Profilin 1: Proteins and Enzymes

Profilin is an ubiquitous small (12-15 kDa) phosphoinositides and poly-L-proline binding protein that plays a role both in signal transduction pathways and actin filament dynamics. There are two mammalian profilins with similar biochemical properties but different expression patterns. Whereas profilin I appears to be highly expressed in most tissues except for skeletal muscle, profilin II is predominantly expressed in brain and at lower levels. It is also in expressed in skeletal muscle, the uterus and kidneys. Profilin is a mainly cytosolic protein with higher concentrations in dynamic membrane areas like the leading edge and ruffling membranes.