Abstract: Series 111, Lecture 5

The Harvey Lectures Series 111 (2015—2016)

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Lecture #5: Thursday, March 17, 2016 — Watch Video of Lecture

Selective Autophagy: The Ultimate Recycling for a Long and Healthy Life

Ana Maria Cuervo, MD, PhD

Ana Maria Cuervo, MD, PhD

Professor, Department of Developmental & Molecular Biology
Professor, Department of Anatomy & Structural Biology
Professor, Department of Medicine (Gastroenterology & Liver Diseases)
Robert and Renée Belfer Chair for the Study of Neurodegenerative Diseases

Albert Einstein College of Medicine

Bronx, New York

Dr Cuervo's Website

Autophagy mediates the digestion of cytosolic material in lysosomes for quality control purposes and it becomes an alternative source of energy under energetically-demanding conditions. The better understanding of the molecular machinery that participates in the different autophagic processes has allowed linking alterations in autophagy with many severe human diseases. In addition, autophagy malfunctioning seems to be a common feature of many organs as individuals age and may contribute to important aspects of aging.