Pep12 Activators

**Pep12 activators** are a class of compounds that enhance the expression or activity of the Pep12 protein. Pep12 is a protein kinase that plays a crucial role in the regulation of autophagy, a cellular process that degrades and recycles cellular components. Pep12 activators can increase the levels of Pep12 protein, promote its interaction with other proteins, or enhance its activity in promoting autophagy.

Pep12 activators exert their effect by modulating different aspects of Pep12 biology. Some Pep12 activators, such as mTOR inhibitors (rapamycin, torin 1, AZD8055, everolimus, sirolimus), inhibit the mTOR signaling pathway, which leads to increased Pep12 expression and autophagy. Other Pep12 activators, such as lithium chloride and wortmannin, inhibit GSK-3 and PI3K, respectively, also leading to increased Pep12 expression and autophagy. Additionally, some natural compounds, such as spermidine, resveratrol, curcumin, and quercetin, have been shown to induce autophagy and may also increase Pep12 expression.By modulating Pep12 expression or activity, Pep12 activators can influence autophagy and thereby affect various cellular processes, including cell growth, differentiation, and stress responses. These compounds have been instrumental in dissecting the molecular mechanisms underlying Pep12 function and its involvement in autophagy and other cellular processes.