The Cytoplasm-to-Vacuole Targeting Pathway: A Historical Perspective. (20th February 2012)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Umekawa, Midori; Klionsky, Daniel J.
• Other Names: Reggiori Fulvio Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: International journal of cell biology. Volume 2012(2012)
• Publication Date: 2012-02-20
• Subjects: Cytology -- Periodicals; Cell Biology; Cytology; Periodicals; Electronic journals -- Sciences; Electronic journals -- Biology; Periodicals; 571.6
• DOI: 10.1155/2012/142634
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1687-8876

Abstract

Abstract : From today's perspective, it is obvious that macroautophagy (hereafter autophagy) is an important pathway that is connected to a range of developmental and physiological processes. This viewpoint, however, is relatively recent, coinciding with the molecular identification of autophagy-related (Atg) components that function as the protein machinery that drives the dynamic membrane events of autophagy. It may be difficult, especially for scientists new to this area of research, to appreciate that the field of autophagy long existed as a "backwater" topic that attracted little interest or attention. Paralleling the development of the autophagy field was the identification and analysis of the cytoplasm-to-vacuole targeting (Cvt) pathway, the only characterized biosynthetic route that utilizes the Atg proteins. Here, we relate some of the initial history, including some never-before-revealed facts, of the analysis of the Cvt pathway and the convergence of those studies with autophagy.