Autophagy regulatory molecule, TMEM74, interacts with BIK and inhibits BIK-induced apoptosis

TMEM74 (Transmembrane protein 74), a lysosome transmembrane protein, induces cell autophagy. Knockdown of TMEM74 abolished EBSS-induced autophagy. BIK, belonging to BOP (BH3-only protein) protein family, has been reported to induce cell apoptosis. Autophagy and apoptosis, as different pathways regulated by extra- or intra-cellular signals precisely, both play a crucial role in processes of intra-cellular substrates degradation, energy metabolism and cell survival.