ARL2
Description
The ARL2 (ADP ribosylation factor like GTPase 2) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 11.
ARL2, encoded by the ARL2 gene, is a member of the ADP-ribosylation factor (ARF) family, a group of small GTP-binding proteins belonging to the RAS superfamily. ARL2 is involved in the trafficking of lipidated membrane-associated proteins, particularly in photoreceptors. It is linked to mitochondrial fusion, with increased ARL2 activity correlating with higher fusion rates and decreased activity leading to reduced fusion. ARL2 interacts with several proteins, including Protein unc-119 homolog, TBCD, and PDE6D.
ARL2 is a small GTP-binding protein that cycles between an inactive GDP-bound and an active GTP-bound form. Its activity is regulated by guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEF) and GTPase-activating proteins (GAP). ARL2 does not act as an allosteric activator of the cholera toxin catalytic subunit. It regulates the formation of new microtubules and centrosome integrity, preventing TBCD-induced microtubule destruction. ARL2 participates in the disassembly of apical junction complexes along with TBCD, and antagonizes TBCD's effects on epithelial cell detachment and tight and adherens junctions disassembly. ARL2 plays a role in the nuclear translocation, retention, and transcriptional activity of STAT3. It is a component of a regulated secretory pathway involved in Ca(2+)-dependent release of acetylcholine. ARL2 is required for normal progress through the cell cycle and also regulates mitochondrial integrity and function.
ARL2 is also known as ARFL2, MRCS1.
