Researchers identify RNF213 pathway that clears abnormal glycogen in brain cells
A Nature study found that RNF213 tags abnormal glycogen for cellular disposal, limiting its buildup in mouse brain cells.
Researchers reported that the enzyme RNF213 directly attaches ubiquitin to abnormal, poorly branched glycogen, allowing autophagy receptors to route it for disposal.
Mice lacking RNF213's ligase activity accumulated abnormal glycogen in several brain regions, while engineered-cell experiments helped establish the pathway, according to the peer-reviewed study.