Background：Atg13 was identified as a constitutively expressed protein that was genetically linked to Atg1/Apg1, a protein kinase required for autophagy. Overexpression of Atg1 suppresses the defects in autophagy observed in Atg13 mutants. Autophagy requires a direct association between Atg1 and Atg13, and is inhibited by TOR-dependent phosphorylation of Atg13 under high-nutrient conditions.
