The ARL2BP (ADP-ribosylation factor-like 2 binding protein), also known as BART, is a conserved protein that interacts with the small GTPases Arl2 and Arl3. which belong to the Arf-like (Arf-related) protein family. This interaction plays a critical role in regulating microtubule dynamics, ciliary function, and intracellular trafficking. ARL2BP is structurally characterized by its leucine-rich repeat (LRR) domain, which mediates protein-protein interactions. It is ubiquitously expressed and localizes to the cytoplasm, cilia, and centrosomes, highlighting its involvement in cellular processes like cell division and signaling.
Antibodies targeting ARL2BP are essential tools for studying its expression, localization, and molecular interactions. They are widely used in techniques such as Western blotting, immunofluorescence, and immunohistochemistry to investigate ARL2BP's role in ciliopathies, cancer, and neurodegenerative disorders. For instance, ARL2BP mutations or dysregulation have been linked to ciliary defects in models of Joubert syndrome and retinal degeneration. Commercially available ARL2BP antibodies are typically raised in rabbits or mice, with validation in specific applications and species. Researchers rely on these antibodies to explore ARL2BP's partnership with RP2 (a ciliary trafficking protein) and its broader implications in cellular homeostasis and disease mechanisms.