Differential autophagic responses to nano-sized materials

- Autophagy is a dynamic process that mediates clearance of unwanted cytoplasmic material.
- Autophagy is activated in response to natural and engineered nanomaterials.
- The nature of the autophagic response depends on the nanomaterial's properties.
- Nanoparticle-induced autophagy may result in enhanced clearance or blockage of autophagic flux.
- Engineering nanomaterial properties enables modulation of the autophagy system.