ARP23

Arp23, short for actin-related protein 23, is a member of the actin-related protein (Arp) family found in a variety of eukaryotic organisms. Proteins in this family resemble actin in architecture and are involved in remodeling the actin cytoskeleton. Arp23 proteins have been identified in several species as part of the Arp2/3 complex, a multi-subunit actin nucleator that promotes the formation of branched actin networks, though some organisms may harbor Arp23 as a distinct actin-regulatory factor with other interaction partners.

Structure and domains: Arp23 proteins typically retain the actin-fold domain characteristic of Arp proteins and share sequence motifs with other Arp family members, supporting roles in polymerization and filament organization. The precise domain composition can vary among species.

Function: The presumed role of Arp23 is to contribute to actin filament nucleation and/or organization, often through interactions with Arp2/3 complex subunits and actin itself. In functional studies, perturbation of Arp23 can lead to defects in processes that depend on cortical actin dynamics, such as cell shape changes, endocytosis, and motility.

Evolution and nomenclature: Arp23 homologs are found across diverse eukaryotes, but gene naming is not strictly conserved; some organisms annotate similar proteins as ARP23, ACTR-family members, or by alternative subunit designations within the Arp2/3 complex. Comparative studies indicate a conserved role for Arp-family proteins in actin network regulation.

See also: Arp2/3 complex, Actin, Cytoskeleton, Arp family.