Background of Autophagosome-Lysosome Fusion
Macroautophagy is a conserved intracellular lysosomal degradation pathway that is essential for maintaining intracellular homeostasis. In the final step of the macroautophagy process, autophagic vesicles fuse with lysosomes, releasing their cargo into the acidic and hydrolytic lumen of these organelles. Scientists' understanding of autophagosome formation has grown almost exponentially over the past decades, but elucidation of autophagosome maturation, including the fusion step, has only recently begun. Analysis of the major fusion factors involved in autophagosomal-lysosomal fusion is key to the study of autophagosomal-lysosomal fusion, containing soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptors (SNAREs), small GTPases, Atg8 family proteins, etc.
Fig. 1. Major factors involved in autophagosome-lysosome fusion in human somatic cells. (Lőrincz P, et al., 2020)
Services
Our scientists have unique insights into each stage of macroautophagy, including induction, isolation membrane formation, autophagosome formation and maturation, and autophagosome-lysosome fusion. Here at CD BioSciences, we are committed to providing comprehensive autophagosome-lysosome fusion analysis services to our global clients through a variety of strategies.
Identification of Autophagy-Related Genes
We offer the identification of autophagy-associated genes (ATGs) in yeast as markers for membrane isolation and autophagosome microscopy assays. For direct analysis of autophagosome-lysosome fusions, we detect co-localization between autophagosome markers and lysosomes.
Analysis of Proteins Involved in Autophagosomal-Lysosomal Fusion
We characterize the specific roles of Rab GTPases, membrane-tethering complexes and SNAREs in the autophagosome-lysosome fusion process using cutting-edge techniques to help you determine the conditions necessary for the autophagosome-lysosome fusion step to occur.
Analysis of Phosphatidylinositol (PI) in Autophagosomal-Lysosomal Fusion
We use cutting-edge techniques to analyze the exact role of each PI, the timeline of PI function, and how the different PIs act in concert during fusion.
Our Technology Platforms
- Immunoprecipitation and Western Blotting
- Immunocytochemistry
- Cell Fractionation
- In Vitro Autophagosome-Lysosome Fusion Assay
- Determination of Fusion Protein Receptor Degradation
- Flow Cytometer
- Electron Microscope
Why Choose Us
- Providing strong support for the molecular mechanism research of autophagosome-lysosome fusion.
- Extensive characterization of multiple ATG genes.
- Fully customized autophagosome-lysosome fusion analysis service.
- Unique insights into macroautophagy from a professional team.
CD BioSciences can meet any reasonable needs of our clients, taking time and budget into consideration for you. Our aim is to be customer-centric and to provide the highest quality services to customers. Our customer service representatives are enthusiastic and trustworthy 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you are interested in our services, please feel free to contact us for more information or a detailed discussion.
Reference
- Lőrincz P, Juhász G. (2020) Autophagosome-Lysosome Fusion. J Mol Biol. 432(8):2462-2482.