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The profile of profilins

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Reviews of Physiology, Biochemistry and Pharmacology

Part of the book series: Reviews of Physiology, Biochemistry and Pharmacology ((REVIEWS,volume 159))

Abstract

Profilins are small proteins involved in actin dynamics. In accordance with this function, they are found in all eukaryotes and are structurally highly conserved. However, their precise role in regulating actin-related functions is just beginning to emerge. This article recapitulates the wealth of information on structure, expression and functions accumulated on profilins from many different organisms in the 30 years after their discovery as actin-binding proteins. Emphasis is given to their interaction with a plethora of many different ligands in the cytoplasm as well as in the nucleus, which is considered the basis for their various activities and the significance of the tissue-specific expression of profilin isoforms.

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Acknowledgements

This article relies on a wealth of data from many different laboratories. We have cited the appropriate original publications wherever possible, but want to apologize to all authors whose reports could not be cited because of space limitations. Our own research referred to here was supported by the “Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft,” the “Deutsche Krebshilfe/Mildred Scheel Stiftung” and the “Fonds der Deutschen Chemischen Industrie.” The neuronal cells used in Fig. 2 were provided by K. Michaelsen (Braunschweig).

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    B. M. Jockusch, K. Murk & M. Rothkegel

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Jockusch, B.M., Murk, K., Rothkegel, M. (2007). The profile of profilins. In: Amara, S., et al. Reviews of Physiology, Biochemistry and Pharmacology. Reviews of Physiology, Biochemistry and Pharmacology, vol 159. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/112_2007_704

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