Scientists uncover key factors for starting autophagy in cells

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Weak molecular interactions essential for autophagy to begin

In order for the degradation of cellular components through autophagy to occur, they must first be recognised as waste. This is done by receptor and other adapter molecules. However, it was previously unknown how exactly these molecules trigger the subsequent steps. "We have now been able to show that the receptors must bind weakly to the material to be disposed of for autophagy to start," explains Kraft. "If they bind too strongly, the process is not triggered."

What initially sounds counterintuitive could be explained by the researchers with the help of computer simulations and experiments on living yeast cells and human cells in cell culture: the weak binding causes the receptors to remain mobile and form random clusters.

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