Moesin

Moesin is a protein that in humans is encoded by the MSN gene. Moesin belongs to the Ezrin-Radixin-Moesin (ERM) protein family, which is involved in linking the plasma membrane to the actin cytoskeleton.

Function

Moesin functions as a cross-linker between plasma membrane proteins and the actin cytoskeleton. Moesin, ezrin, and radixin are highly homologous proteins that are involved in cell surface structure adhesion, migration, and organization.

Structure

Moesin is a 577 amino acid protein with a calculated molecular weight of approximately 68 kDa. It consists of an N-terminal FERM (Four-point-one, Ezrin, Radixin, Moesin) domain, a central α-helical domain, and a C-terminal domain that contains sites for phosphorylation.

Clinical significance

Alterations in the MSN gene and moesin protein have been associated with several diseases, including cancer. Moesin is overexpressed in several types of cancers, including breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and gastric cancer. It has been suggested that moesin could serve as a potential therapeutic target in these cancers.

See also

• Ezrin
• Radixin
• Actin cytoskeleton
• Plasma membrane