Characterising Futile Autophagosome Based Toxicity and its Implications in Disease

Abstract

Macroautophagy (‘autophagy’ hereafter) mediates the capture of aberrant cytoplasmic material into vesicles called autophagosomes, which then shuttle to lysosomes for degradation. Autophagy is implicated in numerous diseases, largely in a pro-survival role. However, autophagy has also been suggested as a form of programmed cell death (PCD), from cases of dying cells showing autophagosome accumulations. Debate occurs between whether these vesicles drive the lethality, or are instead a failing rescue attempt. This study aimed to provide clarity on this issue. Via the use of chemical and genetic strategies of inducing autophagosome accumulations, we found combining stimulators of autophagosome biogenesis with lysosomal degradation inhibitors gave rise to toxicity. Notably, this effect was dependent on the autophagy machinery and independent of other PCD routes. Research into the underlying mechanisms revealed an energy deficit under these conditions. Since autophagosomes cannot be recycled at lysosomes here, their continued synthesis affords no survival benefits, and instead just serves to deplete cellular energy further. For this reason, we designate this event ‘Futile Autophagosome Synthesis’ (FAS) toxicity. Other contributors to this toxicity include the persistence of harmful agents like Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS). Having established our FAS model, we explored its relevance in both cancer and neurodegeneration. Importantly, we found FAS inducing strategies to be effective in tumour treatment. Also, inhibiting FAS reduced the toxicity seen in neurodegenerative disease. Therefore, not only does this study improve our knowledge of autophagy in PCD, but also indicates it may have important medical implications.