InterPro domain: IPR016763

This entry represents a family of vesicle-associated membrane-protein-associated proteins (VAPs) and plant VAP homologs (PVAPs) [ 1 ]. VAPs (VAPA and VAPB in humans, VAPA, VAPB and VAPC in other mammals [ 2 ]) are endoplasmic reticulum (ER) proteins that play roles in vesicle trafficking, neurotransmitter release, microtubule organisation, lipid transport and unfolded protein response [ 3 ]. VAP proteins contain an MSP domain in their N-terminal half, which has been shown to interact with proteins containing a FFAT motif, such as members of the oxysterol-binding protein (OSBP) family or the phosphatidylinositol transfer proteins from the PITPNM family [ 4 ]. Yeast VAP homologues are known as Scs2 and Scs22 [ 4 ].

1. The targeting of the oxysterol-binding protein ORP3a to the endoplasmic reticulum relies on the plant VAP33 homolog PVA12. Plant J. 58, 817-30
2. Molecular cloning and characterization of mammalian homologues of vesicle-associated membrane protein-associated (VAMP-associated) proteins. Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 254, 21-6
3. The VAP protein family: from cellular functions to motor neuron disease. Trends Cell Biol. 18, 282-90
4. A highly conserved binding site in vesicle-associated membrane protein-associated protein (VAP) for the FFAT motif of lipid-binding proteins. J. Biol. Chem. 280, 14097-104