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GABARAP: Lessons for Synaptogenesis

Dimitar B. Nikolov

Cellular Biochemistry and Biophysics Program Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center

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 GABA_A receptor-associated protein, GABARAP, was identified as a potential linker between GABA_A 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 2 subunit of the GABA_A 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 GABA_A receptors to and from the cell surface, organizing them into postsynaptic clusters, and regulating the steady-state receptor density.

Key Words: Synapse formation • GABARAP • GABAA receptors • Receptor trafficking

The Neuroscientist, Vol. 9, No. 3, 205-216 (2003)
DOI: 10.1177/1073858403009003013


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