Proteasome Inhibition Reduces NBR1 Protein Levels in mATG8-Deficient Cells Independently of Lysosomal Degradation and RAB27A

Autophagy is a lysosome-dependent degradation process that involves autophagosome formation, typically mediated by mammalian ATG8 proteins (mATG8s). Autophagosomes can still form in their absence, suggesting alternative mechanisms. NBR1, a selective autophagy receptor, has been shown to compensate for autophagy defects. Here, we examined NBR1 regulation under proteotoxic stress in mATG8s deficient HeLa cells. NBR1 levels were elevated in mATG8s knockout (KO) cells under basal conditions but decreased significantly after treatment with the proteasome inhibitor MG132. This reduction was not prevented by lysosomal inhibition with BafA1, indicating a non-lysosomal mechanism. Silencing of RAB27A reduced basal NBR1 levels, and the effects of MG132 were no longer observed, likely due to already diminished NBR1. Remaining NBR1 localized to puncta positive for ubiquitin and the ESCRT-0 component HRS, suggesting involvement of a ubiquitin-dependent endosomal pathway. Overall, our results suggest that under proteotoxic stress and impaired autophagy, cells activate alternative routes, potentially involving unconventional secretion, to regulate NBR1 levels.