p32: A new player in autophagy

Abstract

Unc-51 like kinase-1 (Ulk1) is essential for autophagy induction. We recently reported that p32/C1QBP is crucial for the induction of autophagic flux upon starvation and the clearance of damaged mitochondria through the regulation of Ulk1 stability and kinase activity. Our results underscore the importance of p32 in fine-tuning the stress response and mitochondrial homeostasis via Ulk1.