RUSC2 and WDR47 oppositely regulate kinesin–1-dependent distribution of ATG9A to the cell periphery

Autophagy-related protein 9 (ATG9) is a transmembrane protein component of the autophagy machinery that cycles between the trans-Golgi network (TGN) in the perinuclear area and other compartments in the peripheral area of the cell. In mammalian cells, export of the ATG9A isoform from the TGN into ATG9A-containing vesicles is mediated by the adaptor protein 4 (AP-4) complex. However, the mechanisms responsible for the subsequent distribution of these vesicles to the cell periphery are unclear. Herein we show that the AP–4-accessory protein RUSC2 couples ATG9A-containing vesicles to the plus-end-directed microtubule motor kinesin-1 via an interaction between a disordered region of RUSC2 and the kinesin-1 light chain. This interaction is counteracted by the microtubule-associated protein WDR47. These findings uncover a mechanism for the peripheral distribution of ATG9A-containing vesicles involving the function of RUSC2 as a kinesin-1 adaptor and WDR47 as a negative regulator of this function.