Connexins localize to the plasma membrane, where they form gap junctions between cells. Cuervo and colleagues report that connexins associate with autophagosome precursor structures in the plasma membrane and inhibit autophagosome biogenesis. Nutrient deprivation relieves this inhibition and promotes autophagic degradation of connexin proteins.
- Eloy Bejarano
- Andrea Yuste
- Ana Maria Cuervo