Formin family proteins (formins) represent an evolutionary conserved protein family encoded in the genome of a wide range of eukaryotes. Formins are hallmarked by a formin homology 1 (FH1) domain juxtaposed to an FH2 domain whereby they control actin and microtubule dynamics. Not surprisingly, formins are best known as key regulators of the cytoskeleton in a variety of morphogenetic processes. However, mounting evidence implicates several formins in the assembly and organization of actin within and around the nucleus. In addition, actin-independent roles for formins have recently been discovered. In this mini-review, we summarize these findings and highlight the novel nuclear and perinulcear functions of formins. In light of the emerging new biology of formins, we also discuss the fundamental principles governing the versatile activity and multimodal regulation of these proteins.
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December 2016
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Cover Image
Cover Image
Views of the Fc region of human immunoglobulin A (IgA) with interaction sites for key host receptors highlighted in the upper images, and those for bacterial IgA binding proteins in the lower ones. The remarkable co-localisation of these sites illustrates how various bacterial pathogens have co-opted sites on immunoglobulins as an effective means to block the elimination mechanisms which immunoglobulins normally trigger. See pp. 1651–1658 for further information. Image provided by J. Woof.
Review Article|
December 02 2016
New nuclear and perinuclear functions of formins
Biochem Soc Trans (2016) 44 (6): 1701–1708.
Article history
Received:
July 05 2016
Revision Received:
August 29 2016
Accepted:
September 02 2016
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