ARF5 Human

The ARF gene family consists of six ARF proteins and eleven ARF-like proteins, all of which belong to the RAS superfamily. The ARF proteins are categorized into three classes:

• Class I: ARF1, ARF2, ARF3
• Class II: ARF4, ARF5
• Class III: ARF6

Each class shares a common gene organization, and the ARF5 gene spans approximately 3.2 kb of genomic DNA, containing six exons and five introns .

ARF5 is involved in protein trafficking, particularly in modulating vesicle budding and uncoating within the Golgi apparatus. It functions as an allosteric activator of the cholera toxin catalytic subunit, an ADP-ribosyltransferase . This activation is crucial for the toxin’s ability to modify host cell proteins, leading to various cellular responses.

ARF5 is primarily localized in the cytoplasm, perinuclear region, plasma membrane, and Golgi apparatus. It is also found in extracellular exosomes . The gene is expressed in various tissues, including the prefrontal cortex, skin, pancreas, and cerebellum .

ARF5 interacts with several proteins, including ARFIP2, and is involved in multiple cellular pathways such as:

• Vesicle-mediated transport
• Golgi-to-ER retrograde transport
• Intracellular protein transport

These interactions and pathways highlight the importance of ARF5 in maintaining cellular homeostasis and facilitating efficient protein trafficking .

Mutations or dysregulation of ARF5 have been associated with diseases such as cholera and congenital myasthenic syndrome . Understanding the function and regulation of ARF5 can provide insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying these conditions and potentially lead to the development of targeted therapies.