biostudies-literatureWang TNational Key R&D Program of China111 ProjectPriority Academic Program Development of Jiangsu Higher Education InstitutionsNational Natural Science Foundation of ChinaHigher Education Discipline Innovation ProjectNational Key Research and Development Program of Chinae02793https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC12499425biostudies-literatureUnknown12(37)Cadmium (Cd) exposure is strongly linked to various diseases and dysregulation of autophagy is a pivotal mechanism in Cd toxicity. Targeted autophagy strategies are promising for the treatment of autophagy dysregulation-related diseases, including Cd poisoning. However, the current understanding of autophagy mechanisms remains limited, hindering the development of effective strategies. Herein, a novel autophagy pathway, transcellular autophagy. Cd triggers this process in hepatocytes, facilitating the transfer of autophagosomes from damaged to healthy cells for degradation. Mechanistically, reactive oxygen species accumulation is a key driver of transcellular autophagy activation, while the disruption of autophagy fusion mechanisms triggers its activation. Notably, Cd-induced transcellularAdvanced science (Weinheim, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany)Tunneling Nanotube-Mediated Transcellular Autophagy Alleviates Cadmium Induced Hepatocyte Injury.PMC124994253207292332072933D18007322730862023YFD180110032102732Zou HMa YTong XBian JWang LLiu ZAli WZhu JSong RWang TChen YGu JSun JYuan YfalseTunneling Nanotube-Mediated Transcellular Autophagy Alleviates Cadmium Induced Hepatocyte Injury.Cadmium (Cd) exposure is strongly linked to various diseases and dysregulation of autophagy is a pivotal mechanism in Cd toxicity. Targeted autophagy strategies are promising for the treatment of autophagy dysregulation-related diseases, including Cd poisoning. However, the current understanding of autophagy mechanisms remains limited, hindering the development of effective strategies. Herein, a novel autophagy pathway, transcellular autophagy. Cd triggers this process in hepatocytes, facilitating the transfer of autophagosomes from damaged to healthy cells for degradation. Mechanistically, reactive oxygen species accumulation is a key driver of transcellular autophagy activation, while the disruption of autophagy fusion mechanisms triggers its activation. Notably, Cd-induced transcellular2025-01-01T00:00:00Z2025 Oct2026-06-04T04:45:10.24Z2026-05-05T03:12:29.735ZS-EPMC124994254071926410.1002/advs.202502793