Cellular quiescence - reversible exit from the cell cycle - is an important feature of many cell types important for organismal health. Aging and cellular dysfunc-tion compromise the survival and reactivation of quiescent cells over time. Stud-ies suggest that autophagic processes and lysosomal function are critical to maintaining the function of quiescent cells, especially adult stem cells, through-out life. Findings also point to both pro-senescence and anti-senescence func-tions for macroautophagy depending on context. In this review, we will discuss these findings, unanswered questions on the role of macroautophagy and lyso-somal function in quiescent and senescent cells, and the possibility for interven-tions that stimulate macroautophagy and lysosomes to promote quiescent cell function and tissue regeneration.
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