ULK1 is a serine/threonine-protein kinase involved in autophagy in response to starvation. It acts upstream of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase PIK3C3 to regulate the formation of autophagophores, the precursors of autophagosomes. Part of regulatory feedback loops in autophagy: acts both as a downstream effector and negative regulator of mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) via interaction with RPTOR. It is activated via phosphorylation by AMPK and also acts as a regulator of AMPK by mediating phosphorylation of AMPK subunits PRKAA1, PRKAB2 and PRKAG1, leading to negatively regulate AMPK activity. It may phosphorylate ATG13/KIAA0652 and RPTOR; however such data need additional evidences and plays a role early in neuronal differentiation and is required for granule cell axon formation.
Synonyms: ATG1; ATG1A; UNC51; Unc51.1; hATG1
Storage: -20C