title: A possible role of Atg8 homologs as a scaffold for signal transduction.
abstract: Atg8 and its homologs are essential for autophagosome formation in various species. In animal cells, Atg8 homologs have an additional function in clearance of damaged organelles and bacteria, acting as a landmark for selective autophagy. We have recently shown that OATL1, a Rab-GTPase-activating protein (Rab-GAP), is a novel binding partner of Atg8 homologs in mammalian cells, but to our surprise, it is not a substrate of autophagy. Further analysis indicates that OATL1 is involved in the fusion between autophagosomes and lysosomes through its GAP activity and its Atg8 homolog binding activity. Our findings suggest a novel function of Atg8 homologs as a scaffold for signal transduction that regulates autophagosomal maturation.
authors: Department of Developmental Biology and Neurosciences, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan.
authors: Takashi
authors: T
authors: Itoh
authors: Mitsunori
authors: M
authors: Fukuda