Ubiquitin-like modifier involved in formation of autophagosomal vacuoles (autophagosomes) (, ). While LC3s are involved in elongation of the phagophore membrane, the GABARAP/GATE-16 subfamily is essential for a later stage in autophagosome maturation . Through its interaction with the reticulophagy receptor TEX264, participates in the remodeling of subdomains of the endoplasmic reticulum into autophagosomes upon nutrient stress, which then fuse with lysosomes for endoplasmic reticulum turnover (, ).
Subcellular locations: Cytoplasmic vesicle, Autophagosome membrane, Endomembrane system, Cytoplasm, Cytoskeleton
LC3-II binds to the autophagic membranes.
Most abundant in heart, brain, liver, skeletal muscle and testis but absent in thymus and peripheral blood leukocytes.