Guest Editors
Dr. Serena Castelli
Email: serena.castelli@uniroma5.it
Affiliation: Department for the Promotion of Human Science and Quality of Life, San Raffaele Open University, Via di Val Cannuta, 247, 00166 Rome, Italy
IRCCS San Raffaele Roma, 00166 Rome, Italy
Homepage:
Research Interests: biochemistry, tumor metabolism, lipid catabolism, DNA damage, oxidative stress
Dr. Angela De Cristofaro
Email: angela.decristofaro@students.uniroma2.eu
Affiliation: Department of Biology, University of Rome "Tor Vergata" , Via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, Rome, 00133, Italy
Homepage:
Research Interests: biochemistry, tumor metabolism, lipid catabolism, DNA damage, oxidative stress
Summary
Autophagy and oxidative stress are interlinked cellular processes that play context-dependent roles in tumorigenesis, progression, and treatment response. Autophagy acts as a key regulator of cellular homeostasis, clearing damaged organelles and proteins, while oxidative stress, driven by reactive oxygen species (ROS), can either induce cell death or promote survival and adaptation. Their interplay critically influences cancer cell fate, including metabolic rewiring, resistance to apoptosis, genomic instability, and immune evasion. Emerging evidence suggests that these processes can function as both allies and enemies of cancer, depending on the cellular context and stage of disease.
This special issue aims to explore the multifaceted crosstalk between autophagy and oxidative stress in cancer at the cellular and molecular levels. Emphasis will be placed on mechanistic studies that dissect how these pathways govern tumor cell behavior, therapeutic response, and the tumor microenvironment. We welcome original research articles, reviews, perspectives, and short communications that advance our understanding of this dynamic relationship.
Key topics of interest include, but are not limited to:
1. Molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways:
Crosstalk between autophagy and oxidative stress signaling pathways (e.g., mTOR, AMPK, NRF2, p62)
ROS-mediated regulation of autophagy and programmed cell death
Cancer cell adaptation to oxidative pressure through autophagic responses
2. Organelle-specific dynamics:
Mitophagy and ROS clearance in tumor cells
Lysosomal dysfunction and redox signaling in cancer
Organelle communication in the regulation of stress responses (e.g., ER stress-autophagy coupling)
3. Dual roles of autophagy and oxidative stress:
Protective vs. destructive roles of autophagy in tumor development
Pro-tumorigenic vs. anti-tumorigenic functions of ROS across cancer types
Mechanisms dictating context-dependent outcomes
4. Tumor-type specific mechanisms:
Variations in autophagy/ROS regulatory networks among different cancers
Case studies from liver, pancreatic, glioblastoma, and other malignancies
5. Translational studies and therapeutic implications:
Targeting autophagy or oxidative stress-related proteins for cancer therapy
Combined strategies: autophagy inhibitors and ROS-inducing agents
Nanotechnology approaches to modulate cellular stress responses in cancer
This special issue provides a timely platform to present mechanistic insights that illuminate how autophagy and oxidative stress influence cancer progression and therapy. Studies using advanced cellular models, organelle imaging, omics technologies, or patient-derived samples are especially encouraged.
Keywords
autophagy, oxidative stress, reactive oxygen species, cancer cell fate, signal transduction, mitophagy, tumor microenvironment, redox regulation
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