Atg16 Inhibitors

Atg16 inhibitors belong to a class of chemical compounds that primarily target the autophagy-related protein 16 (Atg16), which plays a pivotal role in the autophagy process within cells. Autophagy is a highly regulated cellular mechanism responsible for the degradation and recycling of cellular components, including damaged organelles and protein aggregates, to maintain cellular homeostasis. Atg16 is a critical component of the autophagy machinery, as it forms a complex with other proteins, such as Atg5 and Atg12, to facilitate the elongation of the isolation membrane, also known as the phagophore, into a double-membraned vesicle called the autophagosome. The autophagosome ultimately engulfs cellular cargo and delivers it to lysosomes for degradation and recycling. Inhibition of Atg16 can disrupt this process, leading to alterations in cellular homeostasis.

Atg16 inhibitors, through their interaction with Atg16, can hinder the proper formation and function of autophagosomes. This disruption in autophagic processes can have various consequences on cellular functions, including the accumulation of damaged organelles and proteins, impaired quality control mechanisms, and potentially impacting cell survival and differentiation. Research into Atg16 inhibitors is of significant interest in the field of cell biology, as it helps elucidate the intricacies of autophagy regulation and its role in various cellular processes.