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Brockmueller A, Ruiz de Porras V, Shakibaei M. Curcumin and its anti-colorectal cancer potential: From mechanisms of action to autophagy. Phytother Res 2024; 38:3525-3551. [PMID: 38699926 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.8220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2024] [Revised: 04/06/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) development and progression, one of the most common cancers globally, is supported by specific mechanisms to escape cell death despite chemotherapy, including cellular autophagy. Autophagy is an evolutionarily highly conserved degradation pathway involved in a variety of cellular processes, such as the maintenance of cellular homeostasis and clearance of foreign bodies, and its imbalance is associated with many diseases. However, the role of autophagy in CRC progression remains controversial, as it has a dual function, affecting either cell death or survival, and is associated with cellular senescence in tumor therapy. Indeed, numerous data have been presented that autophagy in cancers serves as an alternative to cell apoptosis when the latter is ineffective or in apoptosis-resistant cells, which is why it is also referred to as programmed cell death type II. Curcumin, one of the active constituents of Curcuma longa, has great potential to combat CRC by influencing various cellular signaling pathways and epigenetic regulation in a safe and cost-effective approach. This review discusses the efficacy of curcumin against CRC in vitro and in vivo, particularly its modulation of autophagy and apoptosis in various cellular pathways. While clinical studies have assessed the potential of curcumin in cancer prevention and treatment, none have specifically examined its role in autophagy. Nonetheless, we offer an overview of potential correlations to support the use of this polyphenol as a prophylactic or co-therapeutic agent in CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aranka Brockmueller
- Chair of Vegetative Anatomy, Institute of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Vicenç Ruiz de Porras
- CARE Program, Germans Trias i Pujol Research Institute (IGTP), Barcelona, Spain
- Catalan Institute of Oncology, Badalona Applied Research Group in Oncology (B·ARGO), Barcelona, Spain
- GRET and Toxicology Unit, Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mehdi Shakibaei
- Chair of Vegetative Anatomy, Institute of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
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2
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Li W, Guan S, Hu X, Zhao H, Cai J, Li X, Zhang X, Zhu W, Pan X, Li S, Tian J. Lysimachia capillipes Hemsl. saponins ameliorate colorectal cancer in mice via regulating gut microbiota and restoring metabolic profiles. Fitoterapia 2024; 175:105959. [PMID: 38615754 DOI: 10.1016/j.fitote.2024.105959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
Lysimachia capillipes Hemsl., a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), is commonly prescribed for its anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor properties. Pharmacological studies have demonstrated that Lysimachia capillipes Hemsl. saponins (LCS) are the primary bioactive component. However, its mechanism for treating colorectal cancer (CRC) is still unknown. Increasing evidence suggests a close relationship between CRC, intestinal flora, and host metabolism. Thus, this study aims to investigate the mechanism of LCS amelioration of CRC from the perspective of the gut microbiome and metabolome. As a result, seven gut microbiotas and fourteen plasma metabolites were significantly altered between the control and model groups. Among them, one gut microbiota genera (Monoglobus) and six metabolites (Ureidopropionic acid, Cytosine, L-Proline, 3-hydroxyanthranilic acid, Cyclic AMP and Suberic acid) showed the most pronounced callback trend after LCS administration. Subsequently, the correlation analysis revealed significant associations between 68 pairs of associated metabolites and gut microbes, with 13 pairs of strongly associated metabolites regulated by the LCS. Taken together, these findings indicate that the amelioration of CRC by LCS is connected to the regulation of intestinal flora and the recasting of metabolic abnormalities. These insights highlight the potential of LCS as a candidate drug for the treatment of CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Li
- Key Laboratory for Molecular Medicine and Chinese Medicine Preparations, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310002, China; College of Biomedical Engineering and Instrument Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
| | - Shenghong Guan
- Key Laboratory for Molecular Medicine and Chinese Medicine Preparations, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310002, China; College of Pharmacy Science, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310027, China
| | - Xueli Hu
- Key Laboratory for Molecular Medicine and Chinese Medicine Preparations, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310002, China; College of Pharmacy Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310027, China
| | - Huan Zhao
- Key Laboratory for Molecular Medicine and Chinese Medicine Preparations, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310002, China; Urology & Nephrology Center, Department of Nephrology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 310002, China
| | - Jinhong Cai
- Key Laboratory for Molecular Medicine and Chinese Medicine Preparations, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310002, China; College of Pharmacy Science, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310027, China
| | - Xiaohan Li
- Key Laboratory for Molecular Medicine and Chinese Medicine Preparations, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310002, China
| | - Xiaoyong Zhang
- Key Laboratory for Molecular Medicine and Chinese Medicine Preparations, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310002, China
| | - Wei Zhu
- Key Laboratory for Molecular Medicine and Chinese Medicine Preparations, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310002, China
| | - Xin Pan
- School of Pharmacy, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou 350122, China
| | - Shouxin Li
- Key Laboratory for Molecular Medicine and Chinese Medicine Preparations, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310002, China
| | - Jingkui Tian
- Key Laboratory for Molecular Medicine and Chinese Medicine Preparations, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310002, China.
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Mou Y, Chen Y, Fan Z, Ye L, Hu B, Han B, Wang G. Discovery of a novel small-molecule activator of SIRT3 that inhibits cell proliferation and migration by apoptosis and autophagy-dependent cell death pathways in colorectal cancer. Bioorg Chem 2024; 146:107327. [PMID: 38579616 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2024.107327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2024] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is well known as a prevalent malignancy affecting the digestive tract, yet its precise etiological determinants remain to be elusive. Accordingly, identifying specific molecular targets for colorectal cancer and predicting potential malignant tumor behavior are potential strategies for therapeutic interventions. Of note, apoptosis (type I programmed cell death) has been widely reported to play a pivotal role in tumorigenesis by exerting a suppressive effect on cancer development. Moreover, autophagy-dependent cell death (type II programmed cell death) has been implicated in different types of human cancers. Thus, investigating the molecular mechanisms underlying apoptosis and autophagy-dependent cell death is paramount in treatment modalities of colorectal cancer. In this study, we uncovered that a new small-molecule activator of SIRT3, named MY-13, triggered both autophagy-dependent cell death and apoptosis by modulating the SIRT3/Hsp90/AKT signaling pathway. Consequently, this compound inhibited tumor cell proliferation and migration in RKO and HCT-116 cell lines. Moreover, we further demonstrated that the small-molecule activator significantly suppressed tumor growth in vivo. In conclusion, these findings demonstrate that the novel small-molecule activator of SIRT3 may hold a therapeutic potential as a drug candidate in colorectal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Mou
- Department of Gastroenterology, Innovation Center of Nursing Research, Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, West China Hospital, Sichuan University/West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Yanmei Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Innovation Center of Nursing Research, Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, West China Hospital, Sichuan University/West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China; Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Zhichao Fan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Innovation Center of Nursing Research, Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, West China Hospital, Sichuan University/West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China; Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Liansong Ye
- Department of Gastroenterology, Innovation Center of Nursing Research, Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, West China Hospital, Sichuan University/West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Bing Hu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Innovation Center of Nursing Research, Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, West China Hospital, Sichuan University/West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
| | - Bo Han
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy and College of Medical Technology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China.
| | - Guan Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Innovation Center of Nursing Research, Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, West China Hospital, Sichuan University/West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China; Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
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Li R, Wu Y, Li Y, Shuai W, Wang A, Zhu Y, Hu X, Xia Y, Ouyang L, Wang G. Targeted regulated cell death with small molecule compounds in colorectal cancer: Current perspectives of targeted therapy and molecular mechanisms. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 265:116040. [PMID: 38142509 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.116040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC), a tumor of the digestive system, is characterized by high malignancy and poor prognosis. Currently, targeted therapy of CRC is far away from satisfying. The molecular mechanisms of regulated cell death (RCD) have been clearly elucidated, which can be intervened by drug or genetic modification. Numerous studies have provided substantial evidence linking these mechanisms to the progression and treatment of CRC. The RCD includes apoptosis, autophagy-dependent cell death (ADCD), ferroptosis, necroptosis, and pyroptosis, and immunogenic cell death, etc, which provide potential targets for anti-cancer treatment. For the last several years, small-molecule compounds targeting RCD have been a well concerned therapeutic strategy for CRC. This present review aims to describe the function of small-molecule compounds in the targeted therapy of CRC via targeting apoptosis, ADCD, ferroptosis, necroptosis, immunogenic dell death and pyroptosis, and their mechanisms. In addition, we prospect the application of newly discovered cuproptosis and disulfidptosis in CRC. Our review may provide references for the targeted therapy of CRC using small-molecule compounds targeting RCD, including the potential targets and candidate compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ru Li
- Innovation Center of Nursing Research, Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Management Department of Scientific Research Laboratory, West China Hospital, Sichuan University /West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yongya Wu
- Innovation Center of Nursing Research, Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Management Department of Scientific Research Laboratory, West China Hospital, Sichuan University /West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yan Li
- Innovation Center of Nursing Research, Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Management Department of Scientific Research Laboratory, West China Hospital, Sichuan University /West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Wen Shuai
- Innovation Center of Nursing Research, Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Management Department of Scientific Research Laboratory, West China Hospital, Sichuan University /West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Aoxue Wang
- Innovation Center of Nursing Research, Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Management Department of Scientific Research Laboratory, West China Hospital, Sichuan University /West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yumeng Zhu
- Innovation Center of Nursing Research, Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Management Department of Scientific Research Laboratory, West China Hospital, Sichuan University /West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Xiuying Hu
- Innovation Center of Nursing Research, Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Management Department of Scientific Research Laboratory, West China Hospital, Sichuan University /West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yong Xia
- Innovation Center of Nursing Research, Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Management Department of Scientific Research Laboratory, West China Hospital, Sichuan University /West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China; Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Rehabilitation Medicine Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China; Key Laboratory of Rehabilitation Medicine in Sichuan Province/Rehabilitation Medicine Research Institute, Chengdu, 610041, China.
| | - Liang Ouyang
- Innovation Center of Nursing Research, Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Management Department of Scientific Research Laboratory, West China Hospital, Sichuan University /West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
| | - Guan Wang
- Innovation Center of Nursing Research, Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Management Department of Scientific Research Laboratory, West China Hospital, Sichuan University /West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
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5
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Kasprzak A. Autophagy and the Insulin-like Growth Factor (IGF) System in Colonic Cells: Implications for Colorectal Neoplasia. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043665. [PMID: 36835075 PMCID: PMC9959216 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common human malignancies worldwide. Along with apoptosis and inflammation, autophagy is one of three important mechanisms in CRC. The presence of autophagy/mitophagy in most normal mature intestinal epithelial cells has been confirmed, where it has mainly protective functions against reactive oxygen species (ROS)-induced DNA and protein damage. Autophagy regulates cell proliferation, metabolism, differentiation, secretion of mucins and/or anti-microbial peptides. Abnormal autophagy in intestinal epithelial cells leads to dysbiosis, a decline in local immunity and a decrease in cell secretory function. The insulin-like growth factor (IGF) signaling pathway plays an important role in colorectal carcinogenesis. This is evidenced by the biological activities of IGFs (IGF-1 and IGF-2), IGF-1 receptor type 1 (IGF-1R) and IGF-binding proteins (IGF BPs), which have been reported to regulate cell survival, proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis. Defects in autophagy are found in patients with metabolic syndrome (MetS), inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) and CRC. In neoplastic cells, the IGF system modulates the autophagy process bidirectionally. In the current era of improving CRC therapies, it seems important to investigate the exact mechanisms not only of apoptosis, but also of autophagy in different populations of tumor microenvironment (TME) cells. The role of the IGF system in autophagy in normal as well as transformed colorectal cells still seems poorly understood. Hence, the aim of the review was to summarize the latest knowledge on the role of the IGF system in the molecular mechanisms of autophagy in the normal colon mucosa and in CRC, taking into account the cellular heterogeneity of the colonic and rectal epithelium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aldona Kasprzak
- Department of Histology and Embryology, University of Medical Sciences, Swiecicki Street 6, 60-781 Poznan, Poland
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Insights on Ferroptosis and Colorectal Cancer: Progress and Updates. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 28:molecules28010243. [PMID: 36615434 PMCID: PMC9821926 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28010243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Revised: 12/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Patients with advanced-stage or treatment-resistant colorectal cancer (CRC) benefit less from traditional therapies; hence, new therapeutic strategies may help improve the treatment response and prognosis of these patients. Ferroptosis is an iron-dependent type of regulated cell death characterized by the accumulation of lipid reactive oxygen species (ROS), distinct from other types of regulated cell death. CRC cells, especially those with drug-resistant properties, are characterized by high iron levels and ROS. This indicates that the induction of ferroptosis in these cells may become a new therapeutic approach for CRC, particularly for eradicating CRC resistant to traditional therapies. Recent studies have demonstrated the mechanisms and pathways that trigger or inhibit ferroptosis in CRC, and many regulatory molecules and pathways have been identified. Here, we review the current research progress on the mechanism of ferroptosis, new molecules that mediate ferroptosis, including coding and non-coding RNA; novel inducers and inhibitors of ferroptosis, which are mainly small-molecule compounds; and newly designed nanoparticles that increase the sensitivity of cells to ferroptosis. Finally, the gene signatures and clusters that have predictive value on CRC are summarized.
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Liu Q, Yang Y, Cheng M, Cheng F, Chen S, Zheng Q, Sun Y, Chen L. The marine natural product, dicitrinone B, induces apoptosis through autophagy blockade in breast cancer. Int J Mol Med 2022; 50:130. [PMID: 36052845 PMCID: PMC9448296 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2022.5186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Being a highly conserved catabolic process, autophagy is induced by various forms of cellular stress, and its modulation has considerable potential as a cancer therapeutic approach. In the present study, it was demonstrated that dicitrinone B (DB), a rare carbon-bridged citrinin dimer, may exert anticancer effects by blocking autophagy at a late stage, without disrupting lysosomal function in MCF7 breast cancer and MDA-MB-231 triple-negative breast cancer cells. Furthermore, it was discovered that DB significantly enhanced intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and that the removal of ROS was followed by the attenuation of autophagy inhibition. In addition, DB exerted notable inhibitory effects on the proliferation and promoting effects on the apoptosis of MCF7 and MDA-MB-231 cells. In combination with conventional chemotherapeutic drugs, DB exhibited a further enhanced synergistic effect than when used as a single agent. Overall, the data of the present study demonstrate that DB may prove to be a promising autophagy inhibitor with anticancer activity against breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinying Liu
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Biotherapy, Fujian Medical University Cancer Hospital and Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian 350014, P.R. China
| | - Yi Yang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Instrument and Pharmaceutical Technology, College of Biological Science and Technology, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350108, P.R. China
| | - Miaomiao Cheng
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Instrument and Pharmaceutical Technology, College of Biological Science and Technology, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350108, P.R. China
| | - Fangting Cheng
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Instrument and Pharmaceutical Technology, College of Biological Science and Technology, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350108, P.R. China
| | - Shanshan Chen
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Biotherapy, Fujian Medical University Cancer Hospital and Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian 350014, P.R. China
| | - Qiuhong Zheng
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Biotherapy, Fujian Medical University Cancer Hospital and Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian 350014, P.R. China
| | - Yang Sun
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Biotherapy, Fujian Medical University Cancer Hospital and Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian 350014, P.R. China
| | - Li Chen
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Instrument and Pharmaceutical Technology, College of Biological Science and Technology, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350108, P.R. China
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From Intestinal Epithelial Homeostasis to Colorectal Cancer: Autophagy Regulation in Cellular Stress. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11071308. [PMID: 35883800 PMCID: PMC9311735 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11071308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The intestinal epithelium is continuously exposed to abundant stress stimuli, which relies on an evolutionarily conserved process, autophagy, to maintain its homeostasis by degrading and recycling unwanted and damaged intracellular substances. Otherwise, disruption of this balance will result in the development of a wide range of disorders, including colorectal cancer (CRC). Dysregulated autophagy is implicated in the regulation of cellular responses to stress during the development, progression, and treatment of CRC. However, experimental investigations addressing the impact of autophagy in different phases of CRC have generated conflicting results, showing that autophagy is context-dependently related to CRC. Thus, both inhibition and activation of autophagy have been proposed as therapeutic strategies against CRC. Here, we will discuss the multifaceted role of autophagy in intestinal homeostasis and CRC, which may provide insights for future research directions.
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