Recombinant Proteins
Product List
PFN1 Human
Profilin-1 Human Recombinant
PFN1 Rat
Profilin-1 Rat Recombinant
PFN2 Human
Profilin-2 Human Recombinant
PFN4 Human
Profilin-4 Human Recombinant
Introduction
Profilin is a small actin-binding protein found in most eukaryotic organisms. It plays a crucial role in the dynamic turnover and reconstruction of the actin cytoskeleton, which is essential for cellular locomotion and shape changes . Profilins are classified based on their molecular weight, which ranges from 14 to 19 kDa . In mammals, there are four isoforms of profilin: profilin-I, profilin-II, profilin-III, and profilin-IV .
Profilin is ubiquitously expressed in eukaryotic cells and is involved in various cellular processes. It is predominantly found in tissues such as the brain and kidney . Profilin binds to monomeric actin, catalyzing the exchange of actin-bound ADP to ATP, thus promoting actin polymerization . It also interacts with polyphosphoinositides and proline-rich domains in proteins, linking it to signaling pathways between the cell membrane and the cytoskeleton .
Profilin’s primary function is to regulate actin polymerization, which is vital for cell motility, cytokinesis, and membrane trafficking . It also plays a role in immune responses by facilitating the hunting down of infectious intruders by immune cells . Profilin is essential for host cell invasion by pathogens such as Toxoplasma gondii, where it acts as a pathogen-associated molecular pattern recognized by toll-like receptors .
Profilin interacts with various molecules and cells through its binding partners, including actin, polyphosphoinositides, and proline-rich proteins . It enhances actin growth by binding to monomeric actin and catalyzing nucleotide exchange, converting ADP-actin to ATP-actin . Profilin-actin complexes are then fed into growing actin polymers by proteins such as formin and vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein . This mode of action is crucial for rapid actin polymerization and cellular functions .
The expression and activity of profilin are regulated at multiple levels. Transcriptional regulation involves various signaling pathways that control profilin gene expression . Post-translational modifications, such as phosphorylation, also play a role in modulating profilin’s activity and interactions with other proteins . Changes in profilin expression levels can impact cellular processes and are associated with various pathologies, including cancer .
Profilin has significant applications in biomedical research, particularly in studying actin dynamics and cell motility . It is also used as a diagnostic tool for certain allergies, as profilin is a major allergen in birch, grass, and other pollen . Therapeutically, targeting profilin interactions and functions holds potential for treating diseases related to actin dysregulation, such as cancer and neurodegenerative disorders .
Profilin plays a vital role throughout the life cycle, from development to aging and disease . During development, profilin is essential for processes such as organ development and wound healing . In aging, changes in profilin expression and function can contribute to age-related diseases and conditions . Profilin’s involvement in various cellular processes makes it a critical protein for maintaining cellular health and function throughout life .
