Epithelial protein lost in neoplasm (EPLIN) is a cytoskeleton-associated protein characterized by the presence of a single centrally located lin-11, isl-1 and mec-3 (LIM) domain. It also contains at least two Actin-binding domains, in which the SLCterminal domain binds more effectively than the N-terminal domain. By binding Actin monomers and filaments, EPLIN is involved in regulation of the Actin cytoskeleton by increasing the number and size of Actin stress fibers, delaying filament nucleation, reducing formation of branched filaments and bundling of Actin filaments. It also inhibits membrane ruffling and Actin filament depolymerization. EPLIN is strongly expressed in placenta, kidney, pancreas, prostate, ovary, spleen and heart, and to a lesser degree in lung, liver, brain, skeletal muscle, thymus, testis and intestine. It is expressed as two isoforms, EPLIN-α and EPLIN-β. Downregulation of EPLIN-α expression may contribute to the motility of invasive tumor cells.
Function:
Binds to actin monomers and filaments. Increases the number and size of actin stress fibers and inhibits membrane ruffling. Inhibits actin filament depolymerization. Bundles actin filaments, delays filament nucleation and reduces formation of branched filaments.
Subcellular Location:
Cytoplasm. Cell junction > focal adhesion. Cytoplasm > cytoskeleton. This cytoskeletal protein co-localizes with actin stress fibers and focal adhesion plaques.
Tissue Specificity:
Highly expressed in placenta, kidney, pancreas, prostate, ovary, spleen and heart. Also detected in lung, liver, brain, skeletal muscle, thymus, testis and intestine. Not detected in leukocytes. Isoform Beta expressed generally at very low levels. Isoform Alpha abundant in epithelial cells from mammary gland, prostate and in normal oral keratinocytes. Low levels in aortic endothelial cells and dermal fibroblasts. Not detectable in myocardium.
Similarity:
Contains 1 LIM zinc-binding domain.
SWISS:
Q9UHB6
Gene ID:
51474
Database links:
Entrez Gene: 51474 Human
Entrez Gene: 65970 Mouse
Omim: 608364 Human
SwissProt: Q9UHB6 Human
SwissProt: Q9ERG0 Mouse
Unigene: 525419 Human
Unigene: 3647 Mouse
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