Autophagy is a cellular process where cells break down their own cytoplasm and organelles for nutrient recycling and energy generation. This process, essential for maintaining cellular health and survival, involves the formation of autophagosomes, which transport damaged components to lysosomes for degradation. Autophagy is regulated by various signaling pathways, including mTORC1 and AMPK, and is crucial for metabolic homeostasis, tissue remodeling, and disease prevention. It plays a dual role in both preventing degenerative diseases and supporting tumor growth, highlighting its complex and multifaceted nature. The breakdown products of autophagy, such as amino acids and lipids, are used for energy production and biosynthesis, contributing to cellular metabolism. Understanding the regulation and function of autophagy is vital for developing therapeutic strategies to combat diseases like cancer and metabolic disorders.Autophagy is a cellular process where cells break down their own cytoplasm and organelles for nutrient recycling and energy generation. This process, essential for maintaining cellular health and survival, involves the formation of autophagosomes, which transport damaged components to lysosomes for degradation. Autophagy is regulated by various signaling pathways, including mTORC1 and AMPK, and is crucial for metabolic homeostasis, tissue remodeling, and disease prevention. It plays a dual role in both preventing degenerative diseases and supporting tumor growth, highlighting its complex and multifaceted nature. The breakdown products of autophagy, such as amino acids and lipids, are used for energy production and biosynthesis, contributing to cellular metabolism. Understanding the regulation and function of autophagy is vital for developing therapeutic strategies to combat diseases like cancer and metabolic disorders.