Interaction of Bcl-2 with the autophagy-related GABAA receptor-associated protein (GABARAP): Biophysical characterization and functional implications

Abstract

Background: Apoptosis and autophagy are coordinately regulated, but the underlying mechanisms are incompletely understood. Results: Bcl-2 specifically interacts with GABARAP via a conserved EWD motif, resulting in impaired GABARAP lipidation. Conclusion: Sequestration of GABARAP is likely to contribute to the down-regulation of autophagy by Bcl-2. Significance: Interfering with pro-survival functions of Bcl-2 (including its impact on autophagy) represents a promising strategy for cancer therapy. © 2013 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.