Methods of inducing autophagy using coumarin derivatives and related compounds
In various embodiments compounds that induce and/or promote autophagy are provided as wells as methods of use thereof (e.g., in the prophylaxis or treatment of chronic pathologies associated with aging). In one illustrative, but non-limiting embodiments the compound(s) comprise, inter alia, coumarin 106.
1 . A method of promoting autophagy in cells, said method comprising:
contacting said cells with an effective amount of one or more compounds that promote autophagy, where said compounds are selected from the group consisting of 2,3,6,7,10,11-Hexahydro-1H,5H-cyclopenta(3,4)(1)benzopyrano(6,7,8-ij)quinolizin-12(9H)-one (Coumarin 106; CAS Registry No. 41175-45-5, also known as AIC106),
or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
2 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the cells are in vivo in a mammal and the method comprises administering said compounds to said mammal.