ULK/Atg1: phasing in and out of autophagy

Trends Biochem Sci. 2024 Apr 1:S0968-0004(24)00065-3. doi: 10.1016/j.tibs.2024.03.004. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTAutophagy - a highly regulated intracellular degradation process - is pivotal in maintaining cellular homeostasis. Liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) is a fundamental mechanism regulating the formation and function of membrane-less compartments. Recent research has unveiled connections between LLPS and autophagy, suggesting that phase separation events may orchestrate the spatiotemporal organization of autophagic machinery and cargo sequestration. The Unc-51-like kinase (ULK)/autophagy-related 1 (Atg1) family of proteins is best known for its regulatory role in initiating autophagy, but there is growing evidence that the functional spectrum of ULK/Atg1 extends beyond autophagy regulation. In this review, we explore the spatial and temporal regulation of the ULK/Atg1 family of kinases, focusing on their recruitment to LLPS-driven compartments, and highlighting their multifaceted functions beyond their traditional role.PMID:38565496 | DOI:10.1016/j.tibs.2024.03.004

Source: Trends in Biochemical Sciences - April 2, 2024 Category: Biochemistry Authors: Bo Wang Gautam Pareek Mondira Kundu Source Type: research