Compartment‐specific dynamics and functions of autophagy in neurons. Issue 3 (15th December 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kulkarni, Vineet Vinay; Maday, Sandra
• Other Names: Zhang Huaye guestEditor.; Winckler Bettina guestEditor.; Cai Qian guestEditor.
• Is Part Of: Developmental neurobiology. Volume 78:Issue 3(2018)
• Page Start: 298
• Page End: 310
• Publication Date: 2017-12-15
• Subjects: autophagy -- neurons -- axonal transport -- neurodegeneration -- homeostasis; Neurobiology -- Periodicals; Neurobiology; Neurobiologie -- Périodiques; Neurobiology; Periodicals; Periodicals; 573.838
• DOI: 10.1002/dneu.22562
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1932-8451

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Autophagy is a lysosomal degradation pathway that is critical to maintaining neuronal homeostasis and viability. Autophagy sequesters damaged and aged cellular components from the intracellular environment, and shuttles these diverse macromolecules to lysosomes for destruction. This active surveillance of the quality of the cytoplasm and organelles is essential in neurons to sustain their long‐term functionality and viability. Indeed, defective autophagy is linked to neurodevelopmental abnormalities and neurodegeneration in mammals. Here, we review the mechanisms of autophagy in neurons and functional roles for autophagy in neuronal homeostasis. We focus on the compartment‐specific dynamics of autophagy in neurons, and how autophagy might perform non‐canonical functions critical for neurons. We suggest the existence of multiple populations of autophagosomes with compartment‐specific functions important for neural activity and function. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 78: 298–310, 2018