This four-volume set explores autophagy from multiple perspectives: Basic Science, Clinical Science, Detection Methods and Protocols, and Translational Medicine. This book focuses on "Basic Science" and covers the history and current status of autophagy research, the signaling pathways regulating the process, and the biological functions of autophagy, including its role in maintaining metabolic homeostasis through the regulation of cellular energy, lipid, and protein metabolism, its cellular quality control functions, its critical role in determining cell survival, death, and fate decisions, and its dual functions in innate and adaptive immunity. The aim of publishing this book is to present cutting-edge knowledge in the field of autophagy. This book serves as a valuable reference for researchers and clinicians working on or interested in autophagy.

This volume 1 provides a comprehensive overview of the fundamental aspects of autophagy, beginning with its historical development and current research status. It explores the molecular mechanisms regulating autophagy, including key signaling pathways such as mTOR, AMPK, Beclin 1, and TP53, as well as emerging regulators such as ion channels, GPCRs, noncoding RNAs, and epigenetic factors.

Zheng-Hong Qin, MD; PhD, Institute of Health Science and Technology, Suzhou Gaobo Vocational College, Qingshan Road, Suzhou Science and Technology Tower, Hi-Tech Area, Suzhou, China. He is the director of the Institute of Health Science and Technology, Suzhou Gao Bo Vocational College. He has published more than 250 research papers and edited books Autophagy: Biology and Disease and Cobra Venom-Basic Research and Clinic Applications. He also contributed to 10 other books as an author.