Beclin-1 is implicated in which cellular process relevant to cancer therapy?

• A. Autophagy
• B. Glycolysis
• C. DNA replication
• D. Apoptosis

Answer: (A)

Beclin-1 is a central regulator of autophagy, driving the initiation of autophagosome formation by forming a complex with VPS34 (class III PI3K) and other autophagy proteins. This pathway recycles cellular components under stress, supplying nutrients and removing damaged organelles, which can influence how cancer cells survive or respond to therapy. Beclin-1 also interacts with apoptotic regulators, linking autophagy to cell death pathways, and loss of Beclin-1 can promote tumor development, underscoring its role as a tumor suppressor. Because altering autophagy can change sensitivity to chemotherapy and radiation, Beclin-1’s involvement in autophagy is particularly relevant to cancer therapy. While glycolysis, DNA replication, and apoptosis are important processes, Beclin-1’s defining function is autophagy, making it the best fit.