ER-phagy: selective autophagy of the endoplasmic reticulum

Eukaryotic cells adequately control the mass and functions of organelles in various situations. Autophagy, an intracellular degradation system, largely contributes to this organelle control by degrading the excess or defective portions of organelles. The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is an organelle with distinct structural domains associated with specific functions. The ER dynamically changes its mass, components, and shape in response to metabolic, developmental, or proteotoxic cues to maintain or regulate its functions. Therefore, elaborate mechanisms are required for proper degradation of the ER. Here, we review our current knowledge on diverse mechanisms underlying selective autophagy of the ER, which enable efficient degradation of specific ER subdomains according to different demands of cells.

Automated summary

Autophagy is a degradation system in eukaryotic cells that controls the mass and functions of organelles by degrading excess or defective portions. The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is an organelle with specific functions that dynamically changes its mass and shape to maintain or regulate its functions. Elaborate mechanisms are required for the proper degradation of the ER.