ULK2 (unc-51 like autophagy activating kinase 2) is a serine/threonine protein kinase that plays a crucial role in regulating autophagy and cellular energy homeostasis. As a key component of the autophagy machinery, ULK2 functions alongside ULK1 to initiate autophagosome formation and is essential for mitochondrial quality control through mitophagy 1. The kinase is regulated by AMPK phosphorylation, which connects cellular energy sensing to autophagy activation during starvation conditions 1. ULK2 participates in regulatory feedback loops with mTORC1, acting both as a downstream effector and negative regulator 2. Recent evidence indicates ULK2 functions as a copper-dependent signaling kinase, expanding beyond its traditional role as a metabolic cofactor 3. The protein's expression is regulated at the post-transcriptional level through alternative polyadenylation, where Nudt21-mediated 3'UTR shortening affects ULK2 mRNA stability in activated macrophages, ultimately modulating autophagic activity and inflammatory responses 4. ULK2 is transcriptionally activated by E2F4, contributing to cancer cell survival through autophagy-mediated zinc homeostasis 5. Mutations in ULK2 have been identified in malignant pleural mesothelioma, suggesting potential tumor suppressor functions 6.