Best Assay Development Podcasts (2025)

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The Pitfalls of Assay Development 32:45

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29d ago32:45

32:45

Join Diagnostics Decoded host Dr. Sophie New, PhD for an in-depth conversation with Dr. Radhakrishnan Gnanasambandam, PhD, and Brandon Hoelcle on the science, math, and puzzle-solving behind assay development, and reveal the most common pitfalls they see along the way. Tune in to hear: How early collaboration drives stronger assay performance Why u…

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Not Your Average Phage 26:39

16h ago26:39

26:39

Phage-like particle (PLP) technology is reshaping how the diagnostics field approaches RNA controls, and this episode explores the story behind it. Hosts Dr. Sophie New, PhD, and Richard Keitch talk with Dr. Murugan Subbiah, DMV, MS, PhD, DACVM, Principal Scientist at ZeptoMetrix, about the real-world challenges that sparked the development of PLP,…

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MedTech's 11 Year Exit Problem— and What It Means for Raising Capital 51:58

5d ago51:58

51:58

HSBC Innovations is the global bank’s financing arm for American and European startups, especially in the healthcare and life sciences industries. The bank’s semi-annual Venture Healthcare Reports document trends in the investment market. Key Tech’s Andy Rogers welcomes the report’s author, HSBC Innovation Managing Director Jon Norris in Episode 43…

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No cold chain? No problem—inside the world of lyo-beads 33:44

7d ago33:44

33:44

Applyo Jena is building a freeze-dried future, one bead at a time. In this episode, Dr. Hanno Hermann and Dr. Thanh Tu Hellmich-Duong walk us through how their lyo-bead technology emerged from the challenges of field-based HIV diagnostics and evolved into a flexible platform that stabilizes everything from enzymes to magnetic nanoparticles, without…

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Simmer, don’t cycle—a molecular biologist’s guide to RPA 12:14

26d ago12:14

12:14

In this Mol Bio Minutes episode, Thermo Fisher Scientific’s Monika Jazdauskaitė dives into the versatile world of Recombinase Polymerase Amplification (RPA). Unlike PCR, RPA operates at a constant, low temperature (around 37–42°C), enabling fast, equipment-light workflows that are ideal for field diagnostics and decentralized labs. Monika explains …

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De-risking drug development using functional human tissues 35:09

1M ago35:09

35:09

In this episode of Speaking of Mol Bio, Dr. Andre Ghetti, CEO of AnaBios, offers a deep dive into the world of translational preclinical research. AnaBios is redefining early human insights by using ethically sourced, functional human tissues and cells to generate actionable data before compounds ever enter clinical trials. Ghetti walks us through …

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From Lab to Clinic: Building Safer Tools for Mothers and Babies: 42 25:54

2M ago25:54

25:54

In-utero procedures can yield better long-term outcomes for the baby. However, fetal surgery relies on instruments developed for other disciplines. An early-stage startup in Maryland is developing in-utero instruments to improve outcomes for both fetus and mother. Fetal Therapy Technologies CEO Selena Shirkin joins Key Tech’s Andy Rogers for Episod…

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No lyophilizer? No problem. Dry-Ready reagents explained. 14:50

2M ago14:50

14:50

In this Mol Bio Minutes episode, Thermo Fisher Scientific's Dr. Agnė Alminaitė unveils an exciting new approach for assay developers: Dry-Ready™ reagents for RT-LAMP and RT-qPCR. These innovations eliminate the need for lyophilizers by enabling air drying of molecular assays in a standard heating oven, producing room temperature-stable assays in un…

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Unlocking phagocytosis―a look at advanced cancer immunology 33:28

2M ago33:28

33:28

In this inspiring episode, Dr. Felipe Gálvez-Cancino, group leader at Oxford's Center for Immuno-Oncology, walks us through his team’s groundbreaking research on macrophages, T cells, and immune regulation in solid tumors. Tracing his path from early cancer vaccine work to advanced antibody-dependent cellular phagocytosis (ADCP), Felipe shares how …

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Uncovering the World of Diagnostics 31:33

2M ago31:33

31:33

In our debut episode of Diagnostics Decoded, Dr. Sophie New (Business Development Manager at ZeptoMetrix) sits down with Andrew Zenger (Global Product Manager) and Dr. Jessica Van Allen (Technical Support Lead) to explore the evolving world of diagnostics. They discuss how diagnostic tools are shaping global health, the transformative impact of the…

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From seed to cDNA―lessons learned from plant RNA workflows 19:35

3M ago19:35

19:35

In this Mol Bio Minutes episode, Dr. Will Barnes, a plant biologist turned senior sales training specialist at Thermo Fisher Scientific, reflects on his time at the bench and the molecular lessons learned along the way. Will dives deep into the difficulties of RNA work in plant systems—carbohydrate contamination, genomic DNA carryover, secondary st…

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Seeding scientific equity through access 37:02

3M ago37:02

37:02

In this episode of Speaking of Mol Bio, host Steve Lewis speaks with Dr. Melissa Wu, co-founder and CEO of Seeding Labs, a nonprofit that’s redefining global scientific access. Dr. Wu shares the inspiring story of how Seeding Labs helps institutions in developing nations build research infrastructure by redistributing surplus laboratory equipment f…

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Customization is key―tailoring RT-qPCR for modern assays 14:45

4M ago14:45

14:45

In this Mol Bio Minutes mini-episode, Thermo Fisher Scientific’s Agnė Žiupkaitė takes listeners on a journey through the evolving world of RNA assay development—focusing specifically on 1-Step RT-qPCR. She outlines the critical considerations for assay developers, including enzyme speed, robustness, and the growing demand for customizable reagents …

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Quantum barcoding and the future of single-cell analytics 35:21

4M ago35:21

35:21

In this episode, host Steve Lewis sits down with Giovanna Prout, President and CEO of Scale Biosciences, to explore how Scale is pushing the boundaries of single-cell omics. With a career that spans roles with big players and entrepreneurial ventures, Giovanna brings a unique perspective to the world of genomics innovation. Giovanna dives into Scal…

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Simplify your science ― why 1-step RT-PCR is a game changer 11:24

5M ago11:24

11:24

In this episode of Speaking of Mol Bio, Aistė Serapinaite, an experienced R&D scientist, shares her insights into the world of 1-Step RT-PCR—a method that simplifies RNA analysis by combining reverse transcription and PCR amplification in a single reaction. She explains how traditional RNA workflows once lengthy, multi-step processes were prone to …

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No nucleus, no problem – platelet biology and scientific communication 30:12

5M ago30:12

30:12

In this episode of Speaking of Mol Bio, Dr. Beth Webb takes us deep into the world of platelets, often misunderstood components of blood that punch far above their weight in both physiological and pathological processes. As a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Leeds, Dr. Webb explores how endothelial signals influence platelet activity, a…

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Boosting PCR accuracy – tips for maximizing amplification fidelity 18:41

6M ago18:41

18:41

In this Mol Bio Minutes episode, Laurynas Alijošius shares a personal story that every molecular biologist can relate to—running PCR, cloning, and sequencing, only to discover frustrating errors in the DNA. This episode dives deep into PCR accuracy and why it matters for everything from sequencing to cloning and long-read library prep. Laurynas bre…

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Spotting An Opportunity, Crafting A Solution : 41 36:56

6M ago36:56

36:56

Epinephrine auto-injectors, first developed in the 1970s, are the most common emergency treatments for anaphylaxis, often deadly allergic reactions. The limitations of liquid epinephrine and the device’s decades-old technology have kept these life-saving devices out of patients’ hands. Austin-based startup Windgap Medical, Inc. plans to break these…

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Multiomics, systems biology, and the future of genomic research 33:16

6M ago33:16

33:16

In this episode of Speaking of Mol Bio, Dr. Cath Moore of the Australian Genome Research Facility (AGRF) discusses how molecular biology technologies are helping to shape Australia’s scientific landscape—from clinical genomics and conservation to bioremediation and agriculture. With over 20 years of experience in both academia and industry, Dr. Moo…

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Fast PCR fundamentals – from instruments to enzymes 16:40

7M ago16:40

16:40

In this Mol Bio Minutes episode, Laurynas Alijošius breaks down how to run fast PCR to save time and increase lab efficiency. He explains how to choose the right thermal cycler with fast ramp speeds, select low-volume and thin-walled PCR plastics, and use engineered DNA polymerases that offer rapid elongation and hot-start capability. Laurynas also…

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Startup Advice for AI Enabled Products : 40 39:47

7M ago39:47

39:47

Hundreds of approved devices use artificial intelligence to help physicians diagnose patients faster and more accurately. Brooke & Associates is a legal and regulatory advisory firm that helps medical device makers get AI-powered devices through FDA pre-market approval. In Episode #40 of the MedTech Speed to Data podcast, Key Tech’s Andy Rogers and…

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The hidden language of RNA – how epigenetics is shaping medicine 31:51

7M ago31:51

31:51

This episode teaches that innovation is born at the intersection of curiosity and persistence. Dr. Gudrun Stengel, co-founder and CEO of Alida Biosciences, reveals how her startup is transforming the landscape of RNA research through a novel technology called proximity barcoding. Dr. Stengel’s story exemplifies the power of entrepreneurial spirit i…

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Sustainability made simple – greener choices in molecular biology 10:21

8M ago10:21

10:21

Sustainability in the lab isn't just a trend—it's a responsibility. In this quick but powerful Mol Bio Minutes episode, sustainability expert Sune Lund Sporring shares actionable tips to reduce energy use, manage lab waste, and transition to greener materials like Thermo Fisher’s Sustain Series bio-based plastics. Discover the difference between bi…

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From bats to cancer – the power of gene regulation 33:53

8M ago33:53

33:53

Join us for an insightful conversation with Dr. Nadav Ahituv, a leader in human genetics and gene regulation at UCSF. He shares his personal journey from scoliosis patient to genetic researcher, exploring the mysteries of non-coding DNA, massively parallel reporter assays, and CRISPR-based therapeutic innovations. We dive into his lab’s diverse pro…

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No more smears – expert tips for electrophoresis success 9:05

9M ago9:05

9:05

With prior Mol Bio Minutes episodes covering DNA form migration and staining considerations for nucleic acid gel electrophoresis, we tie it all together with this great set of overall tips, tricks and resources for the topic. Anyone that’s ever run a gel has undoubtedly produced gels with smeared, faint or poorly separated bands. What causes these …

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Adapting to Market Needs: From Advanced Biotelemetry to Organ Transport Logistics : 39 42:59

9M ago42:59

42:59

Successful organ transplants depend on quickly getting donor organs to their recipients. MediGO, now part of CareDx, pioneered logistics technologies that help make these life-saving procedures more successful than ever. In Episode #39 of the MedTech Speed to Data podcast, Key Tech’s Andy Rogers and Lauren Eskew speak with MediGO co-founder Dr. Jos…

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Biologically removing the forever from “forever chemicals” 32:00

9M ago32:00

32:00

It could be argued that biology has always boiled down to chemistry, and that chemistry has always boiled down to physics. However, not many would deny that the fields of biology and chemistry are overlapping more than ever, with both leveraging computing methods, also more than ever. This conversation with Dr. Ramesh Jha, Technical Staff Member at…

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A clear picture – staining tips for gel electrophoresis 10:17

10M ago10:17

10:17

You can run the perfect agarose gel to separate your nucleic acid fragments but if you don’t stain and image the gel properly, it’s all for not. In this second installment of Mol Bio Minutes we take a look at the staining considerations for nucleic acid gel electrophoresis with Paulius Palaima, Product Manager at Thermo Fisher Scientific. He covers…

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Identifying the Need for a Wearable Solution to Overactive Bladder: Insights from Market Research with Patients, Providers, and Payers : 38 51:26

10M ago51:26

51:26

Ohio-based Avation Medical has developed a bioelectric wearable device for at-home treatment of overactive bladder, promising improved quality of life for patients suffering from the most common cause of incontinence and urinary urgency. In Episode #38 of the MedTech Speed to Data Podcast, Andy Rogers discusses the Vivally System, entrepreneurship,…

1
With knowledge comes great responsibility 35:37

10M ago35:37

35:37

Topics and terms such as biosafety, biosecurity, containment, and contamination are things most of us have heard of and think about at some level, but with the pace of molecular biology moving faster than ever, these are topics with implications that are reaching farther than ever. We’re joined by Dr. Ryan Burnette and Dr. Lauren Richardson from Me…

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DNA on the move – the influence of form on gel migration 9:19

11M ago9:19

9:19

Agarose gel electrophoresis is a staple method in almost all biology and biochemistry lab where separation and analysis of nucleic acids is needed. In this Mol Bio Minutes mini episode Augustė Užuotaitė, Scientist III at Thermo Fisher Scientific, covers the basics of electrophoresis with a spotlight on how different forms of DNA migrate differently…

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The genetics and neuroendocrinology of obesity 31:37

11M ago31:37

31:37

Obesity is one of the most pressing health challenges of our time, with genetic and molecular factors playing a crucial role in how our bodies regulate weight. In this season opener, we explore the science behind obesity, focusing on how hormones, genetics, and brain circuits influence feeding behavior and body weight. Join us for a fascinating dis…

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Developing a Clinically Useful Pain Assessment Tool : 37 34:04

11M ago34:04

34:04

Transforming Chronic Pain Treatment with a Lean, Data-focused Development Strategy Based in Washington, DC, AlgometRx has developed a technology platform that will let clinicians perform objective pain assessments to improve treatments for chronic pain. In Episode 37 of the MedTech Speed to Data Podcast, Key Tech’s Andy Rogers and AlgometRx Chief O…

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31: Podcast Updates with Marie McNeely 1:13

12M ago1:13

1:13

In this short episode, host Dr. Marie McNeely shares updates about the podcast and provides listeners with more information on how they can stay connected with MJFF for future podcast episodes as The Parkinson’s Research Podcast merges with The Michael J. Fox Foundation Parkinson’s Podcast. Visit https://www.michaeljfox.org/podcasts for more great …

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30: The Role of Diet and Nutrition in Parkinson’s Disease and Brain Health with Puja Agarwal 42:25

12M ago42:25

42:25

It is widely known that a healthy diet can provide essential nutrients and lead to a multitude of benefits, but growing evidence has highlighted important links between diet, nutrition, and brain health, particularly related to neurodegenerative disease. In this episode, Dr. Puja Agarwal discusses her research investigating the role that diet and n…

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Season 3 spoilers – innovation, inspiration, and insight 4:36

12M ago4:36

4:36

The start of Season 3 is just around the corner, slated to start in January 2025. What’s the new season hold in store you might ask? Steve assures us he’ll be back hosting Season 3 and teases at topics that are coming. These include biosecurity, bioengineering, polymer degradation, genetics of obesity, CROs and how they utilize mol bio, platelet bi…

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29: Developing a Novel App to Improve Speech Intelligibility in Parkinson's Disease with Gemma Moya-Galé 43:47

12M ago43:47

43:47

Parkinson's disease significantly impacts various aspects of communication, and this can make it challenging for people with the disease to communicate effectively, be understood by others, and engage in social situations. Dr. Gemma Moya-Galé joins this episode to talk about her work on voice and communication in people with Parkinson’s disease. In…

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End-to-End Responsibilities for Early Development : 36 38:17

1y ago38:17

38:17

Data drives MedTech growth, from the leanest startup to the world’s most valuable pharmaceutical company. In Episode #36 of the MedTech Speed to Data Podcast, Key Tech’s Andy Rogers discusses data-driven trends in medical technology with Anand Subramony, Eli Lilly’s Vice President of Drug Delivery, Device, Connected Solutions & Innovation. Need to …

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28: Increasing Diversity in Research and Addressing Brain Health Inequities with Monica Rivera-Mindt 44:05

1y ago44:05

44:05

Certain populations are disproportionately affected by neurological diseases, including Parkinson's and other neurodegenerative diseases. A lot of work remains to be done to improve brain health outcomes and promote healthy brain aging across the lifespan, particularly for minoritized, underrepresented populations. Including participants from diver…

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27: The Development and Application of the Alpha-Synuclein Seed Amplification Assay with Claudio Soto 37:27

1y ago37:27

37:27

Alpha-synuclein plays a key role in the pathophysiology of Parkinson's disease, and researchers have been investigating this protein as a therapeutic target and also as a potential biomarker for the disease. The alpha-synuclein seed amplification assay, developed by Dr. Claudio Soto and colleagues, leverages the self-replicating nature of the misfo…

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It’s all in your approach – biosynthesis of natural products 33:18

1y ago33:18

33:18

We’re joined in this episode by Dr. Sarah Barry, Reader in Chemical Biology at King’s College London. Sarah started with an interest in biochemistry, went into organic chemistry because it was more concrete, and now applies her chemist’s approach to understanding and manipulating biosynthesis of natural products for important areas of research, inc…

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Navigating the Challenges of Instrument Development in Cell Therapy Manufacturing : 35 42:52

1y ago42:52

42:52

Cell therapy research and manufacturing are driving demand for automated high-throughput equipment to improve quality, reduce costs, and shorten the development cycles of innovative treatments that save lives. But what factors shape a startup’s journey from the lab to commercialization? In Episode #35 of the Speed to Data podcast, Key Tech Business…

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26: An Inside Look at the Edmond J. Safra Fellowship in Movement Disorders with Marcelo Merello and Sergio Castillo-Torres 57:54

1y ago57:54

57:54

To help meet the growing global need for more movement disorders specialists, The Michael J. Fox Foundation created the Edmond J. Safra Fellowship in Movement Disorders in collaboration with longtime partner the Edmond J. Safra Foundation. This program supports the training of movement disorders specialists who will provide expert care and drive ad…

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25: Creating Alpha-Synuclein Cell Lines and Supporting Open Science with Birgitt Schüle 36:42

1y ago36:42

36:42

Stem cell models derived from patients with Parkinson’s disease are valuable tools that are helping researchers around the world to better understand the underlying causes of neurodegeneration and to develop biomarkers and new therapies. To maximize the potential impacts of these tools, it is critical that they are developed and shared according to…

1
The value of community – your microbiome 31:58

1y ago31:58

31:58

The history of fermented foods like beer, bread, and other foods can be traced back thousands of years to ancient civilizations in China and Egypt. This ancient technology was originally used to preserve foods when refrigeration was not an option. While less common in modern industrialized civilizations, we’re now realizing that fermented foods pla…

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24: Developing FLEXISyn to Identify and Measure Changes in Alpha-Synuclein in Parkinson's Disease with Judith Steen 35:48

1y ago35:48

35:48

New qualitative and quantitative tools are being developed to measure and track changes in proteins relevant for neurodegenerative disease, and these tools have the potential to accelerate drug discovery and clinical trials. In this episode, Dr. Judith Steen discusses her work creating novel qualitative and quantitative tools and workflows at the i…

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23: Clinical Applications of Biomarkers and Large-Scale Collaborative Research with Charles Adler 45:52

1y ago45:52

45:52

Substantial research has focused on identifying biomarkers for the diagnosis of Parkinson's disease (PD) as well as monitoring progression of the disease. In developing these biomarkers, it is critical for scientists to consider how the biomarkers will ultimately be used in the clinic and in clinical trials research. In this interview, Dr. Charles …

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Therapeutic nucleic acids – a CDMO’s view on mRNA 32:04

1+ y ago32:04

32:04

While some of us knew a good bit about mRNA prior to 2020, we all got a crash course on mRNA technology and its prophylactic and therapeutic potential as a result of the COVID pandemic and subsequent SARS CoV-2 vaccine development. In fact, most of us have now received at least one mRNA vaccine at this point. Our guest for this episode, Dr. Christi…

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22: Investigating Light Therapy For Sleep and Motor Function in People with PD with Beatrix Feigl 41:20

1+ y ago41:20

41:20

Sleep disturbances, such as insomnia, sleep fragmentation, excessive daytime sleepiness, and REM sleep behavior disorder are common in people with Parkinson's disease (PD). Poor sleep quality can also impact other domains of function, including motor function. Prior research has shown that a type of photoreceptor cell in the retina, called melanops…

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21: The Autophagy-Lysosomal Pathway and Development of Relevant PD Biomarkers with Zhenyu Yue 31:54

1+ y ago31:54

31:54

Though existing evidence supports that dysfunction in the clearing of cellular debris plays an important role in the development of Parkinson's disease, many unanswered questions remain regarding the mechanisms of the autophagy-lysosomal pathway involved in this process. In particular, research in the field has been limited by a lack of reliable, q…