and during adverse conditions such as hypoxia/ischaemia. The progressive understanding of the mechanisms modulating autophagy in the vasculature has recently led numerous studies to link intact autophagic responses with endothelial cell (EC) homeostasis and function. Preserved autophagic flux within the ECs has an essential role in maintaining their physiological characteristics, whereas defective autophagy can promote endothelial pro‐inflammatory and atherogenic phenotype. However, we still lack a good knowledge of the complete molecular repertoire controlling various aspects of endothelial autophagy and how this is associated with vascular diseases. Here, we provide an overview of the current state of the art of autophagy in ECs. We review the discoveries that have so far defined autophagy as an essential mechanism in vascular biology and analyse how autophagy influences ECs behaviour in vascular disease. Finally, we emphasise opportunities for compounds to regulate autophagy in ECs and discuss the challenges of exploiting them to resolve vascular disease.

Iron corroded granules inhibiting vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation

“…Autophagy is an important biological process involved in cellular homeostasis [ [35] , [36] , [37] ]. Notably, autophagy was involved in regulating VSMC proliferation, migration, and collagen secretion in response to stimuli [ 36 , 38 ].…”

The Role of NLRP3 Inflammasome in Alzheimer’s Disease and Potential Therapeutic Targets

“…Autophagy is a process of non-specific degradation of the cell’s own components such as organelles and abnormal accumulation proteins through the lysosomal system. Hence, it is essential for maintaining cell homeostasis and survival ( Mameli et al, 2021 ). Autophagy has been confirmed to be closely related to the NLRP3 inflammasome activation, as the response of eukaryotic cells to external stimuli.…”

Skeletal Muscle Microvascular Dysfunction in Obesity-Related Insulin Resistance: Pathophysiological Mechanisms and Therapeutic Perspectives

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