Modulating the Actin Cytoskeleton to Regulate Autophagy and Overcome Chemotherapy Resistance in Tumours

Macroautophagy is a key adaptive process that enables tumour cells to withstand the cytotoxic stress induced by standard antitumour treatments, thereby contributing to therapeutic resistance. In this context, identifying regulators capable of modulating autophagy is crucial for restoring sensitivity to these treatments. The actin cytoskeleton has emerged as a regulatory axis of autophagy, governing both its dynamics and its functional control. Drugs that target actin, and in particular actin-binding proteins (ABPs), can modulate the autophagy triggered by antitumour treatments and thereby sensitise cancer cells. This review summarises recent advances in ABP-targeted strategies for modulating autophagy across different tumour contexts and examines their potential in combination therapies.