The N-terminal region of the ATG8 autophagy protein LC3C is essential for its membrane fusion properties.

Autophagy is a catabolic process in which a double-membrane organelle, the autophagosome (AP), engulfs cellular components that will be degraded in the lysosomes. ATG8 protein family members participate at various stages of AP formation. The present study compares the capacity to induce lipid-vesicle tethering and fusion of two ATG8 family members, LC3B and LC3C, with model membranes.

Ceramide regulation of autophagy: A biophysical approach.

Specific membrane lipids play unique roles in (macro)autophagy. Those include phosphatidylethanolamine, to which LC3/GABARAP autophagy proteins become covalently bound in the process, or cardiolipin, an important effector in mitochondrial autophagy (or mitophagy). Ceramide (Cer), or N-acyl sphingosine, is one of the simplest sphingolipids, known as a stress signal in the apoptotic pathway.

Lipids in Mitochondrial Macroautophagy: Phase Behavior of Bilayers Containing Cardiolipin and Ceramide.

Cardiolipin (CL) is a key lipid for damaged mitochondrial recognition by the LC3/GABARAP human autophagy proteins. The role of ceramide (Cer) in this process is unclear, but CL and Cer have been proposed to coexist in mitochondria under certain conditions. Varela et al.

Effect of ATG12-ATG5-ATG16L1 autophagy E3-like complex on the ability of LC3/GABARAP proteins to induce vesicle tethering and fusion.

In macroautophagy, the autophagosome (AP) engulfs portions of cytoplasm to allow their lysosomal degradation. AP formation in humans requires the concerted action of the ATG12 and LC3/GABARAP conjugation systems. The ATG12-ATG5-ATG16L1 or E3-like complex (E3 for short) acts as a ubiquitin-like E3 enzyme, promoting LC3/GABARAP proteins anchoring to the AP membrane.

Postprocedural Complications of External Ventricular Drains: A Meta-Analysis Evaluating the Absolute Risk of Hemorrhages, Infections, and Revisions.

Background: External ventricular drain (EVD) insertion is often a lifesaving procedure frequently used in neurosurgical emergencies. It is routinely done at the bedside in the neurocritical care unit or in the emergency room. However, there are infectious and noninfectious complications associated with this procedure.