GABARAP: lessons for synaptogenesis

Neuroscientist. 2003 Jun;9(3):205-16. doi: 10.1177/1073858403009003013.

Abstract

The clustering of neurotransmitter receptors at the postsynaptic terminals is a critical requirement for efficient neurotransmission and neuronal communication. This process is facilitated by adaptor proteins, which bridge the postsynaptic receptors and the underlying cytoskeleton. One such molecule, the GABAA receptor-associated protein, GABARAP, was identified as a potential linker between GABAA receptors and microtubules. GABARAP belongs to an expanding family of proteins that are implicated in a variety of intracellular transport processes. GABARAP has been shown to interact with myriad binding partners, including the gamma2 subunit of the GABAA receptor, tubulin and microtubules, the N-ethyl maleimide sensitive factor, gephyrin, and the transferin receptor. The recent determination of the GABARAP crystal structure has revealed individual GABARAP domains, motifs, and surface regions involved in specific protein-protein interactions. Currently, a more general role is emerging for GABARAP, including shipping GABAA receptors to and from the cell surface, organizing them into postsynaptic clusters, and regulating the steady-state receptor density.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing
  • Animals
  • Apoptosis Regulatory Proteins
  • Cytoskeleton / physiology
  • Humans
  • Microtubule-Associated Proteins / chemistry
  • Microtubule-Associated Proteins / classification
  • Microtubule-Associated Proteins / genetics
  • Microtubule-Associated Proteins / physiology*
  • Models, Molecular
  • Protein Binding
  • Protein Structure, Tertiary
  • Protein Transport / physiology
  • Receptors, GABA-A / chemistry
  • Receptors, GABA-A / genetics
  • Receptors, GABA-A / physiology*
  • Receptors, Glycine / physiology
  • Synapses / physiology*

Substances

  • Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing
  • Apoptosis Regulatory Proteins
  • GABARAP protein, human
  • Microtubule-Associated Proteins
  • Receptors, GABA-A
  • Receptors, Glycine