Translation in proximity to forming autophagosomes during sustained autophagy

Multiple mRNAs encoding proteins necessary for autophagy preferentially localize near forming autophagosomes.

• Autophagy involves over 35 genes and results in the formation of autophagosomes, which are critical for cellular stress responses.
• During stress, cells reduce translation to save energy while simultaneously generating large numbers of autophagosomes.
• Evidence suggests that mRNAs important for autophagy are translated locally near autophagosomes, aiding rapid protein supply.
• The ribosome-binding protein RACK1 is essential for the localization of these mRNAs to the sites of autophagosome formation.
• Inhibiting translation or reducing RACK1 levels leads to a decrease in proteins needed for autophagy and fewer autophagosomes.

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