Autophagy is a fundamental process in eukaryotic cells, conserved from yeast to humans. It involves the formation of double-membrane structures to sequester and degrade cellular components. Yeast has been crucial in understanding autophagy due to its genetic tractability. The discovery of autophagy in yeast led to the identification of genes (ATG genes) essential for this process. These genes are divided into subgroups, including the Atg1 kinase, PtdIns 3-kinase complex, and two ubiquitin-like conjugation systems (Atg8 and Atg12). These systems work together to form autophagosomal membranes and incorporate cargoes. The pre-autophagosomal structure (PAS) is a dynamic assembly of Atg proteins that organizes autophagosome formation. Recent studies reveal that the PAS is not static but dynamically regulated, with Atg proteins interacting and reorganizing in response to cellular signals. The PAS is involved in both starvation-induced autophagy and the Cvt pathway, which delivers proteins to the vacuole. The Atg17-Atg29-Atg31 complex acts as a conductor, coordinating the PAS for autophagosome formation. The Atg8 and Atg12-Atg5 systems are essential for membrane formation and cargo incorporation. The dynamic nature of the PAS highlights the complexity of autophagy, with various factors regulating its mode and function. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for elucidating the role of autophagy in health and disease.Autophagy is a fundamental process in eukaryotic cells, conserved from yeast to humans. It involves the formation of double-membrane structures to sequester and degrade cellular components. Yeast has been crucial in understanding autophagy due to its genetic tractability. The discovery of autophagy in yeast led to the identification of genes (ATG genes) essential for this process. These genes are divided into subgroups, including the Atg1 kinase, PtdIns 3-kinase complex, and two ubiquitin-like conjugation systems (Atg8 and Atg12). These systems work together to form autophagosomal membranes and incorporate cargoes. The pre-autophagosomal structure (PAS) is a dynamic assembly of Atg proteins that organizes autophagosome formation. Recent studies reveal that the PAS is not static but dynamically regulated, with Atg proteins interacting and reorganizing in response to cellular signals. The PAS is involved in both starvation-induced autophagy and the Cvt pathway, which delivers proteins to the vacuole. The Atg17-Atg29-Atg31 complex acts as a conductor, coordinating the PAS for autophagosome formation. The Atg8 and Atg12-Atg5 systems are essential for membrane formation and cargo incorporation. The dynamic nature of the PAS highlights the complexity of autophagy, with various factors regulating its mode and function. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for elucidating the role of autophagy in health and disease.