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Review
. 2024 Mar 29;7(1):382.
doi: 10.1038/s42003-024-06080-1.

Insights on E1-like enzyme ATG7: functional regulation and relationships with aging-related diseases

Jingwei Liu #  1   2   3 , Yutong Xiao #  1   2 , Liangzi Cao  1   2 , Songming Lu  1   2 , Siyi Zhang  1   2 , Ruohan Yang  1   2 , Yubang Wang  1   2 , Naijin Zhang  1   4 , Yang Yu  1   2 , Xiwen Wang  5 , Wendong Guo  1   2 , Zhuo Wang  1   2 , Hongde Xu  6   7 , Chengzhong Xing  8 , Xiaoyu Song  9   10 , Liu Cao  11   12
Affiliations
Review

Insights on E1-like enzyme ATG7: functional regulation and relationships with aging-related diseases

Jingwei Liu et al. Commun Biol. .

Abstract

Autophagy is a dynamic self-renovation biological process that maintains cell homeostasis and is responsible for the quality control of proteins, organelles, and energy metabolism. The E1-like ubiquitin-activating enzyme autophagy-related gene 7 (ATG7) is a critical factor that initiates classic autophagy reactions by promoting the formation and extension of autophagosome membranes. Recent studies have identified the key functions of ATG7 in regulating the cell cycle, apoptosis, and metabolism associated with the occurrence and development of multiple diseases. This review summarizes how ATG7 is precisely programmed by genetic, transcriptional, and epigenetic modifications in cells and the relationship between ATG7 and aging-related diseases.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no competing interests.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1. Atg7 gene conservation among common species.
Atg7 is highly conserved among different species.
Fig. 2
Fig. 2. Classical autophagy process mediated by ATG7 as E1-like enzyme.
ATG7 protein is a homodimeric E1 enzyme that mediates covalent modifications of other autophagy-related proteins during autophagy, including the binding of ATG5 and ATG12, and the lipidation of LC3.
Fig. 3
Fig. 3. p53/Sirt1/ATG7 axis and ATG7 epigenetic modification.
It has been reported that ATG7 is regulated by epigenetic modifications of acetylation, deacetylation, and ubiquitination. p53/miR-155/Sirt1 axis forms a autophagy-regulating loop with ATG7.
Fig. 4
Fig. 4. An overview of ATG7 function and regulatory mechanism.
ATG7 is regulated at DNA, mRNA, and protein levels, and is closely associated with transcription regulation, cell fate, energy metabolism, developmental regulation and aging diseases.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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