Background：ULK1, also named as KIAA0722, belongs to the protein kinase superfamily, Ser/Thr protein kinase family and APG1/unc-51/ULK1 subfamily. It is involved in autophagy. ULK1 is required for autophagosome formation. It forms a stable complex with Atg13 and focal adhesion kinase(FAK) family interacting protein of 200 kDa(FIP 200)(PMID:21460634). ULK1 phosphorylates ATG13/KIAA0652. It is involved in axon growth. ULK1 plays an essential role in neurite extension of cerebellar granule cells. ULK1 represents a potential novel prognostic biomarker for HCC patients and may play an important role during the progression of HCC(PMID:23573318).
