Targeted deletion of Atg5 reveals differential roles of autophagy in keratin K5-expressing epithelia

► We generated mice lacking Atg5 and autophagy in keratin K5-positive epithelia. ► Suppression of autophagy in thymic epithelium was not associated with signs of autoimmunity. ► Autophagy was required for normal terminal differentiation of preputial gland cells. ► Autophagy-deficient cells of the preputial glands degraded nuclear DNA prematurely.