<p>Autophagy-Related Beclin 1 and Head and Neck Cancers</p>
Yang-Jie Hu, Jiang-Tao Zhong, Liang Gong, Sicong Zhang, Shui‐Hong Zhou
Abstract
Beclin 1, a positive regulator of autophagy, behaves as a double-edged sword in tumorigenesis. Beclin 1 contributes to tumor suppression by removing defective or damaged organelles and other cellular components; however, its activity can also stimulate cancer initiation and progression. In head and neck cancer, Beclin 1 overexpression promotes autophagy, which limits DNA damage and chromosomal instability and increases necrosis and inflammation by impacting apoptotic and autophagic pathways. This paper reviews the relationship between Beclin 1, carcinogenesis and head and neck cancer prognosis.
Topics & Concepts
AutophagyCarcinogenesisCancer researchHead and neck cancerCancerInflammationGenome instabilityHead and neckMedicineRegulatorApoptosisBiologyDNA damageInternal medicineDNAGeneticsGeneSurgeryAutophagy in Disease and TherapyCancer-related gene regulationHeme Oxygenase-1 and Carbon Monoxide