ART4

ART4‏‎ is a protein that in humans is encoded by the ART4 gene. The ART4 gene is also known as ADP-ribosyltransferase 4 (Dombrock blood group). The protein encoded by this gene is a glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-linked extracellular enzyme.

Function

The ART4‏‎ protein is a member of the arginine-specific ADP-ribosyltransferase (ART) family. ART enzymes catalyze the transfer of an ADP-ribose moiety from nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) to a target protein, which can lead to various biological effects. The ART4 protein is responsible for the Dombrock blood group system and has been identified as an important factor in the immune response.

Structure

The ART4 protein is a type II transmembrane protein, meaning it has a single transmembrane domain with its C-terminus in the cytoplasm and its N-terminus in the extracellular space. The extracellular portion of the protein contains the catalytic domain, which is responsible for its ADP-ribosyltransferase activity.

Clinical significance

Mutations in the ART4 gene can lead to Dombrock blood group system phenotypes, which can have clinical implications in blood transfusion and organ transplantation. In addition, the ART4 protein has been implicated in the pathogenesis of certain autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis.

See also

• ADP-ribosyltransferase
• Dombrock blood group system
• Glycosylphosphatidylinositol