New processes of non-standard cell self-cleaning without ATG8

ATG8-independent autophagy challenges the notion that lipidation by LC3/GABARAP is universally necessary for autophagosome formation.

• Cells can utilize alternative degradation mechanisms that do not rely on ATG8 proteins.
• Studies in mammals, plants, and protozoa have identified various pathways such as macroautophagy and microautophagy-like systems that function independently of ATG8.
• These alternative pathways may play critical roles in stress adaptation and organelle quality control.
• ATG8-independent autophagy is associated with developmental remodeling and the degradation of specific cellular components.
• Understanding these unconventional autophagic pathways is important for insights into health, disease biology, and potential therapeutic strategies.

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