Nutrient stress triggers a recycling process controlled by RAB5B to change proteins at nerve connections

Nutrient stress induces autophagy-dependent remodeling of the synaptic proteome within 1-2 hours.

• Serum withdrawal triggers autophagy activation at synapses, while mTORC1 inhibition has limited effects.
• The process involves the recruitment of autophagy machinery through RAB5B-positive endosomal compartments and is dependent on dynein.
• Live imaging shows increased co-trafficking of RAB5B and ATG16L1, as well as heightened mobility of ATG5 during nutrient stress.
• Nutrient deprivation reduces neuronal activity, while a fasting-mimicking diet leads to synaptic proteome changes that overlap with autophagy cargo from starvation.
• Limiting amino acids that activate mTORC1 does not produce similar synaptic remodeling.

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