ADP Ribosylation Factor Like Protein 15 (ARL15)

ARL15 belongs to the ARL family of proteins, which are structurally related to ADP-ribosylation factors (ARFs).The adipocyte-derived protein adiponectin is highly heritable and inversely associated with risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) and coronary heart disease (CHD).

A novel variant in the ARL15 (ADP-ribosylation factor-like 15) gene was associated with lower circulating levels of adiponectin . This same risk allele at ARL15 was also associated with a higher risk of CHD more nominally, an increased risk of T2D, and several metabolic traits. Expression studies in humans indicated that ARL15 is well-expressed in skeletal muscle. These findings identify a novel protein, ARL15, which influences circulating adiponectin levels and may impact upon CHD risk.