The methyltransferase Rrp8 is a positive regulator of autophagy flux in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Macroautophagy (hereafter referred to as autophagy) is a dynamic pathway of cellular degradation and recycling that is conserved from yeast to humans. The products of autophagic degradation may be used for anabolic reactions during nutrient-limited conditions. Thus, autophagy serves both metabolic and quality control functions. However, the role of nucleolar proteins in autophagy remains largely unexplored. Here we identify Ribosomal RNA processing 8 (Rrp8) as a positive regulator of autophagy flux in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Our work provides insight into the role of the conserved nucleolar protein Rrp8 in regulating cellular responses to starvation.