Autophagy is an intracellular degradation system conserved in many eukaryotes. In the process of autophagy, a portion of the cytoplasm is surrounded by autophagosomes and then delivered to lysosomes for degradation. Studies on the molecular mechanism and physiological function of autophagy have made remarkable progress over the past 30 years since the landmark genetic studies in yeast by Dr. Ohsumi and other groups. In this seminar, I will discuss some recent topics on autophagosome-lysosome fusion and the reversibility of cellular dysfunction caused by autophagy defects. In addition to these autophagy-dependent pathways, I will show a new organelle degradation system in the lens, which is mediated by the cytosolic lipase PLAAT (phospholipase A and acyltransferase) family. Seminar details: Date: 16 September 2025 (Tue) Time: 3:30PM – 4:30PM Venue: LT1, Mong Man Wai Building, CUHK Speaker: Prof. Noboru Mizushima, Professor & Vice Dean, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Graduate School and Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo Language: English Fee: Free