Structural highlights
Function
[GELS_HORSE] Calcium-regulated, actin-modulating protein that binds to the plus (or barbed) ends of actin monomers or filaments, preventing monomer exchange (end-blocking or capping). It can promote the assembly of monomers into filaments (nucleation) as well as sever filaments already formed. Plays a role in ciliogenesis (By similarity).
Evolutionary Conservation
Check, as determined by ConSurfDB. You may read the explanation of the method and the full data available from ConSurf.
Publication Abstract from PubMed
The structure of gelsolin has been determined by crystallography and comprises six structurally related domains that, in a Ca2+-free environment, pack together to form a compact globular structure in which the putative actin-binding sequences are not sufficiently exposed to enable binding to occur. We propose that binding Ca2+ can release the connections that join the N- and C-terminal halves of gelsolin, enabling each half to bind actin relatively independently. Domain shifts are proposed in response to Ca2+ as bases for models of how gelsolin acts to sever, cap, or nucleate F-actin filaments. The structure also invites discussion of polyphosphoinositide binding to segment 2 and suggests how mutation at Asp-187 could initiate a series of events that lead to deposition of amyloid plaques, as observed in victims of familial amyloidosis (Finnish type).
The crystal structure of plasma gelsolin: implications for actin severing, capping, and nucleation.,Burtnick LD, Koepf EK, Grimes J, Jones EY, Stuart DI, McLaughlin PJ, Robinson RC Cell. 1997 Aug 22;90(4):661-70. PMID:9288746[1]
From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine.
References
- ↑ Burtnick LD, Koepf EK, Grimes J, Jones EY, Stuart DI, McLaughlin PJ, Robinson RC. The crystal structure of plasma gelsolin: implications for actin severing, capping, and nucleation. Cell. 1997 Aug 22;90(4):661-70. PMID:9288746
