Structure-based targeting of Atg8 uncovers its essential role in autophagy-mediated detoxification.

Structure-based targeting of MoAtg8 reveals its essential role in autophagy-mediated detoxification in Magnaporthe oryzae, with NDGA binding to MoAtg8 and affecting fungal pathogenicity.

• Why it matters: Understanding how autophagy contributes to detoxification in plant pathogens can inform new strategies for disease control. The role of MoAtg8 in this process was previously unclear, limiting potential therapeutic approaches.
• What they did: Researchers determined the crystal structure of MoAtg8 and performed structure-guided virtual screening of a focused compound library, identifying NDGA as a MoAtg8-binding molecule that influences fungal growth and pathogenicity.
• The result: NDGA binds MoAtg8 via Gln81, promoting autophagy-dependent delivery to vacuoles and reducing toxicity, while disruption of autophagy or mutation of Gln81 increases fungal sensitivity to NDGA, revealing autophagy's role in detoxification.