Fascins, and their roles in cell structure and function

Abstract

The fascins are a structurally unique and evolutionarily conserved group of actin cross-linking proteins. Fascins function in the organisation of two major forms of actin-based structures: dynamic, cortical cell protrusions and cytoplasmic microfilament bundles. The cortical structures, which include filopodia, spikes, lamellipodial ribs, oocyte microvilli and the dendrites of dendritic cells, have roles in cell-matrix adhesion, cell interactions and cell migration, whereas the cytoplasmic actin bundles appear to participate in cell architecture. We discuss the current understanding of the cellular mechanisms that regulate the binding of fascin to actin and how these processes contribute to the organisation or disassembly of cell protrusions. Although the in vivo roles of fascin have been studied principally in Drosophila, several human diseases are associated with inherited or acquired alterations in the expression of fascins. Strategies to modulate fascin-containing protrusions and thereby cell adhesive and migratory behaviour could have potential for therapeutic intervention in these conditions. The supplementary material referred to in this section can be found at http://www.interscience.wiley.com/jpages/0265-9247/suppmat/2002/v24.350.html

Proteomic identification of brain proteins in the canine model of human aging following a long-term treatment with antioxidants and a program of behavioral enrichment: Relevance to Alzheimer's disease

“…It is also known to be one of the core actin bundling protein of dendrites among other structures [2]. Fascins function in the organization of two major forms of actin-based structures: dynamic, cortical cell protrusions and cytoplasmic microfilament bundles [67]. Cell protrusions in the plasma membrane sense the cellular environment, provide cell adhesion in the extracellular matrix and act in cellular migration [1].…”

Fascin‐1 as a novel diagnostic marker of triple‐negative breast cancer

“…Fascin‐1, an actin‐bundling protein, is normally expressed in neuronal, mesenchymal, and endothelial cells, and is low or absent in normal epithelial cells 6, 7. Overexpression of fascin‐1 has been reported in several types of carcinoma, including that of the lung 8, colon 9, stomach 10, ovary 11, and breast 12.…”

Independent prognostic value of fascin immunoreactivity in stage III–IV colonic adenocarcinoma

“…Among these molecules, fascins are involved in the organisation of two major forms of actin-based structures that include cortical cell protrusions such as filopodia, spikes, lamellipodial ribs, dendrites and microvilli, and cytoplasmic microfilament bundles (Kureishy et al, 2002). Fascin, which is expressed in normal mesenchymal, endothelial, dendritic, and neuronal cells but not in normal epithelia (Kureishy et al, 2002) is important in cell -cell interactions and adhesion (Adams et al, 2001), both interacting with specific tight (Wong et al, 1999) and adherens junctions (Tao et al, 1996) and intervening in focal adhesions via b1-integrin (Jawhari et al, 2003).…”

“…Fascin, which is expressed in normal mesenchymal, endothelial, dendritic, and neuronal cells but not in normal epithelia (Kureishy et al, 2002) is important in cell -cell interactions and adhesion (Adams et al, 2001), both interacting with specific tight (Wong et al, 1999) and adherens junctions (Tao et al, 1996) and intervening in focal adhesions via b1-integrin (Jawhari et al, 2003). Moreover, the protein promotes cell locomotion (Yamashiro et al, 1998) and participates in the mechanical organisation of stress fibres (Adams, 1997).…”