The product of this gene is a subunit of neuronal microtubule-associated MAP1A and MAP1B proteins, which are involved in microtubule assembly and important for neurogenesis. Studies on the rat homolog implicate a role for this gene in autophagy, a process that involves the bulk degradation of cytoplasmic component. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2008],caution:PubMed:12740394 has shown that the protein is cleaved at Lys-122 but PubMed:15355958 has shown that the cleavage site is at Gly-120 as in other mammalian orthologs.,function:Probably involved in formation of autophagosomal vacuoles (autophagosomes).,PTM:The precursor molecule is cleaved by APG4B/ATG4B to form LC3-I. This is activated by APG7L/ATG7, transferred to ATG3 and conjugated to phospholipid to form LC3-II.,similarity:Belongs to the MAP1 LC3 family.,subcellular location:LC3-II binds to the autophagic membranes.,subunit:3 different light chains, LC1, LC2 and LC3, can associate with MAP1A and MAP1B proteins.,tissue specificity:Most abundant in heart, brain, skeletal muscle and testis. Little expression observed in liver.,
