The role of autophagy in reproduction from gametogenesis to parturition

Abstract Autophagy is an intracellular process responsible for maintaining cellular homeostasis by the removal of cytoplasmic organelles, intracellular bacteria and viruses, and is a critical component of both the innate and acquired immune systems. A failure in physiological activation, assembly an...

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Published inEuropean journal of obstetrics & gynecology and reproductive biology Vol. 171; no. 1; pp. 3 - 8
Main Authors Kanninen, Tomi T, de Andrade Ramos, Bruna Ribeiro, Witkin, Steven S
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Ireland Elsevier Ireland Ltd 01.11.2013
Subjects
Autophagy
Autophagy - immunology
Autophagy - physiology
Embryonic Development - physiology
Female
Fetal Membranes, Premature Rupture - physiopathology
Gametogenesis - physiology
Human reproduction
Humans
Male
Obstetric Labor, Premature - physiopathology
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Parturition - physiology
Placenta - physiology
Pregnancy - immunology
Pregnancy - physiology
Pregnancy Complications - immunology
Pregnancy Complications - physiopathology
Pregnancy disorders
Reproduction - immunology
Reproduction - physiology
Pregnancy disorders
Autophagy
Human reproduction
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Summary:Abstract Autophagy is an intracellular process responsible for maintaining cellular homeostasis by the removal of cytoplasmic organelles, intracellular bacteria and viruses, and is a critical component of both the innate and acquired immune systems. A failure in physiological activation, assembly and function of the autophagic pathway has been implicated in a broad range of diseases including neurogenerative diseases, cardiopathy, infectious diseases, autoimmunity and cancer. Its involvement in reproduction, however, has not been extensively studied. Its activity is fundamental to many processes across the reproduction spectrum from development of the primordial follicle and spermatozoa to embryogenesis, placental development and maintaining uterine quiescence during pregnancy. Malfunctions in autophagy are associated with deleterious repercussions throughout reproduction. In this review we examine what is known about the involvement of autophagy in gamete formation, early post-fertilization embryogenesis, placental development and parturition, and propose promising areas for future research.
Bibliography:ObjectType-Article-2
SourceType-Scholarly Journals-1
ObjectType-Feature-3
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ObjectType-Review-1
ISSN:0301-2115
1872-7654
DOI:10.1016/j.ejogrb.2013.07.020