Distinct autophagy impairment mechanisms of huntingtin aggregates with different polyQ lengths

Apr 7, 2026Cell chemical biology

Different ways huntingtin protein clumps with varying polyQ lengths disrupt cell cleanup

AI simplified

Abstract

PolyQ length-dependent mechanisms reveal that polyQ103 aggregates evade autophagy recognition.

  • PolyQ aggregates in Huntington's disease vary in length, affecting how they impair autophagy.
  • PolyQ103 aggregates avoid recognition by the autophagy receptor SQSTM1/p62.
  • PolyQ43 condensates are recognized by SQSTM1/p62, but their size prevents full autophagosome formation.
  • Overexpressing optineurin preferentially binds to polyQ103 aggregates, enhancing cell survival.
  • K63-ubiquitination on polyQ103 aggregates is crucial for recruiting optineurin.

AI simplified

Full Text

Full text is available at the source.

what lands in your inbox each week:

  • 📚7 fresh studies
  • 📝plain-language summaries
  • direct links to original studies
  • 🏅top journal indicators
  • 📅weekly delivery
  • 🧘‍♂️always free