Our lab uses cellular and animal models to study the physiological roles of autophagy and its implications during aging and disease. We are interested in the relationships between autophagy and basic processes such as proliferation, differentiation and cell death, and the role of autophagy in pathologies such neurodegenerative conditions. We also seek to identify new therapies that target autophagy for human diseases. The Autophagy laboratory is directed by Patricia Boya, Professor of Cell Biology at the University of Fribourg in Switzerland and on leave from CSIC since 2022.