Essential role of autophagy in resource allocation during sexual reproduction

Sexual reproduction is the most common form of reproduction among eukaryotes, which is characterized by a series of massive cellular or tissue renovations. Recent studies have revealed novel functions of autophagy during sexual reproductive processes, ranging from yeast to mammals. In mammals, autophagy is indispensable for spermatogenesis and oogenesis, and it participates in early embryonic development and maternal-fetus crosstalk to ensure...