Autophagosome biogenesis comes out of the black box

Nat Cell Biol. 2021 May;23(5):450-456. doi: 10.1038/s41556-021-00669-y. Epub 2021 Apr 26.

Abstract

Macroautophagic clearance of cytosolic materials entails the initiation, growth and closure of autophagosomes. Cargo triggers the assembly of a web of cargo receptors and core machinery. Autophagy-related protein 9 (ATG9) vesicles seed the growing autophagosomal membrane, which is supplied by de novo phospholipid synthesis, phospholipid transport via ATG2 proteins and lipid flipping by ATG9. Autophagosomes close via ESCRT complexes. Here, we review recent discoveries that illuminate the molecular mechanisms of autophagosome formation and discuss emerging questions in this rapidly developing field.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Autophagosomes / metabolism*
  • Autophagy / physiology*
  • Autophagy-Related Proteins / metabolism*
  • Endoplasmic Reticulum / metabolism*
  • Membrane Proteins / metabolism
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae Proteins / metabolism

Substances

  • Autophagy-Related Proteins
  • Membrane Proteins
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae Proteins