APOBEC4
Description
The APOBEC4 (apolipoprotein B mRNA editing enzyme catalytic polypeptide like 4) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 1.
APOBEC4, or Apolipoprotein B mRNA-editing enzyme catalytic polypeptide-like 4, is a protein encoded by the APOBEC4 gene in humans. It belongs to the AID/APOBEC family of enzymes that convert cytidine to uridine. While other family members are involved in processes like mRNA editing, immune system functions, and fighting viral infections, APOBEC4‘s role is less clear. Recent research has shown that APOBEC4 can increase the replication of HIV-1 by boosting promoter activity, which also increases the production of other related proteins. However, APOBEC4 lacks the typical cytidine deaminase activity on single-stranded DNA and has weak DNA binding. This suggests its function might be more complex and requires further investigation. APOBEC4 is primarily found in the testes and is present in mammals and birds, but not in fish.
APOBEC4 is a putative C to U editing enzyme, meaning it is thought to convert cytidine to uridine in RNA. However, the specific RNA molecules it targets in the body have not yet been identified.
APOBEC4 is also known as C1orf169.
