Destrin

From WikiMD's Food, Medicine & Wellness Encyclopedia

Destrin (also known as DSTN) is a protein that in humans is encoded by the DSTN gene. It is a member of the actin-depolymerizing factor (ADF)/cofilin family. This family of proteins is responsible for enhancing the turnover rate of actin in the body, which is a critical process in cell motility.

Function[edit | edit source]

Destrin is an actin-binding protein that has a vital role in cell motility, division, and health. It is involved in the dynamic turnover and restructuring of the actin cytoskeleton, a critical process in cell motility. Destrin binds to F-actin (filamentous actin), and it severs actin filaments (a process called actin severing) and binds to actin monomers (a process called actin sequestering).

Structure[edit | edit source]

The DSTN gene is located on the q arm of chromosome 20 at position 11.21. The protein encoded by this gene is part of the ADF/cofilin family of proteins. It is approximately 19 kDa in size and composed of 166 amino acids. The protein has a similar structure to other members of the ADF/cofilin family, with an ADF-H domain that is responsible for actin binding.

Clinical significance[edit | edit source]

Mutations in the DSTN gene have been associated with various diseases. For example, a mutation in this gene has been linked to autosomal recessive congenital cataract, a condition characterized by clouding of the lens in the eye. Research is ongoing to understand the role of destrin in other diseases, such as cancer and neurodegenerative diseases.

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD