Figure 3. LC3 lipidation in non-autophagic processes.

The phagocytosis of apoptotic bodies and macropinocytic uptake of serum albumin are shown as examples of extracellular substrates that may be degraded in an autophagy protein–dependent manner. Shaded box at the right lists multiple non-autophagic processes utilizing LC3 lipidation, as well as their cargos and biological functions. Their potential common roles in nutrient scavenging are emphasized.