Figure 5.

Proposed model of autophagy in PINK1^−/− MEFs. PINK1 loss-of-function results in exacerbated autophagy, characterized by mCherry-LC3B and mCherry-p62 accumulation, an increase in GFP-LC3 and LTR puncta, and increased levels of LC3-II protein and AVs. Moreover, PINK1 deficiency results ineffective mitophagy, as determined by increased colocalization of mCherry-LC3B with mitochondria and fragmented mitochondria. Overexpression of PINK1 (WT or kinase mutants) in PINK1^−/− MEFs restores autophagy to basal levels.