Work

Building the autophagosome: Molecular logic and membrane dynamics of autophagy

Year: 2026

Type: review

Abstract: Autophagy is initiated by the formation of a double-membrane autophagosome which is fine-tuned by the involvement of multiple protein machineries, organelles, and membrane pools. Autophagosome formation proceeds through steps requiring membrane nucleation, membrane expansion, and vesicle closure, initiated and coordinated by the cohort of ATG (Autophagy) proteins and lipids, such as PI(3)P and PE. Recent studies provide insights into how different molecular machineries act and interact to enable this complex vesicular pathway. Here, we review the current understanding of the steps that lead to autophagosome formation from a molecular perspective and, in this context, discuss the role of protein-membrane crosstalk in moulding the phagophore structure.

Source: Current Opinion in Cell Biology

DOI: 10.1016/j.ceb.2026.102651

Authors: Shilpa Gopan, Sharon A. Tooze

Institution: The Francis Crick Institute

Language: English

Topic: Autophagy in Disease and Therapy

Subfield: Epidemiology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,390

Funders: Wellcome Trust, Francis Crick Institute, Cancer Research UK, Medical Research Council