M. Lazarou

PPTC7 antagonizes mitophagy by promoting BNIP3 and NIX degradation via SCFFBXL4

This study identifies PPTC7 as a cofactor for SCFFBXL4-mediated degradation of BNIP3 and NIX, suppressing mitophagy and revealing a feedback mechanism to regulate mitochondrial homeostasis.

Control of mitophagy initiation and progression by the TBK1 adaptors NAP1 and SINTBAD

This study identifies NAP1 and SINTBAD as regulators of mitophagy, inhibiting OPTN-driven initiation while promoting NDP52-driven progression.

A RAB7A Phosphoswitch Coordinates Rubicon Homology Protein Regulation of PINK1/Parkin-Dependent Mitophagy

This study identifies a RAB7A phosphoswitch regulated by TBK1 that modulates Rubicon and Pacer interactions to control PINK1/Parkin-dependent mitophagy.

Three-step docking by WIPI2, ATG16L1 and ATG3 delivers LC3 to the phagophore

The paper identifies three sequential steps by which the ATG12-ATG5-ATG16L1 complex delivers LC3 to the phagophore via WIPI2, ATG16L1, and ATG3.

Structure and activation of the human autophagy-initiating ULK1C:PI3KC3-C1 supercomplex

The paper determines the cryo-EM structure of the human ULK1C core and its complex with PI3KC3-C1, revealing structural changes that suggest a mechanism for autophagy initiation through supercomplex formation.

Temporal landscape of mitochondrial proteostasis governed by the UPRmt

This study develops MitoPQ, a functional proteomics framework, to analyze how the UPRmt maintains mitochondrial proteostasis during stress and identifies oxidative phosphorylation as a key target.

FBXL4 suppresses mitophagy by restricting the accumulation of NIX and BNIP3 mitophagy receptors

This study identifies FBXL4 as a suppressor of basal mitophagy by ubiquitylating and degrading NIX and BNIP3, and shows pathogenic variants disrupt this function leading to mtDNA depletion syndrome.

Unconventional Initiation of PINK1/Parkin Mitophagy by Optineurin

This study identifies an unconventional mechanism by which OPTN initiates mitophagy through TBK1 and the class III phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase complex I, distinct from the FIP200-ULK1/2 pathway.

Structural basis for ATG9A recruitment to the ULK1 complex in mitophagy initiation

The paper determines the structure of ATG9A's C-terminal tail interacting with the ULK1 complex's ATG13:ATG101 HORMA dimer, revealing how this interaction facilitates mitophagy.

Membrane-assisted assembly and selective autophagy of enteroviruses

This study uses cryo-electron tomography to show poliovirus assembles on replication membranes and uses autophagy for release, with selectivity for RNA-loaded virions.

Atg4 family proteins drive phagophore growth independently of the LC3/GABARAP lipidation system

This study reveals that Atg4 family proteins drive autophagosome formation independently of Atg8 lipidation and protease activity, using AI-driven 3D electron microscopy.

Autophagy promotes cell and organismal survival by maintaining NAD(H) pools

This study identifies autophagy's role in maintaining NAD(H) pools, showing that NAD(H) depletion leads to cell death and that NAD(H) supplementation can reverse this effect in autophagy-deficient models.

Dissecting the Roles of Mitochondrial Complex I Intermediate Assembly (MCIA) Complex Factors in the Biogenesis of Complex I

The paper identifies TMEM186 and COA1 as new components of the MCIA complex and elucidates their roles in complex I assembly.