自噬在发育及干细胞中的作用

自噬是亚细胞膜结构发生动态变化并经溶酶体介导的细胞内蛋白质和细胞器降解的过程。通过平衡细胞内的合成和分解代谢，自噬可以维持细胞内环境稳态。干细胞是具有自我更新能力和多向分化潜能的细胞，对组织器官再生和维持组织稳态有重要作用。近年的研究表明，自噬在维持干细胞功能方面有非常重要的作用，本文综述了自噬的形成过程和分子机制及其在发育及干细胞中的作用。

The Role of Autophagy in Mammalian Development and Stem Cells

Autophagy is a lysosome-dependent degradation pathway that allows cells to recycle damaged or superfluous cytoplasmic content, such as proteins and organelles. Recycling of cellular components through autophagy is a crucial step for cell homeostasis as well as for tissue remodelling during development. Stem cells are defined by their self-renewal capacity and their ability to differentiate into the mature cells of the body. This unique type of cells plays essential role in development and tissue renewal. Recent studies show that autophagy is a crucial player in stem cells function maintenance. In this review, we have highlighted the most significant advances in the comprehension of autophagy and its role in mammalian development and stem cells.