Annual Review of Biochemistry 2016-06-13

Mammalian Autophagy: How Does It Work?

Carla F. Bento, Maurizio Renna, Ghita Ghislat, Claudia Puri, Avraham Ashkenazi, Mariella Vicinanza, Fiona M. Menzies, David C. Rubinsztein

Index: 10.1146/annurev-biochem-060815-014556

Full Text: HTML

Abstract

Autophagy is a conserved intracellular pathway that delivers cytoplasmic contents to lysosomes for degradation via double-membrane autophagosomes. Autophagy substrates include organelles such as mitochondria, aggregate-prone proteins that cause neurodegeneration and various pathogens. Thus, this pathway appears to be relevant to the pathogenesis of diverse diseases, and its modulation may have therapeutic value. Here, we focus on the cell and molecular biology of mammalian autophagy and review the key proteins that regulate the process by discussing their roles and how these may be modulated by posttranslational modifications. We consider the membrane-trafficking events that impact autophagy and the questions relating to the sources of autophagosome membrane(s). Finally, we discuss data from structural studies and some of the insights these have provided.