Autophagy: A Sweet Process in Diabetes Alfred J. Meijer, Patrice Codogno  Cell Metabolism  Volume 8, Issue 4, Pages 275-276 (October 2008) DOI: 10.1016/j.cmet.2008.09.001 Copyright © 2008 Elsevier Inc. Terms and Conditions

Figure 1 Regulation of Autophagy by Insulin and Amino Acids and the Role of Autophagy in Pancreatic β Cells Activation of mTOR requires input from both insulin and amino acids. Activation of mTOR stimulates protein synthesis and simultaneously inhibits autophagy via phosphorylation of the protein kinase Atg1. Basal autophagy is required to maintain β cell islet architecture and function. Stimulated autophagy occurs in response to insulin resistance in β cells. The mechanism by which free fatty acids (FFAs) stimulate autophagy remains to be elucidated. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) may be involved. Cell Metabolism 2008 8, 275-276DOI: (10.1016/j.cmet.2008.09.001) Copyright © 2008 Elsevier Inc. Terms and Conditions