What amino acid residue is responsible for the interaction of Atg11 with its autophagy partner Atg9?
Date Approved
2025
Degree Type
Open Access Senior Honors Thesis
Department or School
Chemistry
First Advisor
Steven K. Backues, Ph.D.
Second Advisor
Hedeel Evans, Ph.D.
Third Advisor
Harriet Lindsay, Ph.D.
Abstract
Macroautophagy is a cellular function that involves the formation of a double membrane vesicle that isolates and transports cellular materials to the vacuole or lysosome for degradation and recycling. It is divided into selective and non-selective macroautophagy. Atg11 and Atg9 are two key proteins involved in selective macroautophagy, and their interaction is critical for selective macroautophagy. Specific residues on Atg9 critical for Atg11 binding have been identified, but similar residues on Atg11 have not been identified. The aim of my research was to identify a specific residue critical for Atg11’s interaction with Atg9. To this end, we carried out Yeast-twohybrid and Co-IP experiments on 6 different mutants of Atg11. Only one mutant lost interaction with Atg9, but it was a multiple mutant and likely not a single binding surface. Thus, we could not identify a specific residue critical for Atg11’s interaction with Atg9. Still, we successfully eliminated several possibilities, refining our understanding of this area.
Recommended Citation
Woghiren, Patricia Omoyemwen, "What amino acid residue is responsible for the interaction of Atg11 with its autophagy partner Atg9?" (2025). Senior Honors Theses and Projects. 843.
https://commons.emich.edu/honors/843