Autophagy is a catabolic process for the autophagosomic-lysosomal degradation of bulk cytoplasmic contents . The molecular machinery of autophagy was largely discovered in yeast and is directed by a number of autophagy-related (Atg) genes. The class III type phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) Vps34 regulates vacuolar trafficking and autophagy . Multiple proteins associate with Vps34, including p105/Vps15, Beclin-1, UVRAG, Atg14, and Rubicon . Atg14 and Rubicon were identified based on their ability to bind to Beclin-1 and participate in unique complexes with opposing functions .Atg14 localizes to autophagosomes, isolation membranes, and ER and can enhance Vps34 activity. Knockdown of Atg14 inhibits starvation-induced autophagy .
