Malfunctioning Autophagy Leads to Prostate Cancer

The inability of a cell to take out the trash is likely a common theme behind many cancers. Researchers at the Kimmel Cancer Center have shown for the first time how the deactivation of the SIRT1 gene¹ causes trash removal to go on the blink and prostate cancer to kick into gear.

The cell’s natural trash removal and recycling operation is governed by the process called autophagy. If the SIRT1 gene is blunted then trash builds up and cancer genes are activated. In normal operation autophagy not only cleans trash but also keeps up with extra trash from increased stress. SIRT1 is easily turned off by eating too much – in turn forcing cells to deal with excess calories while the clean-up crew is on strike. It is little wonder that obesity is associated with higher rates of breast and prostate cancer.