Autophagy Related Protein 2A (ATG2A)

ATG2A, Belongs to the ATG2 family. Atgl8(FTTG) formed a complex with Atg2 in a normal manner, and Atgl8-Atg2 complex formation occurred in cells in the absence of PtdIns(3)P,indicating that Atgl8-Atg2 complex formation is independent of PtdIns(3)P-binding of Atgl8. The localization of Atg2 to autophagic membranes was also lost in Atgl8(FTTG) cells. These data indicate that PtdIns(3)P-binding of Atgl8 is involved in directing the Atgl8-Atg2 complex to autophagic membranes. PtdIns(3)P-binding by Atgl8 is dispensable for the function of the Atgl8-Atg2 complex but is required for its localization. Atgl8 forms a complex with Atg2 irrespective of PtdIns(3)P binding, associates tightly to autophagic membranes by interacting with PtdIns(3)P, and plays an essential role.