AFAP - Actin Filament Associated Protein 1 (Like ) | Elisa - Clia - Antibody - Protein

Background

Actin Filament Associated Protein 1 (AFAP1), also known as AFAP-110 or AFAP1L1, is a cytoskeletal protein involved in the regulation of actin dynamics and cell motility. AFAP1 is a multidomain protein consisting of several functional domains, including an N-terminal BAR (Bin-Amphiphysin-Rvs) domain, a central proline-rich region, a serine-rich region, and a C-terminal SH3 (Src homology 3) domain. These domains facilitate protein-protein interactions and mediate the binding of AFAP1 to various cytoskeletal and signaling molecules. AFAP1 regulates actin cytoskeleton dynamics by interacting with actin filaments and modulating their organization and stability. It can promote actin polymerization and bundling, as well as cross-linking of actin filaments, thereby influencing cell shape, migration, and adhesion. AFAP1 also plays a role in cell motility and migration by coordinating actin cytoskeleton rearrangements necessary for cell protrusion, adhesion, and movement. It interacts with signaling proteins involved in focal adhesion turnover, cytoskeletal remodeling, and cell contractility.AFAP1 can function as an adaptor protein linking cell surface receptors to downstream signaling pathways. It interacts with various signaling molecules, including Src family kinases, focal adhesion kinase (FAK), and Rho GTPases, to regulate cell signaling events associated with cytoskeletal rearrangements and cell migration. Dysregulation of AFAP1 expression and function has been implicated in cancer progression and metastasis. AFAP1 overexpression is associated with increased invasiveness and metastatic potential in various cancer types, including breast cancer, prostate cancer, and colorectal cancer. It promotes tumor cell migration, invasion, and metastasis by modulating actin cytoskeleton dynamics and signaling pathways involved in metastatic spread.

Protein Structure

AFAP1 has a complex structure that allows it to interact with actin filaments and other signaling molecules:

• N-terminal region: Contains actin-binding domains that facilitate its association with actin filaments.
• Central region: Contains multiple protein-protein interaction motifs, including SH3 (Src Homology 3) binding domains, which are critical for interactions with Src family kinases.
• C-terminal region: Involved in dimerization and interactions with other actin-associated proteins.

Classification and Subtypes

AFAP1 belongs to the AFAP family, which includes other related proteins such as AFAP1L1 (AFAP1-like 1) and AFAP1L2 (AFAP1-like 2). These proteins share structural similarities and overlapping functions in actin filament regulation and signal transduction.

Function and Biological Significance

AFAP1 is a multifunctional protein with several key roles in cellular physiology:

1. Actin Filament Regulation: AFAP1 modulates the organization and dynamics of actin filaments, which are essential for cell shape, movement, and division.
2. Signal Transduction: AFAP1 interacts with Src family kinases and other signaling molecules, influencing pathways involved in cell proliferation, survival, and migration.
3. Cell Adhesion and Motility: By regulating actin filaments and interacting with focal adhesion complexes, AFAP1 plays a role in cell adhesion and motility, critical for processes such as wound healing and metastasis.

Interactions

1. Actin Filaments: AFAP1 binds directly to actin filaments, modulating their assembly and stability.
2. Src Family Kinases: AFAP1 interacts with Src kinases via its SH3 binding domains, influencing Src-mediated signaling pathways.
3. Focal Adhesion Proteins: AFAP1 associates with proteins involved in focal adhesions, such as paxillin and vinculin, affecting cell adhesion and migration.

Clinical Significance

1. Cancer: Dysregulation of AFAP1 expression and function has been linked to cancer progression and metastasis. Alterations in AFAP1 can affect cell motility and invasion, contributing to the aggressive behavior of cancer cells.
2. Cardiovascular Diseases: AFAP1 plays a role in the regulation of smooth muscle cell behavior and vascular remodeling, processes that are relevant in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases.
3. Neurological Disorders: Given its role in actin dynamics and signaling, AFAP1 may be implicated in neurological disorders where cytoskeletal abnormalities and disrupted signaling pathways are observed.

Summary

Actin Filament Associated Protein 1 (AFAP1) is a critical regulator of actin filament dynamics and signal transduction. Its ability to interact with actin filaments, Src family kinases, and focal adhesion proteins underscores its multifunctional role in cellular physiology. AFAP1 is involved in processes such as cell motility, adhesion, and proliferation, and its dysregulation is associated with various diseases, including cancer and cardiovascular conditions. Understanding the functions and interactions of AFAP1 is essential for elucidating its roles in health and disease.