Figure 5
From: Small molecules, big effects: the role of microRNAs in regulation of cardiomyocyte death
Key steps in the autophagic pathway. The process is initiated by the formation of autophagosomes, double-membrane vesicles that engulf fractions of the cytosol. Autophagosomes undergo a step-wise maturation associated with expansion and completion of the sequestering vesicle, which is regulated by many ATG proteins, particularly Beclin-1 and two ubiquitin-like conjugation systems Atg12-Atg5-Atg16L and Atg8(LC3)-PE. Autophagosomes then fuse with lysosomes to form single-membrane autolysosomes. In this process, autophagosomes acquire hydrolytic enzymes and are able to degrade the sequestered material. Recycling of the basic components, such as amino or fatty acids, helps the cell to maintain homeostasis
