ARF - A KEY REGULATORY SWITCH IN MEMBRANE TRAFFIC AND ORGANELLE STRUCTURE

The small GTP-binding protein ADP ribosylation factor (ARF) regulates, through a GTP cycle, the reversible binding of cytosolic coat protein s to Golgi membranes. By determining the binding and release of coat p roteins from membranes, ARF controls the production and lifetime of co ated-membrane structures. In the past year, studies suggesting a role for ARF in phospholipid metabolism have broadened our perspective on A RF function within the cell.