MAP1LC3B is a subunit of neuronal microtubule-associated MAP1A and MAP1B proteins, which are involved in microtubule assembly and important for neurogenesis. MAP1LC3B is probably involved in formation of autophagosomal vacuoles (autophagosomes). SUBCELLULAR LOCATION: LC3-I: Cytoplasm. LC3-II: Intracytoplasmic membrane; lipid-anchor. Cytoplasmic vesicle; autophagosome; autophagosomal membrane; lipid-anchor. LC3-II binds to the autophagic membranes. TISSUE SPECIFICITY: Most abundant in heart, brain, skeletal muscle and testis. Little expression observed in liver. PTM: The precursor molecule is cleaved by APG4B/ATG4B to form LC3-I. This is activated by APG7L/ATG7, transferred to ATG3 and conjugated to phospholipid to form LC3-II. SIMILARITY: Belongs to the MAP1 LC3 family.