GABARAP
Description
The GABARAP (GABA type A receptor-associated protein) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 17.
Gamma-aminobutyric acid receptor-associated protein (GABARAP) is a protein encoded by the GABARAP gene in humans. It is highly positively charged in its N-terminus and shares sequence similarity with light chain-3 of microtubule-associated proteins 1A and 1B. GABARAP clusters neurotransmitter receptors by mediating interaction with the cytoskeleton. It also plays a crucial role in autophagosome mediated autophagy, being essential for autophagosome formation and sequestration of cytosolic cargo into double-membrane vesicles. GABARAP can mediate selective autophagy by binding to autophagic receptors like p62 and NBr1, which recruit specific cargo. GABARAP has been shown to interact with TFRC, ULK1, and GABRG2. A computational model of GABARAP bound to GABRG2 is consistent with experimental observations.
GABARAP is a ubiquitin-like modifier that plays a role in intracellular transport of GABA(A) receptors and its interaction with the cytoskeleton. It is involved in autophagy, specifically in the later stages of autophagosome maturation. GABARAP interacts with the reticulophagy receptor TEX264, participating in the remodeling of endoplasmic reticulum into autophagosomes during nutrient stress. It is also required for the activation of the CUL3(KBTBD6/7) E3 ubiquitin ligase complex, regulating the ubiquitination and degradation of TIAM1. This affects the organization of the cytoskeleton, cell migration, and proliferation. GABARAP is also involved in apoptosis.
GABARAP is also known as ATG8A, GABARAP-a, MM46.
