Autophagy protein 5 (ATG5)

Conjugation with ATG12, through a ubiquitin-like conjugating system between ATG7 as an E1-like activating enzyme and ATG10 as an E2-like conjugating enzyme, is crucial for its function. The ATG12-ATG5 conjugate acts as an E3-like enzyme that's needed for lipidation of ATG8 family proteins and their association to the vesicle membranes.

Involved in mitochondrial quality control after oxidative damage, and in following cellular longevity. Plays a critical role in a number of facets of lymphocyte development and is critical for both B and T lymphocyte survival and proliferation.