Activation of the bridge-like lipid transfer protein Atg2 by Atg1-mediated phosphorylation

Abstract

Bridge-like lipid transfer proteins (BLTPs) have emerged as major contributors to lipid flux and thus cellular organization. BLTPs harbor a hydrophobic channel connecting two membranes to enable the bulk flow of lipids between them. The regulation of BLTPs is incompletely understood. Employing in vitro reconstitution, molecular dynamics simulations, and cell biology, we discovered that the BLTP Atg2, which mediates lipid transfer during autophagosome biogenesis, is activated by the Atg1 kinase. Atg1 phosphorylates two serines in the N-terminal region of Atg2. This triggers membrane binding and opening of the channel to enable lipid transfer. The Atg1 kinase complex is localized to the endoplasmic reticulum through binding of its Atg13 subunit to the VAP protein Scs2. Phosphorylated Atg2 can subsequently establish contacts with Atg9 vesicles. Our study delineates a pathway for the Atg1 kinase mediated activation of the BLTP Atg2 to establish membrane contact site formation and lipid flux.