Mitochondrial quality control is important in maintaining proper cellular 
homeostasis. Although selective mitochondrial degradation by autophagy 
(mitophagy) is suggested to have an important role in quality control, and 
though there is evidence for a direct relation between mitophagy and 
neurodegenerative diseases, the molecular mechanism of mitophagy is poorly 
understood. Using a screen for mitophagy-deficient mutants, we found that 
YIL146C/ECM37 is essential for mitophagy. This gene is not required for other 
types of selective autophagy or for nonspecific macroautophagy. We designated 
this autophagy-related (ATG) gene as ATG32. The Atg32 protein localizes on 
mitochondria. Following the induction of mitophagy, Atg32 binds Atg11, an 
adaptor protein for selective types of autophagy, and is then recruited to and 
imported into the vacuole along with mitochondria. Therefore, Atg32 confers 
selectivity for mitochondrial sequestration as a cargo and is necessary for 
recruitment of this organelle by the autophagy machinery for mitophagy.