Plastin Family of Actin-Bundling Proteins: Its Functions in Leukocytes, Neurons, Intestines, and Cancer
Sophisticated regulation of the actin cytoskeleton by a variety of actin-binding proteins is essential for eukaryotic cells to perform their diverse functions. The plastin (also know, as fimbrin) protein family belongs to actin-bundling proteins, and the protein family is evolutionarily conserved an...
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| Main Author: | |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Wiley
2012-01-01
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| Series: | International Journal of Cell Biology |
| Online Access: | http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2012/213492 |
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| Summary: | Sophisticated regulation of the actin cytoskeleton by a variety of actin-binding proteins is essential for eukaryotic cells to perform their diverse functions. The plastin (also know, as fimbrin) protein family belongs to actin-bundling proteins, and the protein family is evolutionarily conserved and expressed in yeast, plant, and animal cells. Plastins are characterized by EF-hand Ca2+-binding domains and actin-binding domains and can cross-link actin filaments into higher-order assemblies like bundles. Three isoforms have been identified in mammals. T-plastin is expressed in cells from solid tissues, such as neurons in the brain. I-plastin expression is restricted to intestine and kidney; the isoform plays a vital role in the function of absorptive epithelia in these organs. L-plastin is expressed in hematopoietic cell lineages and in many types of cancer cells; the isoform is thus considered to be a useful biomarker for cancer. |
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| ISSN: | 1687-8876 1687-8884 |