ARFGEFs

ARFGEFs, or ADP-ribosylation factor guanine nucleotide exchange factors, are a family of proteins crucial for cellular regulation. They act as molecular switches, primarily by activating small GTPases of the ADP-ribosylation factor (ARF) family. This activation occurs when ARFGEFs facilitate the exchange of GDP (guanosine diphosphate) for GTP (guanosine triphosphate) on ARF proteins. GTP-bound ARFs are the active form, capable of interacting with downstream effector proteins and influencing various cellular processes.

The functions of ARFGEFs are diverse and essential for cell life. They play significant roles in vesicle trafficking, which is the movement of materials within and between cells. This includes processes like endocytosis, exocytosis, and the formation of various intracellular compartments such as the Golgi apparatus. Furthermore, ARFGEFs are involved in cytoskeletal organization, influencing cell shape, motility, and adhesion. They also contribute to signal transduction pathways, mediating responses to external stimuli. Aberrant ARFGEF activity has been linked to various diseases, including cancer and neurological disorders, highlighting their importance in maintaining cellular homeostasis. There are numerous ARFGEF proteins, each with specific ARF targets and cellular roles, contributing to the complexity and fine-tuning of cellular functions.