NRF2 activates macropinocytosis upon autophagy inhibition

Su et al. demonstrate that upon inhibiting autophagy, an intracellular nutrient recycling pathway, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cells upregulate NRF2-mediated transcription ofmacropinocytosis pathway components, thereby triggering an alternate route for tumors to scavenge nutrients from extracellular sources. Accordingly, the combined inhibition of autophagy and macropinocytosis may improve cancer treatment.

Automated summary

Inhibiting autophagy in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cells can activate the NRF2-mediated macropinocytosis pathway, providing an alternate way for tumors to obtain nutrients from the extracellular environment. Therefore, the combined inhibition of autophagy and macropinocytosis may enhance cancer treatment outcomes.