FIDGETINLike

FIDGETINLike is a family of conserved eukaryotic proteins related to the microtubule-severing enzyme fidgetin. In vertebrates, the family comprises at least two paralogs: FIDGETIN-like 1 (FIGNL1) and FIDGETIN-like 2 (FIGNL2). In humans, these genes encode proteins commonly referred to as FIGNL1 and FIGNL2. The FIDGETIN-like proteins are predicted to be ATPases of the AAA+ superfamily and share sequence similarity with fidgetin, suggesting they function as ATP-dependent regulators of microtubule dynamics; however, their precise biochemical activities and substrates are not fully established.

Biological roles are inferred from expression patterns and comparative analyses, and remain an area of active investigation. They are thought to participate in processes requiring remodeling of the cytoskeleton, such as cell division and neurite outgrowth, and may have additional roles in nuclear or chromatin-associated pathways. The exact cellular contexts in which FIGNL1 and FIGNL2 act, and their physiological relevance, are not yet fully defined.

Genomic and evolutionary notes indicate that FIGNL1 and FIGNL2 are conserved across vertebrates, underscoring functional importance. In humans, multiple transcript variants exist due to alternative splicing, and expression patterns appear to vary across tissues and developmental stages.

Public databases such as UniProt and Ensembl describe the FIDGETIN-like proteins and their gene models, and comparative studies across species continue to elucidate their evolutionary relationships and potential roles in cellular organization and genome maintenance.