Gamma-aminobutyric acid receptor-associated protein-like 2 (GABARAPL2)

Gamma-aminobutyric acid receptor-associated protein-like 2 (GABARAPL2) is a ubiquitin-like modifier and autophagy-related protein belonging to the ATG8 family, encoded by the GABARAPL2 gene in humans[2][4][5]. GABARAPL2 is involved in several critical cellular processes, most notably the maturation of autophagosomes (a structure important for cellular autophagy), intra-Golgi traffic, and regulation of mitophagy[2]. GABARAPL2 binds to phosphatidylethanolamine and ubiquitin protein ligases and interacts with proteins such as ULK1, ATG4B, FAM134B, and UBA5 via LC3-interacting regions (LIRs)[2][3][4]. Its biological roles center on protein trafficking, autophagosome maturation, and negative regulation of proteasomal protein degradation. GABARAPL2 has disease links to conditions involving dysfunctional autophagy, including certain neurodegenerative diseases and cancers, though direct drug targeting or biomarker use is not established as of current knowledge[2][4]. Note: GABARAPL2 does not directly bind GABA type A receptors (despite its name)—that function is attributed to the related proteins GABARAP and GABARAPL1[1].

Other names

ATG8ATG8CGATE-16GATE16GEF-2GEF2FLC3ALC3Ganglioside expression factor 2General protein transport factor p16Golgi-associated ATPase enhancer of 16 kDaMAP1 light chain 3-related protein