POLG alternative reading frame (POLGARF)

POLG alternative reading frame (POLGARF) is a recently discovered protein encoded by an overlapping open reading frame within mammalian POLG mRNA, which encodes the catalytic subunit of mitochondrial DNA polymerase (POLG). Translation of POLGARF is initiated at a highly efficient CUG near-cognate start codon in the 5' leader of the POLG transcript, resulting in a 260-amino acid protein that is evolutionarily conserved in placental mammals. POLGARF localizes to the nucleolus and can be cleaved and secreted in response to mitogenic signals. While its precise physiological and pathological functions remain under investigation, mutations in the POLG locus affecting POLGARF have been associated, at the nucleotide level, with mitochondrial diseases that are otherwise attributed to defects in POLG. There are currently no known drugs targeting POLGARF, nor is it recognized as a therapeutic target[1][3][4].

Other names

POLG alternative reading framePOLGARF C-terminal fragmentPOLGARFPOLGARFinORF-YPOLG