Metabolism: Secretory autophagy balances nutrient supply and demand.

ABSTRACT

The hormone leptin is critical for regulation of food intake, energy expenditure and overall metabolism. However, the mechanisms that promote leptin secretion from adipocytes in response to nutrient surplus and limit its secretion during nutrient scarcity are unclear. New work reveals that the autophagy protein Atg8/LC3 has a bidirectional role in leptin secretion, both facilitating and limiting its release.