Unlocking the gate to GABARAPL2

GABARAPL2 was initially characterized for its involvement in protein transport and membrane fusion events, but has since gained notoriety for its role in autophagy. GABARAPL2 is frequently studied alongside its GABARAP subfamily members, GABARAP and GABARAPL1. Although functional redundancy exists among the subfamily members, a complex network of molecular interactions, physiological processes and pathologies can be primarily related to GABARAPL2. GABARAPL2 has a multifaceted role, ranging from cellular differentiation to intracellular degradation. Much of what we know about GABARAPL2 is gained through identifying its interacting partners—a list that is constantly growing. In this article, we review both the autophagy-dependent and autophagy-independent roles of GABARAPL2, and emphasize their implications for both health and disease.