The first textbook dedicated to teaching and assisting students with learning autophagy was recently released.
This is according to professor Ben Loos, head of Stellenbosch University’s (SU) department of physiological sciences, who co-edited the textbook with professor Daniel Kilionsky from the University of Michigan.
Professor Ben Loos (left), head of the department of physiological sciences at Stellenbosch University (SU), and Nicola Vahrmeijer (right), who is completing her PhD in physiological science at SU, collaborated and contributed a chapter to the textbook Autophagy – From Molecular Mechanics to Flux Control in Health and Disease, according to Loos. The inspiration behind the textbook was having a book dedicated specifically to teaching autophagy, said Loos. PHOTO: Marise Schoonraad
Autophagy is a complex cellular process that can be explained as the body’s own garbage disposal system, said Nicola Vahrmeijer, who is completing her PhD in physiological science at SU and also worked with Loos on a chapter of the textbook.
Autophagy is like the garbage truck that picks up all the garbage in your cells and disposes of it so that the cell can function properly, said Vahrmeijer.
“I did [write] a book before, which was more scientifically orientated […] and it was very methods-focused,” said Loos. “It was quite successful and I asked [the publisher]: ‘Would you be interested in something again, but more now really towards teaching?’.”
The textbook Autophagy – From Molecular Mechanics to Flux Control in Health and Disease was compiled over the span of two years and contains the work and research of experts across the world on autophagy, said professor Ben Loos, head of the department of physiological sciences at Stellenbosch University. PHOTO: Marise Schoonraad
A holistic view
The textbook’s holistic view of autophagy, including all its key aspects, is what sets it apart, according to Vahrmeijer.
This type of textbook will simplify the studying process, because all the information is in one place, said Daniella Retief, a BSc (Human Life Science) graduate at SU.
“I think [the textbook] makes a difference because then it’s not just something that you get taught,” said Vahrmeijer. “You start understanding and you start grappling with it as a whole process.”
Loos said that what also makes the book special is that each chapter is written by experts in the field and is accompanied by cardinal research papers, quizzes, and resources on that specific chapter.
In terms of future research on autophagy, Autophagy – From Molecular Mechanics to Flux Control in Health and Disease provides a good framework of what should be known about the process at present, according to professor Ben Loos, head of the department of physiological sciences at Stellenbosch University. The material in the textbook can be used to direct the focus of future research, he said. PHOTO: Marise Schoonraad
Autophagy in our everyday lives
Autophagy is synonymous with aging, and if people know how to activate it in their bodies, they can live longer, healthier lives, according to Vahrmeijer.
“Having a basic understanding of autophagy will also allow people to understand the process of aging better and what happens when there is uncontrolled autophagy,” said Retief.
Autophagy is enhanced by our lifestyle, exercise, diet, fasting, and having less stress, said Vahrmeijer.
When autophagy is not functional, cells become unhappy and die, said Vahrmeijer. Cell death is associated with different diseases, like muscle diseases, neurodegeneration, and cancer, said Vahrmeijer.
Loos said that it is important for people to be aware of the process of autophagy, because then they can adapt to a lifestyle that will enhance autophagy and benefit their overall health.
The process of autophagy and what influences it, according to professor Ben Loos, head of the department of physiological sciences at Stellenbosch University. INFOGRAPHIC: Marise Schoonraad