Background
Act as a convergence point for multiple signals that control autophagy, and can bind to several autophagy-related (Atg) proteins, regulating phosphorylation states and protein trafficking. AMPK, activated during low nutrient conditions, directly phosphorylates ULK1 at multiple sites including Ser317, Ser555, and Ser777. Conversely, mTOR, which is a regulator of cell growth and an inhibitor of autophagy, phosphorylates ULK1 at Ser757 and disrupts the interaction between ULK1 and AMPK.
