The role of Atg proteins in autophagosome formation

Annu Rev Cell Dev Biol. 2011:27:107-32. doi: 10.1146/annurev-cellbio-092910-154005. Epub 2011 Jul 18.

Abstract

Macroautophagy is mediated by a unique organelle, the autophagosome, which encloses a portion of cytoplasm for delivery to the lysosome. Autophagosome formation is dynamically regulated by starvation and other stresses and involves complicated membrane reorganization. Since the discovery of yeast Atg-related proteins, autophagosome formation has been dissected at the molecular level. In this review we describe the molecular mechanism of autophagosome formation with particular focus on the function of Atg proteins and the long-standing discussion regarding the origin of the autophagosome membrane.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Autophagy / physiology*
  • Cell Membrane / metabolism
  • Cell Membrane / ultrastructure
  • Endoplasmic Reticulum / metabolism
  • Endoplasmic Reticulum / ultrastructure
  • Fungal Proteins / genetics
  • Fungal Proteins / metabolism
  • Golgi Apparatus / metabolism
  • Golgi Apparatus / ultrastructure
  • Mitochondria / metabolism
  • Mitochondria / ultrastructure
  • Multiprotein Complexes / chemistry
  • Multiprotein Complexes / genetics
  • Multiprotein Complexes / metabolism*
  • Phagosomes / metabolism*
  • Phagosomes / ultrastructure
  • Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases / metabolism
  • Yeasts / cytology
  • Yeasts / metabolism

Substances

  • Fungal Proteins
  • Multiprotein Complexes
  • Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases