The Actin-Bundling Protein L-Plastin: A Critical Regulator of Immune Cell Function
L-plastin is a leukocyte-specific protein that cross-links actin filaments into tight bundles, increasing the stability of actin-based structures such as podosomes and lamellipodia. While first identified as an abundant cytoplasmic protein in hematopoietically derived cells over 25 years ago, the re...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Hindawi Limited
2012-01-01
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| Series: | International Journal of Cell Biology |
| Online Access: | http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2012/935173 |
| Summary: | L-plastin is a leukocyte-specific protein that cross-links actin filaments into tight bundles, increasing the stability of actin-based structures such as podosomes and lamellipodia. While first identified as an abundant cytoplasmic protein in hematopoietically derived cells over 25 years ago, the requirement for L-plastin in multiple functions critical for immunity, such as antigen receptor signaling, adhesion, and motility, has only recently become clear. L-plastin has been identified as an important component in cellular processes critical for neutrophil, macrophage, osteoclast, eosinophil, and T- and B-lymphocyte biology. Following a brief description of the structure and function of L-plastin, the regulation of immune cell functions by L-plastin will be reviewed in detail. |
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| ISSN: | 1687-8876 1687-8884 |