Gelsolin: Difference between revisions

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'''Gelsolin''' is a [[protein]] that in humans is encoded by the ''GSN'' [[gene]]. It is an actin-binding protein that plays a crucial role in [[cellular]] [[cytoskeleton]] organization. Gelsolin is part of the [[actin depolymerizing factor]] (ADF)/[[cofilin]] protein family.
== Gelsolin ==
 
[[File:Villin domain 6.png|thumb|right|Illustration of the villin domain, a structural component of gelsolin.]]
 
'''Gelsolin''' is a multifunctional actin-binding protein that plays a crucial role in the regulation of the actin cytoskeleton. It is involved in various cellular processes, including cell motility, apoptosis, and signal transduction. Gelsolin is known for its ability to sever and cap actin filaments, thereby modulating the dynamics of the actin network within cells.


== Structure ==
== Structure ==
Gelsolin is a 82-84 kDa protein that is composed of six homologous [[Gelsolin-like domain|Gelsolin-like domains]] (G1-G6). Each domain contains about 120-130 [[amino acid]] residues. The protein has two actin-binding sites, one at the G2/G3 interface and the other at the G4/G6 interface.
 
Gelsolin is composed of six homologous domains, known as gelsolin domains, which are responsible for its actin-binding and severing activities. The protein undergoes conformational changes upon binding to calcium ions, which activate its actin-severing function. The structure of gelsolin allows it to interact with actin filaments and modulate their length and organization.


== Function ==
== Function ==
Gelsolin is involved in the regulation of [[actin filament]] assembly and disassembly. It can sever actin filaments, cap the barbed ends of filaments, and nucleate actin assembly. Gelsolin's activity is regulated by [[calcium ion]]s and [[phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate]] (PIP2).


== Clinical significance ==
Gelsolin's primary function is to regulate the assembly and disassembly of actin filaments. It achieves this by severing actin filaments and capping the newly formed barbed ends, preventing further polymerization. This activity is essential for various cellular processes, such as:
Mutations in the ''GSN'' gene can lead to a rare genetic disorder known as [[Gelsolin amyloidosis]]. This condition is characterized by the deposition of gelsolin amyloid fibrils in various tissues, leading to symptoms such as [[corneal lattice dystrophy]], [[cutis laxa]], and [[peripheral neuropathy]].
 
* '''Cell motility''': By remodeling the actin cytoskeleton, gelsolin facilitates cell movement and migration.
* '''Apoptosis''': Gelsolin is involved in the execution phase of apoptosis, where it contributes to the dismantling of the cytoskeleton.
* '''Signal transduction''': Gelsolin participates in signaling pathways by interacting with other proteins and modulating actin dynamics.
 
== Clinical Significance ==
 
Mutations in the gelsolin gene can lead to a rare genetic disorder known as familial amyloidosis, Finnish type (FAF), also called AGel amyloidosis. This condition is characterized by the accumulation of amyloid fibrils derived from mutated gelsolin, leading to various symptoms, including cranial neuropathy and corneal lattice dystrophy.
 
== Related Proteins ==
 
Gelsolin is part of a family of actin-binding proteins that includes [[villin]], [[severin]], and [[capG]]. These proteins share structural similarities and functional roles in actin filament regulation.
 
== Related Pages ==


== See also ==
* [[Actin]]
* [[Actin]]
* [[Cytoskeleton]]
* [[Cytoskeleton]]
* [[Gelsolin amyloidosis]]
* [[Apoptosis]]
 
* [[Signal transduction]]
== References ==
<references/>


[[Category:Proteins]]
[[Category:Actin-binding proteins]]
[[Category:Genes]]
[[Category:Cytoskeletal proteins]]
[[Category:Cell biology]]
[[Category:Medical genetics]]
{{protein-stub}}
{{medicine-stub}}

Latest revision as of 03:44, 13 February 2025

Gelsolin[edit]

Illustration of the villin domain, a structural component of gelsolin.

Gelsolin is a multifunctional actin-binding protein that plays a crucial role in the regulation of the actin cytoskeleton. It is involved in various cellular processes, including cell motility, apoptosis, and signal transduction. Gelsolin is known for its ability to sever and cap actin filaments, thereby modulating the dynamics of the actin network within cells.

Structure[edit]

Gelsolin is composed of six homologous domains, known as gelsolin domains, which are responsible for its actin-binding and severing activities. The protein undergoes conformational changes upon binding to calcium ions, which activate its actin-severing function. The structure of gelsolin allows it to interact with actin filaments and modulate their length and organization.

Function[edit]

Gelsolin's primary function is to regulate the assembly and disassembly of actin filaments. It achieves this by severing actin filaments and capping the newly formed barbed ends, preventing further polymerization. This activity is essential for various cellular processes, such as:

  • Cell motility: By remodeling the actin cytoskeleton, gelsolin facilitates cell movement and migration.
  • Apoptosis: Gelsolin is involved in the execution phase of apoptosis, where it contributes to the dismantling of the cytoskeleton.
  • Signal transduction: Gelsolin participates in signaling pathways by interacting with other proteins and modulating actin dynamics.

Clinical Significance[edit]

Mutations in the gelsolin gene can lead to a rare genetic disorder known as familial amyloidosis, Finnish type (FAF), also called AGel amyloidosis. This condition is characterized by the accumulation of amyloid fibrils derived from mutated gelsolin, leading to various symptoms, including cranial neuropathy and corneal lattice dystrophy.

Related Proteins[edit]

Gelsolin is part of a family of actin-binding proteins that includes villin, severin, and capG. These proteins share structural similarities and functional roles in actin filament regulation.

Related Pages[edit]