Autophagy Inducers and Inhibitors
Small molecules able to inhibit or induce autophagic activity provide a mechanism to modulate and study autophagy at the single cell and organismal level. In contrast to genetic models, pharmacological agents allow temporal and dose control. Moreover, often the effects of autophagy modulating agents are reversible. For animal model systems, targeted delivery of small molecules-autophagy modulators to specific organs and tissues may represent a significant advantage.
| Small Molecule Modulators | Mode of Action |
| 3-Methyladenine | AMPK inhibitor |
| (±)-Bay K 8644 | L-type Ca2+ channel activator |
| Spautin 1 | USP10 and USP13 inhibitor |
| LY 294002*, Wortmannin* | PI 3-kinase (VPS34) inhibitor |
| MRT 67307, MRT 68921 | ULK inhibitor |
| Simvastatin*, A 769662* | AMPK activator |
| Rapamycin*, Torin 1, Torin 2, Everolimus, PI 103 | mTOR inhibitor |
| Dexamethasone | Anti-inflammatory glucocorticoid; may act via mTOR pathway |
| L-690,330 | Inositol monophosphatase inhibitor; independent of mTOR inhibition |
| Dorsomorphin | AMPK inhibition-independent |
| A23187 free acid*, Brefeldin A* Thapsigargin*, Tunicamycin* | Causes ER stress |
| GF 109203X | Protein kinase C inhibitor |
| NF 449* | Highly selective P2X1 antagonist; Gsα-selective antagonist |
| Perifosine | PKB/AKT inhibitor |
*Commonly used modulators. View full range of Autophagy modulators.
Learn more about specific induction of Autophagy with our Autophagy-Inducing Peptides.