Ribonucleotide reductase 1 (Rnr1) is a key component of the DNA damage response and its regulation controls dNTP levels. Using fluorescence microscopy and molecular approaches, it was found that Rnr1 is packaged in an autophagosome and targeted to the vacuole in response to TOR inhibition. Defects in autophagy prevent packaging and targeting of Rnr1 and lead to increased Rnr1 protein levels and a DNA damage phenotype. For further details, please see Dyavaiah and colleagues on page 462 in this issue.