Autophagy is a highly conserved eukaryotic cellular recycling process that plays a crucial role in cell survival and maintenance by degrading cytoplasmic organelles, proteins, and macromolecules. There are three primary types of autophagy: microautophagy, macroautophagy, and chaperone-mediated autophagy (CMA). Each type has distinct morphological features but ultimately delivers cargo to the lysosome for degradation and recycling. Macroautophagy, the best-studied type, involves the formation of double-membrane vesicles (autophagosomes) to sequester and transport cargo to the lysosome. The process is regulated by various signaling pathways, including nutrient status, energy levels, and stress conditions. Key regulators include the ULK1/2 complex, ATG13, RB1CC1, and the mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (MTORC1). The regulation of autophagy is complex and involves multiple pathways, making it an active area of research. Understanding the molecular mechanisms and regulation of autophagy is essential for developing treatments for diseases associated with autophagy dysfunction, such as neurodegeneration, cancer, and metabolic disorders.Autophagy is a highly conserved eukaryotic cellular recycling process that plays a crucial role in cell survival and maintenance by degrading cytoplasmic organelles, proteins, and macromolecules. There are three primary types of autophagy: microautophagy, macroautophagy, and chaperone-mediated autophagy (CMA). Each type has distinct morphological features but ultimately delivers cargo to the lysosome for degradation and recycling. Macroautophagy, the best-studied type, involves the formation of double-membrane vesicles (autophagosomes) to sequester and transport cargo to the lysosome. The process is regulated by various signaling pathways, including nutrient status, energy levels, and stress conditions. Key regulators include the ULK1/2 complex, ATG13, RB1CC1, and the mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (MTORC1). The regulation of autophagy is complex and involves multiple pathways, making it an active area of research. Understanding the molecular mechanisms and regulation of autophagy is essential for developing treatments for diseases associated with autophagy dysfunction, such as neurodegeneration, cancer, and metabolic disorders.