The roles of mitochondrial autophagy in pathogenesis of colorectal cancer

Mitochondria play an important role in cellular metabolism and growth. It can provide energy for cellular life activities and serve as zymolyte for biosysthesis. When cells live in harsh environment, cells can selectively remove damaged mitochondria to reduce burden, supply nutrition and adapt to harsh environment. Mitochondrial autophagy is crucial in maintaining cell survival and resisting the environmental stress, aging and apoptosis. Abnormalities in mitochondrial autophagy can lead to a variety of diseases, such as neurodegenerative disorders, heart disease, diabetesand cancer. With the change of people’s living habits, the incidence and mortality of colorectal cancer increase year by year, which has become one of the most common malignant tumors in China. Studies on the relationship between colorectal cancer and mitochondrial autophagy become a research hotspot in this field. To clarify the role of mitochondrial autophagy in colorectal cancer will help to further understand the pathogenesis of colorectal cancer, and provide a new direction and idea for the diagnosis and treatment of colorectal cancer. Therefore, this article focuses on the mechanism of mitophagy and its relationship with colorectal cancer. Key words: Mitophagy; Autophagy; Colorectal cancer; Cell apoptosis