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The canonical autophagy pathway in mammalian cells sequesters diverse cytoplasmic cargo within the double membrane autophagosomes that eventually convert into degradative compartments via fusion with endolysosomal intermediates. Here, we report that autophagosomal membranes show permeability in cells lacking principal ATG8 proteins (mATG8s) and are unable to mature into autolysosomes. Using a combination of methods including a novel in vitro assay to measure membrane sealing, we uncovered a previously unappreciated function of mATG8s to maintain autophagosomal membranes in a sealed state. The mATG8 proteins GABARAP and LC3A bind to key ESCRT‐I components contributing, along with other ESCRTs, to the integrity and imperviousness of autophagic membranes. Autophagic organelles in cells lacking mATG8s are permeant, are arrested as amphisomes, and do not progress to functional autolysosomes. Thus, autophagosomal organelles need to be maintained in a sealed state in order to become lytic autolysosomes. Synopsis: Mammalian ATG8s (mATG8s) interact with ESCRT‐I components to maintain autophagosomal membranes in a sealed, nonporous state that enables autophagic intermediates to progress into lytic organelles. mATG8s bind and recruit ESCRT components to maintain autophagic membranes in a sealed state impermeable to solutesBoth LC3 and GABARP subsets of mATG8s are requiredThe most widely used marker of autophagy, LC3B, is not involved in these processesAutophagic organelles not maintained in a sealed state are arrested at the amphisomal stage [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When setting-up a captive population, genetic assessment of founders is essential to formulate effective breeding strategies that minimize the negative effects of inbreeding in the successive generations caused by mating between genetically related individuals. We carried out molecular genetic analysis of Cheer Pheasant and Western Tragopan populations of Chail and Sarahan Pheasantries in the State of Himachal Pradesh. The results revealed that the captive stock of Cheer Pheasant is sustaining well and does not exhibit signatures of inbreeding. Conversely, inbreeding is strongly evident in Western Tragopan population. Our study adds new dimensions to the captive management of Cheer Pheasant and Western Tragopan populations and contradicts with a previous study conducted on the same Western Tragopan population of Sarahan Pheasantry using studbook data. This study demonstrates strong evidence for retaining genetic assessment as an integral part to formulate policies/strategies for conservation breeding projects and proposes refining existing studbook records by incorporating microsatellites data and genetic analyses. Zoo Biol. 35:269-273, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]