A review of autophagy in the pancreas: normal physiology and pathophysiology

Autophagy is a complex cellular process of cellular degradation that is essential for healthy pancreatic function and, when perturbed, can result in pathological states such as pancreatitis, diabetes, and cancer. Extremes in both activation and inhibition can lead to inflammation, cell damage, and organ dysfunction. Pharmacologic targeting of autophagy to restore homeostasis may provide a therapeutic benefit to various pancreatic pathological processes. In this review, we discuss the current understanding of how autophagy maintains normal pancreatic function and is perturbed in various pancreatic disease states, including opportunities for potential therapeutic intervention.