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Atg1‐independent induction of autophagy by the Drosophila Ulk3 homolog, ADUK
Author(s) -
Braden Christopher R.,
Neufeld Thomas P.
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
the febs journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.981
H-Index - 204
eISSN - 1742-4658
pISSN - 1742-464X
DOI - 10.1111/febs.13906
Subject(s) - autophagy , drosophila (subgenus) , biology , microbiology and biotechnology , genetics , gene , apoptosis
Although canonical autophagy regulation requires a multi‐protein complex centered on the Ser/Thr‐kinase Atg1 (mammalian Ulk1/2), alternative signals can induce autophagy independent of Atg1 through unknown mechanisms. Here we identify the Drosophila Ulk3 ortholog, another Drosophila Unc‐51‐like kinase (ADUK), as an Atg1‐independent autophagy inducer. ADUK interacts with Atg1 complex members Atg13 and 200 kDa FAK family kinase‐interacting protein, and requires Atg13 but not Atg1 for autophagy induction. Loss of ADUK shortens adult lifespan and reduces the autophagic response to a chemical stressor, dimethyl sulfoxide. However, ADUK is not required for autophagy induction by Atg1‐dependent nutrient or developmental cues. Atg1 and ADUK/Ulk3 thus represent alternative catalytic components of a shared autophagy kinase complex.