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Synaptopodin family of natively unfolded, actin binding proteins: physical properties and potential biological functions

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Abstract

The synaptopodin family of proteins consists of at least 3 members: synaptopodin, the synaptopodin 2 proteins, and the synaptopodin 2-like proteins. Each family member has at least 3 isoforms that are produced by alternative splicing. Synaptopodin family members are basic proteins that are rich in proline and have little regular 2° or 3° structure at physiological temperature, pH and ionic strength. Like other natively unfolded proteins, synaptopodin family members have multiple binding partners including actin and other actin-binding proteins. Several members of the synaptopodin family have been shown to stimulate actin polymerization and to bundle actin filaments either on their own or in collaboration with other proteins. Synaptopodin 2 has been shown to accelerate nucleation of actin filament formation and to induce actin bundling. The actin polymerization activity is inhibited by Ca2+-calmodulin. Synaptopodin 2 proteins are localized in Z-bands of striated and heart muscle and dense bodies of smooth muscle cells. Depending on the developmental status and stress, at least one member of the synaptopodin family can occupy nuclei of some cells. Members of the synaptopodin 2 subfamily have been implicated in cancers.

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Acknowledgments

This work was funded by grant AR035216 from the National Institutes of Health (to J.M.C.) and a grant from the Brody Brothers Endowment (J.M.C. and M.M.S.).

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  1. Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, 5E-122 Brody Medical Sciences Building, 600 Moye Blvd, Greenville, NC, 27834, USA

    Joseph M. Chalovich

  2. Department of Physiology, University of Cologne, Robert-Koch-Str. 39, 50931, Cologne, Germany

    Mechthild M. Schroeter

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Correspondence to Joseph M. Chalovich.

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Chalovich, J.M., Schroeter, M.M. Synaptopodin family of natively unfolded, actin binding proteins: physical properties and potential biological functions. Biophys Rev 2, 181–189 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12551-010-0040-5

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