ADP-ribosylation factor-like protein 4A (ARL4A)

ADP-ribosylation factor-like protein 4A (ARL4A) is a small GTP-binding protein belonging to the ADP-ribosylation factor family, specifically the Ras superfamily of small GTPases. ARL4A cycles between inactive (GDP-bound) and active (GTP-bound) states and is regulated by guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs) and GTPase-activating proteins (GAPs). The protein acts as a membrane-targeting factor and participates in aspects of intracellular signaling and membrane trafficking, including endocytosis, Golgi organization, and vesicular transport. It directly interacts with the pleckstrin homology domains of cytohesin family members to recruit them to plasma membranes, thereby facilitating ARF activation. ARL4A is also associated with the ELMO/DOCK180 complex, influencing actin cytoskeletal dynamics by promoting Rac activation, which drives membrane ruffling and cell movement. Furthermore, ARL4A modulates endosome-to-Golgi transport and maintains Golgi integrity by interacting with cytoplasmic linker-associated proteins and Golgi proteins such as GCC185. In developmental contexts, it is involved in processes like spermatogenesis and adipogenesis, although knockout models show moderate phenotypes. No drugs are currently known to directly target ARL4A, nor is it a recognized biomarker or therapeutic target in prevalent human diseases.

Other names

ARL4AARL4ADP-ribosylation factor-like 4AARF like GTPase 4AADP ribosylation factor like GTPase 4A