Expression of gec1/GABARAPL1 versus GABARAP mRNAs in human: predominance of gec1/GABARAPL1 in the central nervous system. 
GABARAP and gec1/GABARAPL1 genes encode very similar proteins belonging to a new microtubule-associated protein (MAP) family.  These proteins could participate in a complex clustering, targeting and/or degrading the GABA(A) receptors on post-synaptic membrane of neurons.  Using specific cDNA probes, we investigated the differential expression of both genes in 76 human tissues.  Against all odds, gec1/GABARAPL1 was more expressed than GABARAP in the central nervous system (CNS), while GABARAP was more expressed in endocrine glands.