Authors: Zhen Zhao, Duojiao Ni, Irene Ghozalli, Sara Dolatshahi Pirooz, Binyun Ma and Chengyu Liang

Zhen Zhao

Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology; University of Southern California; Los Angeles, CA USA

Duojiao Ni

Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology; University of Southern California; Los Angeles, CA USA

Irene Ghozalli

Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology; University of Southern California; Los Angeles, CA USA

Sara Dolatshahi Pirooz

Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology; University of Southern California; Los Angeles, CA USA

Binyun Ma

Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology; University of Southern California; Los Angeles, CA USA

Chengyu Liang

Corresponding author: chengyu.liang@usc.edu
Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology; University of Southern California; Los Angeles, CA USA

Abstract:
UVRAG is a promoter of the autophagy pathway, and its deficiency may fuel the development of cancers. Intriguingly, our recent study has demonstrated that this protein also mediates the repair of damaged DNA and patrols centrosome stability, mechanisms that commonly prevent cancer progression, in a manner independent of its role in autophagy signaling. Given the central role of UVRAG in genomic stability and autophagic cleaning, it is speculated that UVRAG is a bona fide genome protector and that the decrease in UVRAG seen in some cancers may render these cells vulnerable to chromosomal damage, making UVRAG an appealing target for cancer therapy.

Autophagic Punctum to:
Z Zhao, S Oh, D Li, D Ni, SD Pirooz, JH Lee, et al. A dual role for UVRAG in maintaining chromosomal stability independent of autophagy. Dev Cell 2012; 22: 1001-16
PMID: 22542840 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2011.12.027

Received: May 30, 2012; Accepted: June 6, 2012; Published Online: August 13, 2012

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