Human GABA-A Receptor Associated Protein Like Protein 2 (GABARAPL2) Protein

Background

GABARAPL2, another member of the GABARAP family, is essential for receptor trafficking, intracellular transport, and autophagy regulation. Like GABARAPL1, GABARAPL2 interacts with GABA-A receptors to facilitate their trafficking and proper membrane localization, maintaining synaptic inhibitory neurotransmission. It is also a core component of the autophagy machinery, functioning in autophagosome formation and lysosomal delivery of cargo proteins. GABARAPL2 interacts with autophagy-related proteins like LC3 and ATG8 to mediate selective autophagy processes, including the degradation of misfolded proteins and damaged organelles. Dysregulation of GABARAPL2 is associated with neurodegenerative disorders, such as Huntington’s and ALS, where defective autophagy contributes to protein aggregation and neuronal loss. In cancer, GABARAPL2 plays a dual role, promoting survival or apoptosis depending on cellular context, highlighting its involvement in tumor growth and chemoresistance. Its role in maintaining cellular homeostasis through autophagy and receptor regulation makes GABARAPL2 a promising therapeutic target for neurodegenerative diseases and cancer.