ARPC4
ARPC4 (actin related protein 2/3 complex subunit 4, also known as p20-Arc or ARC20) is the actin-binding p20 subunit of the Arp2/3 complex. The complex drives actin polymerisation and the formation of branched actin networks. Browse Assay Genie's current range of ARPC4 research reagents below, or read on for the biology behind the target.
ARPC4 is the actin-binding component of the Arp2/3 complex, a multiprotein assembly that mediates actin polymerisation when stimulated by a nucleation-promoting factor (NPF). In the cytoplasm the complex builds branched actin networks, providing the force for cell motility. The p20 subunit encoded by the ARPC4 gene is necessary for actin nucleation and for high-affinity binding of the complex to F-actin.
The Arp2/3 complex also acts in the nucleus. There it promotes actin polymerisation, thereby regulating gene transcription and the repair of damaged DNA. In response to DNA damage, nuclear actin polymerisation promotes homologous recombination (HR) repair by driving the motility of double-strand breaks (DSBs). Consistent with these roles, UniProt records the protein in the cytoplasmic cytoskeleton, in cell projections and in the nucleus.
ARPC4 encodes one of seven subunits of the human Arp2/3 complex, which controls actin polymerisation and has been conserved throughout eukaryotic evolution. HGNC places it in the actin related protein 2/3 complex subunits gene group, and UniProt assigns it to the ARPC4 family. Earlier names include actin related protein 2/3 complex, subunit 4 (20 kD). Alternative splicing produces multiple transcript variants. Naturally occurring read-through transcription between ARPC4 and the downstream gene TTLL3 (tubulin tyrosine ligase-like family, member 3) produces a fusion protein. The mouse ortholog is Arpc4.
ARPC4 contributes to the branched actin networks that provide the force for cell motility, making it relevant to studies of cytoskeletal dynamics.
The p20 subunit is needed for actin nucleation and high-affinity F-actin binding, so it is studied in Arp2/3 complex assembly and function.
Nuclear Arp2/3 activity promotes homologous recombination repair by driving double-strand break motility, linking ARPC4 to genome maintenance.
By promoting actin polymerisation in the nucleus, the Arp2/3 complex regulates gene transcription, an area where ARPC4 function is of interest.
ARPC4 is the actin-binding p20 subunit of the Arp2/3 complex. The complex mediates actin polymerisation after stimulation by a nucleation-promoting factor, forming branched actin networks that power cell motility. It also acts in the nucleus, supporting transcription regulation and homologous recombination repair of DNA double-strand breaks.
ARPC4 is also called p20-Arc and ARC20. Its full name is actin related protein 2/3 complex subunit 4, and older nomenclature refers to the 20 kD subunit. Alternative splicing gives multiple transcript variants, and read-through transcription with TTLL3 can produce a fusion protein.
The Arp2/3 complex has been conserved throughout eukaryotic evolution, and ARPC4 is one of seven subunits of the human complex. The mouse ortholog is Arpc4. Researchers using an ARPC4 antibody or ARPC4 ELISA kit should check the datasheet of any product for its validated reactivity.
Other subunits of the Arp2/3 complex and related actin cytoskeleton targets with products at Assay Genie.
Gene and protein annotations from HGNC, NCBI Gene and UniProt P59998; product specifications from Assay Genie datasheets.