The role of profilin-1 in cardiovascular diseases

Abstract

Dynamic remodeling of the actin cytoskeleton is an essential feature for virtually all actin-dependent cellular processes, including cell migration, cell cycle progression, chromatin remodeling and gene expression, and even the DNA damage response. An altered actin cytoskeleton is a structural hallmark associated with numerous pathologies ranging from cardiovascular diseases to immune disorders, neurological diseases and cancer. The actin cytoskeleton in cells is regulated through the orchestrated actions of a myriad of actin-binding proteins. In this Review, we provide a brief overview of the structure and functions of the actin-monomer-binding protein profilin-1 (Pfn1) and then discuss how dysregulated expression of Pfn1 contributes to diseases associated with the cardiovascular system.