Fig. 8: Working model for the nSMase2-mediated induction of cytoprotective autophagy during starvation.

Under normal conditions, autophagy is suppressed by phosphorylated mTOR. During nutrient starvation, upregulated nSMase2 produces ceramides in the Golgi that activate p38 MAPK and inhibits mTOR signaling, thereby inducing autophagic flux