ABSTRACT
Autophagy, a process by which bulk cellular proteins are turned over via the lysosomal/ vacuolar system, substantially contributes to the quality control o f cytoplasmic components by removing aged or injured cell constituents that are formed in cells exposed to various stimuli and stresses. Once accumulated, these damaged proteins vitiate normal cellular functions and eventually cause cell death. The effects of damaged proteins are more serious in non-proliferative tissues such as muscles and neuronal tissues, because they are unable to regenerate normal healthy cells.
