Bioinformatics analysis of microtubule-associated protein-1 light chain 3 (MAP1LC3A) and (BECN1) genes in autophagy

Autophagy is an effective regulatory process for eliminating tumors and worn-out intracellular components. Different groups of enzymes and regulatory elements are involved in the autophagy process. MAP1LC3A and BECN1 genes are the most important gene groups in autophagy. These genes, through the production of beclin1 autophagosomes. In general, both MAP1LC3A and BECN1 genes are active in cellular responses and the biological process. The aim of this study was bioinformatics analysis at the level of genome and proteome and to evaluate and compare the expression of MAP1LC3A and BECN1 genes in different human body tissues. The results of this study showed that the expression level of the BECN1 gene was relatively higher than the MAP1LC3A gene in different mammals. Cell analysis of MAP1LC3A and BECN1 genes by antibodies that bind to proteins of target genes showed that the protein encoded by the BECN1 gene is more present in the cytosol and the proteins encoded by MAP1LC3A gene are locally present in vesicles. It was also found that the protein encoded by the MAP1LC3A gene had a higher expression in brain tissues than in other tissues, while the beclin-1 protein in cardiac tissue showed higher expression than in other tissues. Finally, by using this information, it is possible to provide the ground for targeted therapies.