DRAMing for autophagy COMMENT

Autophagy, a catabolic lysosomal recycling pathway, is often found dysregulated in human diseases. Whereas its prime cell stress-related function is cytoprotection, autophagy has also been linked to the activation of apoptosis and cell death. One group of proteins which participates in the orchestration of autophagy and apoptosis is the family of DRAM proteins. In the current issue of The FEBS Journal, Barthet et al. uncover a compensatory crosstalk between the two newest members of the family, DRAM-4 and DRAM-5, the latter one regulating autophagic activity.

Automated summary

Autophagy is a crucial cellular protective mechanism, but it is also involved in apoptosis and cell death. DRAM proteins are a group of proteins that regulate the coordination between autophagy and apoptosis. The latest study reveals a compensatory crosstalk between the two newest members of the DRAM family, DRAM-4 and DRAM-5, with the latter regulating autophagic activity.