Organization of the autophagy pathway in neurons. (August 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sidibe, David K.; Vogel, Maria C.; Maday, Sandra
• Is Part Of: Current opinion in neurobiology. Volume 75(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-08
• Subjects: Neurobiology -- Periodicals; 573.8
• DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2022.102554
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0959-4388

Abstract

Abstract: Macroautophagy (hereafter referred to as autophagy) is an essential quality-control pathway in neurons, which face unique functional and morphological challenges in maintaining the integrity of organelles and the proteome. To overcome these challenges, neurons have developed compartment-specific pathways for autophagy. In this review, we discuss the organization of the autophagy pathway, from autophagosome biogenesis, trafficking, to clearance, in the neuron. We dissect the compartment-specific mechanisms and functions of autophagy in axons, dendrites, and the soma. Furthermore, we highlight examples of how steps along the autophagy pathway are impaired in the context of aging and neurodegenerative disease, which underscore the critical importance of autophagy in maintaining neuronal function and survival. Highlights: Autophagy is a highly compartmentalized pathway critical for neuroprotection. Axonal autophagosomes form distally and travel retrogradely toward the soma. Dendritic autophagic vacuoles travel bidirectionally and arrest at synapses with activity. Autophagy regulates the synaptic proteome to modulate neurotransmission. Defects in steps of the autophagy pathway are associated with neurodegeneration.