UVRAG: A New Player in Autophagy and Tumor Cell Growth

AbstractAutophagy has a well-documented role in the maintenance of homeostasis and the response to stressful environments and it is often deregulated in various human diseases including cancer. The regulation of the Beclin 1-PI3KC3 complex lipid kinase activity is a critical element in the autophagy signaling pathway. Previous studies1 have demonstrated that Beclin 1-PI3KC3-mediated autophagy is negatively regulated by a proto-oncogene Bcl-2. We have recently identified a novel coiled-coil UVRAG tumor suppressor candidate, which positively engages in Beclin 1-dependent autophagy. UVRAG interacts with Beclin 1, leading to activation of autophagy and thereof inhibition of tumorigenesis. This finding adds a new player to the emerging picture of the autophagy network, underscoring the importance of the coordinated activity between Bcl-2 and UVRAG in the regulation of Beclin 1-PI3KC3- mediated autophagy and tumor cell control.Addendum to:Autophagic and Tumor Suppressor Activity of a Novel Beclin 1-Binding Protein UVRAGChengyu Liang, Pinghui Feng, Bonsu Ku, Iris Dotan, Dan Canaani, Byung-Ha Oh and Jae U. JungNature Cell Biol 2006; 8:688-99