Unraveling the complexity of chaperone-mediated autophagy in aging: insights into sex-specific and cell-type-specific regulation

Chaperone-mediated autophagy (CMA) is a selective autophagic pathway that targets specific proteins for lysosomal degradation, playing a crucial role in maintaining cellular homeostasis. Recent research has highlighted the involvement of CMA in aging and age-related diseases, yet its regulation remains complex. The study by Khawaja et al. provides novel insights into the sex-specific and cell-type-specific regulation of CMA during aging. This commentary discusses the key findings of this study, their implications for autophagy and aging research, and potential future directions. Understanding these regulatory mechanisms is essential for developing targeted therapies to combat age-related diseases and promote healthy aging.