MAP1LC3B Mouse

LC3 was initially identified as a microtubule-associated protein in rat brain. However, subsequent research revealed that its primary function is in autophagy, a process involving the bulk degradation of cytoplasmic components . LC3 is a member of the highly conserved ATG8 protein family, which is present in all known eukaryotic organisms. The ATG8 family in animals comprises three subfamilies:

1. Microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (MAP1LC3)
2. Golgi-associated ATPase enhancer of 16 kDa (GATE-16)
3. γ-amino-butyric acid receptor-associated protein (GABARAP) .

The MAP1LC3B gene is located on chromosome 8 in mice . The protein encoded by this gene is involved in the formation of autophagosomal vacuoles (autophagosomes), which are essential for the autophagy process . LC3 is the most widely used marker of autophagosomes due to its central role in autophagy .

LC3 plays a pivotal role in mitophagy, a specific type of autophagy that targets mitochondria. This process helps regulate mitochondrial quantity and quality by eliminating damaged mitochondria, thus maintaining cellular energy requirements and preventing excess reactive oxygen species (ROS) production . In response to cellular stress and upon mitochondrial fission, LC3 binds to C-18 ceramides and anchors autophagolysosomes to the outer mitochondrial membranes to eliminate damaged mitochondria .

In mice, LC3 is highly expressed in various tissues, including the external carotid artery, morula, deep cerebellar nuclei, internal carotid artery, medial vestibular nucleus, blastocyst, pontine nuclei, iris, ciliary body, and dorsal tegmental nucleus . This widespread expression pattern underscores its importance in various physiological processes.

LC3 is involved in several biological processes, including:

• Autophagy of mitochondria
• Autophagosome assembly
• Cellular response to nitrogen starvation
• Cellular response to starvation
• Macroautophagy
• Autophagosome maturation
• Positive regulation of mucus secretion

Diseases associated with MAP1LC3B include adenocarcinoma and adrenal gland ganglioneuroblastoma . The protein’s involvement in autophagy and mitophagy makes it a potential target for therapeutic interventions in diseases where these processes are dysregulated.