Q86TL0

Atg4D also known as autophagy-related gene 4D, APG4D,  AUTL4 is a crucial 474 amino acid protein that plays a significant role in autophagy, which is essential for cellular homeostasis and degradation of damaged organelles and proteins. Atg4D protein is primarily localized in the cytoplasm and predominantly expressed in skeletal muscle, with additional presence in the testis. As a member of the C-54 family of cysteine proteases, Atg4D protein is responsible for cleaving the C-terminal region of target proteins, a critical step that facilitates their binding to autophagosomes, thereby promoting the formation of these double-membrane vesicles necessary for autophagy. Atg4D enzymatic activity can be inhibited by N-ethylmaleimide, a compound that modifies cysteine residues, potentially disrupting the autophagic process, highlighting Atg4D′s importance in maintaining cellular health and potential implications in various diseases where autophagy is dysregulated.