Ykt6 mediates autophagosome-vacuole fusion

Abstract

Studying the mechanism of autophagosome-vacuole fusion has proven difficult in live yeast cells. Developing a novel in vitro fusion assay, we identified Ykt6 as the missing R-SNARE (Soluble N-ethylmaleimide sensitive factor attachment protein receptor) in this process and pinpoint the place of action of all four SNAREs involved. Parallel studies have confirmed our findings in other organisms.