Plastin Family of Actin-Bundling Proteins : Its Functions in Leukocytes, Neurons, Intestines, and Cancer

Abstract EN

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.