Atg9 establishes Atg2-dependent contact sites between the endoplasmic reticulum and phagophores.

ABSTRACT: The autophagy-related (Atg) proteins play a key role in the formation of autophagosomes, the hallmark of autophagy. The function of the cluster composed by Atg2, Atg18, and transmembrane Atg9 is completely unknown despite their importance in autophagy. In this study, we provide insights into the molecular role of these proteins by identifying and characterizing Atg2 point mutants impaired in Atg9 binding. We show that Atg2 associates to autophagosomal membranes through lipid binding and independently from Atg9. Its interaction with Atg9, however, is key for Atg2 confinement to the growing phagophore extremities and subsequent association of Atg18. Assembly of the Atg9-Atg2-Atg18 complex is important to establish phagophore-endoplasmic reticulum (ER) contact sites. In turn, disruption of th

SUBMITTER: Gomez-Sanchez R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6080931 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature