Exclusive Reviews on Autophagy: From Molecular Mechanisms to Therapeutic Frontiers

Dear Colleagues,

In celebration of the 15th anniversary of Cells, we are delighted to launch an exclusive review Special Issue dedicated to autophagy, which is a fundamental and evolutionarily conserved catabolic process that maintains cellular homeostasis by degrading superfluous or damaged proteins, organelles, and pathogens through lysosomal recycling. Autophagy serves as a critical adaptive mechanism, safeguarding cells against stress, infection, and metabolic imbalance, while its dysregulation underpins a broad spectrum of diseases, including cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, metabolic syndromes, and aging.

As one of the most dynamic and rapidly advancing fields in contemporary life sciences, autophagy research continues to unravel novel molecular players, regulatory networks, and pathophysiological implications. This Special Issue aims to compile a curated collection of high‑quality, authoritative review articles that synthesize the latest breakthroughs in the field.

By bringing together visionary perspectives from diverse research communities, this exclusive Special Issue will not only commemorate the journal’s 15‑year legacy, but also chart future directions for autophagy research, inspiring innovation and collaboration in the years to come.

Dr. Chengyu Liang
Prof. Dr. Daolin Tang
Guest Editors

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