Dosaggi Beclin 1

Plays a central role in autophagy (PubMed:23184933, PubMed:28445460). Acts as core subunit of the PI3K complex that mediates formation of phosphatidylinositol 3-phosphate; different complex forms are believed to play a role in multiple membrane trafficking pathways: PI3KC3-C1 is involved in initiation of autophagosomes and PI3KC3-C2 in maturation of autophagosomes and endocytosis. Involved in regulation of degradative endocytic trafficking and required for the abcission step in cytokinesis, probably in the context of PI3KC3-C2 (PubMed:20643123, PubMed:20208530, PubMed:26783301). Essential for the formation of PI3KC3-C2 but not PI3KC3-C1 PI3K complex forms. Involved in endocytosis (PubMed:25275521). Protects against infection by a neurovirulent strain of Sindbis virus (PubMed:9765397). May play a role in antiviral host defense.

This gene encodes a protein that regulates autophagy, a catabolic process of degradation induced by starvation. The encoded protein is a component of the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K) complex which mediates vesicle-trafficking processes. This protein is thought to play a role in multiple cellular processes, including tumorigenesis, neurodegeneration and apoptosis. Alternative splicing results in multiple transcript variants.

Ubiquitous.

Belongs to the beclin family.

Phosphorylation at Thr-119 by DAPK1 reduces its interaction with BCL2 and BCL2L1 and promotes induction of autophagy (PubMed:19180116). In response to autophagic stimuli, phosphorylated at serine residues by AMPK in an ATG14-dependent manner, and this phosphorylation is critical for maximally efficient autophagy (PubMed:23878393).

Cytoplasm. Golgi apparatus > trans-Golgi network membrane. Endosome membrane. Endoplasmic reticulum membrane. Mitochondrion membrane. Endosome. Cytoplasmic vesicle > Autophagosome.

Interaction with ATG14 promotes translocation to autophagosomes. Expressed in dendrites and cell bodies of cerebellar Purkinje cells (By similarity).