FHOD

FHOD stands for Formin Homologue 2. It is a protein that plays a crucial role in regulating actin cytoskeleton dynamics in eukaryotic cells. Actin is a fundamental component of the cell's internal structure, involved in processes such as cell shape, movement, and division. FHOD proteins are part of the larger formin family, which are known for their ability to nucleate and elongate actin filaments.

Specifically, FHOD proteins are often associated with the assembly of stress fibers, which are contractile bundles of actin that provide mechanical support to cells and are involved in cell adhesion. They achieve this by binding to actin monomers and barbed ends, promoting filament formation and stabilizing the resulting structures. FHOD proteins are also implicated in other cellular functions that depend on organized actin, including cell migration, cell polarity, and cytokinesis, the final stage of cell division. The precise mechanisms and specific cellular contexts in which different FHOD proteins operate are subjects of ongoing research.