On the edge of degradation: Autophagy regulation by RNA decay

Cells must dynamically adapt to altered environmental conditions, particularly during times of stress, to ensure their ability to function effectively and survive. The macroautophagy/autophagy pathway is highly conserved across eukaryotic cells and promotes cell survival during stressful conditions. In general, basal autophagy occurs at a low level to sustain cellular homeostasis and metabolism. However, autophagy is robustly upregulated in response to nutrient deprivation, pathogen infection and increased accumulation of potentially toxic protein aggregates and superfluous organelles. Within the cell, RNA decay maintains quality control to remove aberrant transcripts and regulate appropriate levels of gene expression. Recent evidence has identified components of the cellular mRNA decay machinery as novel regulators of autophagy. Here, we review current findings that demonstrate how autophagy is modulated through RNA decay. This article is categorized under: RNA Turnover and Surveillance > Turnover/Surveillance Mechanisms RNA Turnover and Surveillance > Regulation of RNA Stability.