Androgens increased ATG4B, ATG4D, ULK1, ULK2, and TFEB expression. A combined gene expression score of these 5 genes was elevated in metastatic disease. Knockdown of any of the 5 genes diminished androgen-induced cell proliferation. Overexpression of any of the 5 genes enhanced cell proliferation independently of androgen. High mRNA expression of ATG4B, ATG4D, ULK1 or ULK2 correlated with poor prognosis. Here, ULK2 is linked to metastatic neoplasm.