Role of Atg8 family proteins during autophagy following 2-deoxy-D-glucose treatment in adult hippocampal neural stem cells.

Abstract

The autophagy related gene 8 (Atg8) family proteins play a central role at various steps of autophagy, including autophagosome initiation, elongation, maturation and lysosome fusion, as well as cargo targeting. However, details regarding the distinct roles of individual Atg8 members during autophagy is not much known.

The objective of this project is to determine the roles of each Atg8 family protein and understand their intracellular signaling and molecular effects during autophagy induced by 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2-DG) treatment in adult hippocampal neural stem (HCN) cells. Especially, we will be focusing on three proteins: microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 beta (LC3B), GABA type A receptor associated protein like 1 (GABARAPL1), and 2 (GABARAPL2). HCN cells with stable knockdown of individual Atg8 family member proteins will be treated with 2-DG to induce autophagy and downstream signaling pathways will be examined.

Through these experiments, we will elucidate the effects of Atg8 family proteins and further understand the relevance of Atg8 proteins during autophagy in HCN cells following 2-DG treatment. ⓒ 2017 DGIST