unc51like
Unc51like refers to the UNC-51-like kinase (ULK) family, a set of serine/threonine kinases that are evolutionarily conserved from nematodes to humans. The founding member UNC-51 was identified in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans as essential for axonal outgrowth and proper synaptic vesicle trafficking. In mammals, UNC51-like kinases are designated ULK1, ULK2, ULK3, and ULK4. ULK1 and ULK2 are the best characterized and act as initiators of autophagy, forming a regulatory complex with ATG13, ATG101, and FIP200 (RB1CC1) to trigger autophagosome formation in response to nutrient deprivation.
The activity of ULK1/ULK2 is governed by cellular energy and growth signals. mTORC1 inhibits ULK1/ULK2 under
Unc51like genes are studied for their roles in disease through autophagy dysregulation, with altered ULK signaling