UVRAG: a new player in autophagy and tumor cell growth

Autophagy. 2007 Jan-Feb;3(1):69-71. doi: 10.4161/auto.3437. Epub 2007 Jan 27.

Abstract

Autophagy has a well-documented role in the maintenance of homeostasis and the response to stressful environments and it is often deregulated in various human diseases including cancer. The regulation of the Beclin 1-PI3KC3 complex lipid kinase activity is a critical element in the autophagy signaling pathway. Previous studies(1) have demonstrated that Beclin 1-PI3KC3-mediated autophagy is negatively regulated by a proto-oncogene Bcl-2. We have recently identified a novel coiled-coil UVRAG tumor suppressor candidate, which positively engages in Beclin 1-dependent autophagy. UVRAG interacts with Beclin 1, leading to activation of autophagy and thereof inhibition of tumorigenesis. This finding adds a new player to the emerging picture of the autophagy network, under-scoring the importance of the coordinated activity between Bcl-2 and UVRAG in the regulation of Beclin 1-PI3KC3-mediated autophagy and tumor cell control.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Comment

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Autophagy / physiology*
  • Cell Growth Processes / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Neoplasms / etiology*
  • Proto-Oncogene Mas
  • Tumor Suppressor Proteins / physiology*

Substances

  • MAS1 protein, human
  • Proto-Oncogene Mas
  • Tumor Suppressor Proteins
  • UVRAG protein, human