What is Formins function?

Formins are a widely expressed family of proteins that govern cell shape, adhesion, cytokinesis, and morphogenesis by remodeling the actin and microtubule cytoskeletons.

What are the domains of formin?

Formins are characterized by the presence of three formin homology (FH) domains (FH1, FH2 and FH3), although members of the formin family do not necessarily contain all three domains. In addition, other domains are usually present, such as PDZ, DAD, WH2, or FHA domains.

How are Formins activated?

These formins are activated by the binding of Rho family GTPases to the GBD, which interrupts the DID/DAD interaction. The DD/CC region mediates N-terminal homo-dimerization and Rho-independent membrane targeting of the protein. The FH1 region interacts with profilin and SH3 domain-containing proteins.

What is the meaning of formin?

formin (plural formins) (biochemistry) Any of a group of proteins involved in the polymerization of actin which associate with the fast-growing barbed end of an actin filament.

How do lamellipodia form?

Within the lamellipodia are ribs of actin called microspikes, which, when they spread beyond the lamellipodium frontier, are called filopodia. The lamellipodium is born of actin nucleation in the plasma membrane of the cell and is the primary area of actin incorporation or microfilament formation of the cell.

What are lamellipodia made of?

Lamellipodia are thin, sheet-like membrane protrusions found at the leading edge (front) of motile cells such as endothelial cells, neurons, immune cells and epithelial cells. These structures are generally devoid of major organelles and are instead composed of a dense and dynamic network of actin filaments.

What is the work of gelsolin?

Gelsolin is a protein that exerts a variety of influences both within the cytoplasm and in extracellular fluids (reviewed in Yin 1987; Janmey et al. 1998). Intracellular gelsolin participates in regulation of cellular architecture and motility through its severing, capping and nucleating activities on actin filaments.

What does ARP2 3 Complex do?

The ARP2/3 complex is essential in many, but not all, eukaryotes. It functions during cell motility, phagocytosis, endocytosis, membrane-trafficking events, and cell-type-specific functions such as T-cell activation.