Autophagosome recycling depends on Arp2/3 complex keeping lysosomes healthy

Ablation of the Arp2/3 complex in mouse fibroblasts led to increased levels of autophagy receptors and lipidated membrane proteins.

• Increased basal levels of autophagy receptors and lipidated membrane proteins were observed in cells lacking the Arp2/3 complex.
• These cells displayed an abnormally high number of autolysosomes and were unable to complete autolysosome turnover due to lysosomal damage.
• The recruitment of the Arp2/3-activating protein WHAMM to lysosomes was noted following treatment with a lysosomal membrane-disrupting agent.
• Activity of the Arp2/3 complex was necessary for restoring the structure of damaged lysosomes.
• Deletion of WHAMM in fibroblasts resulted in decreased Arp2/3 localization to lysosomes and increased lysosomal damage.

Simplified