ADP-ribosylation factor-like protein 2 (ARL2)

ADP-ribosylation factor-like protein 2 (ARL2) is a highly conserved small GTP-binding protein belonging to the ARF family within the Ras superfamily[1][2]. ARL2 acts as a molecular switch, cycling between GTP- and GDP-bound forms to regulate a variety of fundamental cellular processes, most notably the control of microtubule dynamics by modulating tubulin folding and centrosomal microtubule polymerization[2][4][6]. It also plays a key role in the trafficking of lipid-modified (lipidated) proteins in photoreceptors and mitochondrial homeostasis, where it is essential for proper mitochondrial morphology, motility, and ATP production[1][2][4]. ARL2 interacts with several effectors and cofactors such as PDE6D, TBCD, TBCE, and TBCC, forming multiprotein complexes important for cytoskeletal and mitochondrial functions[2][6]. The protein is not widely cited as a direct disease target and there are currently no known drugs that specifically target ARL2. Although its dysfunction is associated with impaired cell division and mitochondrial abnormalities, ARL2 is not directly implicated as a primary driver of major diseases like cancer or neurodegeneration, but indirectly its perturbation can contribute to cellular pathologies[4][2][6].

Other names

ARL2ARFL2MRCS1ADP ribosylation factor like GTPase 2ADP-ribosylation factor-like 2ADP-ribosylation factor-like protein 2