AMPK-mTOR-ULK1/2 signaling pathway and autophagy

Autophagy, also called typeⅡcell death, is a process in which cells use lysosome to degrade damaged organelles and macromolecules. It has been found that autophagy is related to many diseases, including Alzheimers, cardiomyopathy and tumor. AMPK-mTOR-ULK1/2 signaling pathway plays an important role in regulating autophagy, and studies of this pathway may further clarify mechanism of autophagy, and provide a potential therapeutic target of autophagy-based diseases. In this paper, we review the functions of each component and regulating mechanisms. Key words: Autophagy; AMPK; mTOR