The word autophagy is derived from the Greek roots “auto” (self) and “phagy” (eating) and broadly refers to cellular catabolic processes.Autophagy regulates important biological functions,such as cell survival,cell death,cell metabolism,development,aging,and many diseases.Started four decades ago,autophagy research has expanded from a relatively minor area to one of the most exciting and important topics in cell biology.Neuroscientists and neurologists have fully appreciated the fast-moving research in this topic and they have contributed greatly to autophagy research.To give a broader view and highlight recent developments in autophagy in the neurosciences,Neuroscience Bulletin is launching a Special Issue “Autophagy in Neuronal Function and Neurodegeneration”,which we plan to publish on August 1,2015.