Autophagy–Actin Crosstalk: Implications for Cellular Homeostasis and Disease

Actin is a key component of the cytoskeleton and plays diverse roles in cellular processes. Autophagy regulates homeostasis through various mechanisms that recycle nutrients and degrade unnecessary or harmful cellular components and aggregates. These two processes are engaged in a highly conserved crosstalk through which they regulate each other, including autophagolysosomal formation and regulation of actin dynamics. The regulation of autophagy is involved in cancer, neurodegeneration, infectious diseases, and inflammation, providing possible avenues for treatments for these diseases. In this review, we summarize current knowledge of the actin-autophagy interplay and regulation, and explore the possible implications for disease progression and therapies. Although more research is necessary to strengthen the effectiveness of therapies that target the regulation of autophagy and actin dynamics, significant strides have already been made, clearly indicating the potential benefit of targeting these processes.