BECN1

Beclin-1 is a is_associated_with::protein that in humans is encoded by the BECN1 is_associated_with::gene. Beclin-1 is a mammalian ortholog of the yeast autophagy-related gene (Atg) 6 and BEC-1 in the C. elegans is_associated_with::nematode.

Beclin-1 participates in the regulation of autophagy and has an important role in development, tumorigenesis, and neurodegeneration. Beclin-1 and its binding partner class III is_associated_with::phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), also named is_associated_with::Vps34, are required for the initiation of the formation of the autophagosome in is_associated_with::autophagy.

Role in disease
Schizophrenia is associated with low levels of Beclin-1 in the hippocampus of the affected which causes diminished is_associated_with::autophagy which in turn results in increased neuronal cell death.

Interactions
BECN1 has been shown to interact with:
 * is_associated_with::Bcl-2,
 * is_associated_with::BCL2L2, and
 * is_associated_with::GOPC.

Modulators
is_associated_with::Trehalose reduces p62/Beclin-1 ratio and increases is_associated_with::autophagy in the frontal cortex of ICR mice, possibly by increasing Beclin-1.
 * Trehalose: