Ligand binding mode of GABAA receptor-associated protein

The gamma-aminobutyric acid type A (GABA(A)) receptor-associated protein is a versatile adaptor protein playing an important role in intracellular vesicle trafficking, particularly in neuronal cells. We present the X-ray structure of the soluble form of human GABA(A) receptor-associated protein complexed with a high-affinity synthetic peptide at 1.3 angstrom resolution. The data shed light on the probable binding modes of key interaction partners, including the GABA(A) receptor and the cysteine protease Atg4. The resulting models provide a structural background for further investigation of the unique biological properties of this protein. (c) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.