Aftiphilin (AFTPH)

Aftiphilin (AFTPH) is a cytoplasmic protein involved in the regulation of intracellular trafficking, particularly associated with clathrin-coated vesicles and adaptor protein complex 1 (AP-1)[2]. It forms a stable complex with p200 and γ-synergin, facilitating protein transport between the trans-Golgi network and endosomes. It also regulates actin cytoskeleton remodeling and is important for maintaining the structure and function of epithelial cell tight junctions and actomyosin rings, thereby controlling epithelial barrier integrity[1][2]. In colonic epithelial cells, AFTPH downregulation leads to increased epithelial permeability, altered tight junction protein expression, disorganized actin filaments, and increased length and number of microvilli[1]. Pathologically, reduced AFTPH levels have been identified in inflamed tissues from patients with ulcerative colitis, implicating a potential role in the pathogenesis of intestinal inflammation via barrier dysfunction[1]. AFTPH is not classified as a receptor, enzyme, or pharmacologic target but rather as a vesicular trafficking/regulatory protein whose dysfunction may contribute to disease principally by disorganizing cellular junctions rather than as a direct target for drug therapy.

Other names

AFTPHAFTHMGC33965FLJ20080FLJ23793Nbla10388aftiphilin protein