Reticulophagy

Reticulophagy is a type of selective autophagy, a process by which cells degrade specific organelles or components within the cell. It is characterized by the selective degradation of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) network, which is a complex network of membranes that plays a crucial role in protein synthesis, lipid metabolism, and calcium storage. Reticulophagy is regulated by a set of proteins, including the reticulophagy receptor (REEP) and the autophagy-related proteins ATG5 and ATG7. The process begins with the recruitment of REEP to the ER membrane, followed by the formation of an isolation membrane that surrounds the ER. This isolation membrane then fuses with the autophagosome, a double-membraned vesicle that contains the ER material, which is then degraded by lysosomal enzymes. Reticulophagy is important for maintaining ER homeostasis, as it helps to remove damaged or excess ER membranes, and is implicated in various diseases, including neurodegenerative disorders, diabetes, and cancer.