Autophagy is the process by which cells clear damaged components, involving multiple families of proteins such as ATG (Autophagy-Related Genes). Through autophagosomes, double-membrane structures, cells envelop discarded proteins and organelles and transport them to lysosomes for degradation. This process takes place in the cytoplasm and is crucial for maintaining cellular environmental stability, participating in responses to nutrient deficiency, infections, and stress, among other factors. The regulation of autophagy involves complex signaling pathways, such as mTOR and AMPK pathways. The specificity of gene expression and mutations directly impact autophagic efficiency, and autophagy is associated with various diseases, including neurodegenerative diseases, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases.