A serine/threonine-protein kinase that functions in AUTOPHAGY in response to starvation. It acts on the PHOSPHATIDYLINOSITOL 3-KINASE complex PIK3C3 to regulate AUTOPHAGOSOME formation. It also functions as both a downstream effector and negative regulator of mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) and is activated by AMPK, which it also negatively regulates.

Synonyms: Unc-51 Like Autophagy Activating Kinase 1, ULK1 Protein, Unc 51 Like Kinase 1, Unc 51 Like Autophagy Activating Kinase 1, EC 2.7.11.1, Serine-Threonine Protein Kinase ULK1, Autophagy Related Protein 1 Homolog, Serine Threonine Protein Kinase ULK1, Unc-51-Like Kinase 1, Autophagy-Related Protein-1 Homolog