Autophagy-Related Beclin 1 and Head and Neck Cancers

Abstract

Yang-Jie Hu,1,2 Jiang-Tao Zhong,2 Liang Gong,1 Si-Cong Zhang,1 Shui-Hong Zhou2 1Department of Otolaryngology, The Affiliated Cixi Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Cixi 315300, Zhejiang, People’s Republic of China; 2Department of Otolaryngology, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Shui-Hong ZhouDepartment of Otolaryngology, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 79 Qingchun Road, Hangzhou City 310003, People’s Republic of ChinaTel [phone]Fax [phone]Email [email protected]: Beclin 1, a positive regulator of autophagy, behaves as a double-edged sword in tumorigenesis. Beclin 1 contributes to tumor suppression by removing defective or damaged organelles and other cellular components; however, its activity can also stimulate cancer initiation and progression. In head and neck cancer, Beclin 1 overexpression promotes autophagy, which limits DNA damage and chromosomal instability and increases necrosis and inflammation by impacting apoptotic and autophagic pathways. This paper reviews the relationship between Beclin 1, carcinogenesis and head and neck cancer prognosis.Keywords: head and neck cancer, autophagy, Beclin 1, carcinogenesis

Keywords

• head and neck cancer
• autophagy
• beclin 1
• carcinogenesis