Beclin 1对凋亡和自噬的调控作用

Beclin 1是自噬关键调控蛋白之一，参与自噬体膜形成.近期，大量研究结果指出, Beclin 1是caspase家族蛋白酶的全新底物，可被caspase剪切.剪切后的Beclin 1失去自噬调节功能，转而加剧凋亡进程.因而，Beclin 1对细胞凋亡和自噬起着重要的调控作用. 本文主要对细胞凋亡和自噬的相关性，以及Beclin 1在两通路中的调控作用进行了回顾与总结.在此基础上，进一步讨论了Beclin 1与人类疾病如肿瘤、神经系统退行性疾病的关联.最后，简要介绍了实验室常用于Beclin 1研究的工具.

Beclin 1 Regulates Apoptosis and Autophagy

Beclin 1, as a crucial regulatory protein, regulates autophagosome membrane formation. Recently, the accumulated evidence suggests that Beclin 1 is a novel substrate of caspase family members and can be cleaved by caspases. Cleaved Beclin 1 can not trigger autophagic activation, but promotes apoptosis. Therefore, Beclin 1 plays an essential role in regulating apoptosis and autophagy. In this study, we summarized the recent advances in the association between apoptosis and autophagy, as well as the regulatory effects of Beclin 1 in mediating apoptosis and autophagy. In addition, we discussed the link between Beclin 1 and human diseases (e.g. cancer and neurodegenerative disorders). Finally, the commonly used tools for the study of Beclin 1 in laboratory were briefly introduced.