ULK1 and glioblastoma: In GBM, the expression of autophagy-related genes such as autophagy-related (ATG) 7, ATG13, and UNC-51, such as autophagy-activating kinase 1 (ULK1), is often downregulated, impairing the autophagic capacity of tumors as they progress.212 However, high levels of autophagic markers such as microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3) and Beclin-1 (BECN1) correlate with better patient outcomes, suggesting a potential tumor-suppressive function in certain contexts.213 The interplay between autophagy and key oncogenic pathways further complicates its role.