ARF-GAP (GTPase-activating proteins)

ARF-GAPs (ADP-ribosylation factor GTPase-activating proteins) are specialized proteins that regulate cellular processes involving small GTPases called ARFs. ARFs act as molecular switches, toggling between active (GTP-bound) and inactive (GDP-bound) states to control functions like vesicle formation and trafficking within cells. ARF-GAPs accelerate the inactivation of ARFs by stimulating their intrinsic GTP hydrolysis, effectively turning them off at precise times. This regulation ensures proper coordination of intracellular transport, membrane dynamics, and signaling pathways, maintaining healthy cell function.