Developmental expression of LC3 alpha and beta: Absence of fibronectin or autophagy phenotype in LC3 beta knockout mice DEVELOPMENTAL DYNAMICS Cann, G. M., Guignabert, C., Ying, L., Deshpande, N., Bekker, J. M., Wang, L., Zhou, B., Rabinovitch, M. 2008; 237 (1): 187-195

Abstract

Murine light chain 3 (LC3) exists as two isoforms, LC3alpha and beta: LC3beta is an RNA-binding protein that enhances fibronectin (FN) mRNA translation, and is also a marker of autophagy. We report embryonic expression patterns for LC3alpha and LC3beta, with some overlap but notable differences in the brain, and in tissues of non-neuronal origin. LC3beta knockout (-/-) mice develop normally without a compensatory increase in LC3alpha. LC3beta-/- embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) exhibit reduced FN synthesis but maintain wild type (WT) levels of FN protein. No significant changes in proteins associated with FN turnover, i.e., caveolin-1, LRP-1, or matrix metalloproteinases were identified. Autophagosomes form in amino acid-starved LC3beta-/-MEFs, and Caesarean-delivered pups survive as long as WT pups without an increase in LC3-related proteins linked to autophagy. These results suggest novel compensatory mechanisms for loss of LC3beta, ensuring proper FN accumulation and autophagy during fetal and neonatal life.

View details for DOI 10.1002/dvdy.21392

View details for Web of Science ID 000252386300018

View details for PubMedID 18069693