Skip to main content

Autophagy Monitoring Assay: Qualitative Analysis of MAP LC3-I to II Conversion by Immunoblot

  • Protocol
  • First Online:
Characterization of Nanoparticles Intended for Drug Delivery

Part of the book series: Methods in Molecular Biology ((MIMB,volume 697))

Abstract

Lysosomal dysfunction is a recognized toxic mechanism for xenobiotics, which can result in various pathological states. There is concern that nanoparticles, in particular, may cause lysosomal pathologies, since they are likely to accumulate within lysosomes. Dysregulation of the autophagy-lysosomal degradation pathway is an example of lysosomal dysfunction associated with exposure to some nanomaterials. Here, we present a method to monitor autophagy by measurement the autophagosome marker LC3-II, a phosphatidylethanolamine (PE)-conjugated form of microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3-I (MAP LC3-I). As other conditions could potentially result in LC3-II expression, treatment-related changes in expression should be further evaluated by morphological assessment, using techniques such as electron microscopy, to confirm autophagosome involvement.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Protocol
USD 49.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 79.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 99.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 139.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  1. Schneider, P., Korolenko, T.A., and Busch, U. (1997). A review of drug-induced lysosomal disorders of the liver in man and laboratory animals. Microsc Res Tech. 36, 253–75.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  2. Moore, M.N. (2006). Do nanoparticles present ecotoxicological risks for the health of the aquatic environment? Environ Int. 32, 967–76.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  3. Zabirnyk, O., Yezhelyev, M., and Seleverstov, O. (2007). Nanoparticles as a novel class of autophagy activators. Autophagy. 3, 278–81.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  4. Klionsky, D.J., Cuervo, A.M., and Seglen, P.O. (2007) Methods for monitoring autophagy from yeast to human. Autophagy. 3, 181–206.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  5. Mizushima, N., and Yoshimori, T. (2007) How to interpret LC3 immunoblotting. Autophagy. 3, 542–5.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgments

This project has been funded in whole or in part by federal funds from the National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, under contract N01-CO-12400. The content of this publication does not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the Department of Health and Human Services, nor does the mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2011 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC

About this protocol

Cite this protocol

McLeland, C.B., Rodriguez, J., Stern, S.T. (2011). Autophagy Monitoring Assay: Qualitative Analysis of MAP LC3-I to II Conversion by Immunoblot. In: McNeil, S. (eds) Characterization of Nanoparticles Intended for Drug Delivery. Methods in Molecular Biology, vol 697. Humana Press. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-60327-198-1_21

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-60327-198-1_21

  • Published:

  • Publisher Name: Humana Press

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-60327-197-4

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-60327-198-1

  • eBook Packages: Springer Protocols

Publish with us

Policies and ethics