Anesthesia and surgical interventions may induce cognitive impairments, such as postoperative delirium (POD) and postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) [1]. These dysfunctions particularly affect the elderly population [2] and increase morbidity and mortality thus representing a major burden for the healthcare system [1].

CD133 is a transmembrane protein that mainly localizes to the plasma membrane of normal stem cells as well as cancer stem cells, and is widely known as a cancer stem cell marker. CD133 was recently shown to localize in the cytoplasm; however, its transport pathway and functions currently remain unknown.

Arthritis remains a common and debilitating disease affecting millions of people worldwide. Osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are among the most common forms of this chronic, degenerative disease, which is moving toward precision medicine.

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) also known as tumor stem cells (TSCs), are pivotal in cancer development and progression. They can be identified through specific markers and surface proteins (e.g., CD44, CD133) that differ from those on non-CSC tumor cells. As well high CSC levels often correlate with poor prognosis, aggressive disease, and resistance to conventional therapies. CSCs are more resistant to standard treatments like chemotherapy and radiation, leading to relapse and metastasis. 

Autophagy is a conserved cellular process in which eukaryotic cells degrade and recycle intracellular material via a dedicated trafficking toward lysosomes. Under starvation, autophagy is initiated by the formation of a double-membrane organelle called the autophagosome, which originates from the closure and maturation of a transient membrane structure known as the phagophore. The precise membrane source of the phagophore and the mechanisms underlying its biogenesis remain incompletely understood.