Work

Glycophagy: molecular mechanisms, regulatory signals, and disease associations

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Glycophagy is a process of selective degradation of glycogen through the autophagy pathway. It relies on key proteins, such as STBD1 (glycogen-specific autophagy receptor), GABARAPL1 (member of the ATG8 family), and acid α-glucosidase (GAA), and proceeds through the steps of "glycogen recognition - autophagosome encapsulation - lysosomal degradation" to release glucose, thereby maintaining energy homeostasis. This process is regulated by multiple signaling pathways, such as AMPK, mTOR, CAMP/PKA, and calcium signaling pathways, which jointly respond to cellular energy demands and metabolic states. Glycophagy occurs under conditions, such as starvation, exercise, and energy metabolism disorders, and plays a role in diseases with glycogen metabolism disorders. Its functions include energy supply, blood sugar regulation, maintenance of cellular homeostasis, and influencing cellular aging. Dysfunction of glycophagy can lead to various diseases, such as glycogen storage diseases and diabetic cardiomyopathy. In-depth study of the regulatory mechanisms of glycophagy is helpful for developing therapeutic strategies for related diseases.

Source: Autophagy Reports

DOI: 10.1080/27694127.2025.2595375

Authors: Lei Chen, Lei Chen, Jinyong Jiang, Meiqing Liu, Linxi Chen, Linxi Chen

Institutions: University of South China, Xiangxi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture People's Hospital, Yan'an Hospital Affiliated To Kunming Medical University

Language: English

Topic: Autophagy in Disease and Therapy

Subfield: Epidemiology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

Funders: National Natural Science Foundation of China, Natural Science Foundation of Hunan Province