Function
Cortactin plays a crucial role in regulating the organization of the actin cytoskeleton and cell shape. It contributes to the formation of lamellipodia and facilitates cell migration. Moreover, cortactin is involved in the regulation of neuron morphology, axon growth, and the formation of neuronal growth cones. Through its interaction with CTTNBP2, it influences the regulation of neuronal spine density. In the context of cancer cells, cortactin plays a significant role in invasiveness and the formation of metastases. It also participates in focal adhesion assembly and turnover. In conjunction with ABL1 and MYLK, cortactin regulates cortical actin-based cytoskeletal rearrangement, which is crucial for sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P)-mediated endothelial cell (EC) barrier enhancement. Furthermore, cortactin is involved in intracellular protein transport and endocytosis, modulating the levels of potassium channels present at the cell membrane. It also plays a role in receptor-mediated endocytosis via clathrin-coated pits. Cortactin is essential for the stabilization of KCNH1 channels at the cell membrane.