Alteration of autophagosomal proteins in the brain of multiple system atrophy

► Atg8 homologues; LC3, GABARAPs and GATE-16, are highly involved in autophagosomal formation. ► We investigated whether Atg8 homologues were altered in multiple system atrophy (MSA). ► Expression levels of GABARAPs and GATE-16 were decreased in MSA. ► Pathologically glial cytoplasmic inclusions were positive for LC3. ► Autophagic maturation can be impaired through the repressed levels of Atg8 homologues in MSA.