Focus on ADF/Cofilin: Beyond Actin Cytoskeletal Regulation

Abstract

Actin depolymerizing factor (ADF)/cofilin, an actin-binding protein ubiquitously expressed in a variety of organisms, is required for regulation of actin dynamics. The activity of ADF/cofilin is dependent on serine 3 phosphorylation by LIM kinase (LIMK), which is regulated by the Rho small GTPase signaling pathway. ADF/cofilin is strongly associated with several important cell biological functions, including cell cycle, morphological maintenance, and locomotion. These functions affect several biological events, including embryogenesis, oncology, nephropathy, and neurodegenerations. Here, we focus on the biochemical and pathophysiological role of ADF/cofilin in mammals.