Autophagy is regulated by a complex network of signaling pathways. The mTOR (mechanistic target of rapamycin) pathway is a critical negative regulator of autophagy. Under nutrient-rich conditions, mTOR is active and inhibits autophagy. Conversely, under nutrient-deprived conditions, mTOR is inhibited, leading to the activation of autophagy. Other key regulators include the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), which activates autophagy in response to energy stress, and the Beclin-1 complex, which plays a pivotal role in the initiation of autophagosome formation.
