LIR-containing and LIR-binding proteins in autophagy. (A) Schematics of selective autophagy with LIR-containing (magenta) and LIR-binding (green) factors highlighted on the autophagosomal structure. Initiation cues—such as cargo recognition or nutrient signaling—recruit the autophagy initiation machinery to sites of autophagosome formation, where a de novo membrane structure called the phagophore is generated. The phagophore expands and closes, sequestering cytoplasmic components within a newly formed double-membrane vesicle known as the autophagosome. Autophagosomes ultimately fuse with lysosomes, where the inner membrane and enclosed cargo are degraded by lysosomal hydrolases. (B) LIR-containing (magenta) and LIR-binding (green) proteins are prevalent throughout the autophagy machinery in yeast and humans. Asterisks (*) mark findings from yeast. For details see Pankiv et al. (2007); Kirkin et al. (2009); von Muhlinen et al. (2012); Whang et al. (2017); Bauer et al. (2024); North et al. (2025); Wild et al. (2011); Rikka et al. (2011); Novak et al. (2010); Chino et al. (2019); Kraft et al. (2012); Alemu et al. (2012); Birgisdottir et al. (2019); Bozic et al. (2020); Yamaguchi et al. (2010); Noda et al. (2008); Satoo et al. (2009); An et al. (2019).