A yeast two-hybrid screening identifies novel Atg8a interactors in Drosophila

Macroautophagy/autophagy-related protein Atg8/LC3 is important for autophagosome biogenesis and required for selective degradation of various substrates. In our recent study, we performed a yeast two-hybrid screening to identify proteins that interact with Atg8a, the Drosophila homolog of Atg8/LC3. The screening identified several Atg8a-interacting proteins. These proteins include: i) proteins which have already been experimentally verified to bind Atg8a, such as Atg1, DOR, ref(2)P and key (Kenny); ii) proteins for which their mammalian homologs interact with Atg8-family members, like Ank2, Atg4, and Nedd4; and iii) several novel Atg8a-interacting proteins, such as trc/STK38 and Tak1. We showed that Tak1, as well as its co-activator, Tab2, both interact with Atg8a and are substrates for selective autophagic clearance. We also determined that SH3PX1 interacts with Tab2 and is necessary for the effective regulation of the immune-deficiency (IMD) pathway. Our findings suggest a mechanism for the regulatory interactions between Tak1-Tab2-SH3PX1 and Atg8a, which contribute to the fine-tuning of the IMD pathway.

Automated summary

Macroautophagy/autophagy-related protein Atg8/LC3 plays a crucial role in autophagosome formation and selective degradation of various substrates. A recent study identified several proteins that interact with Atg8a, the Drosophila homolog of Atg8/LC3. Among these proteins, Tak1 and its co-activator Tab2 were found to interact with Atg8a and be subjected to selective autophagic clearance. Additionally, SH3PX1 was shown to interact with Tab2 and play a role in regulating the immune-deficiency (IMD) pathway. These findings provide insights into the regulatory interactions between Tak1-Tab2-SH3PX1 and Atg8a, contributing to the fine-tuning of the IMD pathway.