High impact information on ATG27

• Novel PtdIns(3)P-binding protein Etf1 functions as an effector of the Vps34 PtdIns 3-kinase in autophagy [1].
• Although Etf1 does not contain a known 3-phosphoinositide-binding domain (i.e., FYVE or Phox), we find that Etf1 interacts with PtdIns(3)P and that this interaction requires a basic amino acid motif (KKPAKK) within the cytosolic region of the protein [1].
• Here, we characterize a second transmembrane protein Atg27 that is required for specific autophagy in yeast [2].
• Atg27 is required for Atg9 cycling and shuttles between the pre-autophagosomal structure, mitochondria, and the Golgi complex [2].
• In this addendum, we discuss the trafficking of Atg27 in yeast and compare it with that of Atg9, and consider the possible meaning of Atg27 Golgi localization [3].

Biological context of ATG27

• We propose that Vps34 regulates the CPY, Cvt, and macroautophagy pathways through distinct sets of PtdIns(3)P-binding effectors and that Vps34 promotes protein trafficking in the Cvt pathway through activation/localization of the effector protein Etf1 [1].

Anatomical context of ATG27

• The unique localization and cycling features of Atg27 suggest the involvement of the Golgi complex in the autophagy pathway [3].

References