[HTML][HTML] Maturation of autophagosomes and endosomes: a key role for Rab7

JMT Hyttinen, M Niittykoski, A Salminen… - … et Biophysica Acta (BBA …, 2013 - Elsevier
JMT Hyttinen, M Niittykoski, A Salminen, K Kaarniranta
Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA)-Molecular Cell Research, 2013Elsevier
Macroautophagy is an important route in cellular maintenance, in the breakdown and reuse
of intracellular materials. It is closely related to endocytosis, the means by which the cell can
absorb extracellular material, as both macroautophagy and endocytosis have converging
steps and common participating molecules. The point where autophagosomes and
endosomes fuse with lysosomes to permit for the final degradation of their contents is
important. One of the most substantial molecules in the maturation of autophagosomes …
Macroautophagy is an important route in cellular maintenance, in the breakdown and reuse of intracellular materials. It is closely related to endocytosis, the means by which the cell can absorb extracellular material, as both macroautophagy and endocytosis have converging steps and common participating molecules. The point where autophagosomes and endosomes fuse with lysosomes to permit for the final degradation of their contents is important. One of the most substantial molecules in the maturation of autophagosomes/endosomes is Rab7, a member of small GTPases. Rab7 designates the maturation of endosomes and also autophagosomes, directing the trafficking of cargos along microtubules, and finally, participating in the fusion step with lysosomes. Rab7 is an effective multifunctional regulator of autophagy and endocytosis. Since many aggregation-based diseases, e.g. age-related macular degeneration of the eye (AMD) and Alzheimer's disease are due of malfunctioning in the autophagic process, the management of Rab7 activity might hold potential as a therapeutic target against these diseases.
Elsevier