Profilin (PFN) enhances actin growth by binding to monomeric actin, thus becoming profilactin. PFN catalyzes the exchange of poorly polymerizing ADP-actin to readily polymerizing ATP-actin. PFN binds to poly-L-proline, thus it recruits the actin monomers to proline-rich proteins like VASP, which enhance the growing of actin polymers. PFN-I is expressed in most tissues while PFN-II is expressed in brain and kidney. PFN was found in all eukaryotes.
Function
Disease
PFN from birch, peanut and other plants is a major allergen.
Relevance
Structural highlights
