After the ubiquitin-like protein Atg8 has had its C-terminal arginine residue cleaved by the cysteine protease Atg4, it is passed on to E1 (Atg7) and E2 (Atg3) and transferred into the head group of its substrate phosphatidylethanolamine (PE). This Atg8-PE conjugate functions as part of the membrane component of the autophagosome. When Atg8-PE is once again deconjugated PE by Atg4, the Atg8 is recycled. Incidentally, an E3-like protein in autophagy has not yet been found.
■ Western blotting
■ Western blotting
■ Western blotting
■ Western blotting