REGULATION OF AUTOPHAGY BY INSULIN/IGF-1 SIGNALING PATHWAYS

Abstract

Insulin and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) share a high degree of structural homology and biological actions. Both peptides mediate several cellular processes involved mostly in metabolism and growth. Insulin is mainly implicated in the maintenance of energy balance whereas IGF-1 is essential for normal growth, development and differentiation. Autophagy is one of the key catabolic process regulated by insulin/IGF-1. In recent years, autophagic activity has been linked with multiple pathological conditions in patients. However, the underlying signaling mechanisms mediating the regulation of autophagy by insulin/IGF-1 and its consequences in the settings of cancer, atrophy, aging and diabetes are less understood. This review is focused on the interface between insulin/IGF-1 pathways and autophagy with emphasis on these pathologies.