Ferlin
Ferlin refers to a family of large cytosolic proteins that play key roles in calcium-dependent membrane trafficking and membrane repair. The name derives from the Caenorhabditis elegans protein FER-1, which is involved in membrane fusion events. In vertebrates, ferlin proteins function as Ca2+-sensitive mediators of vesicle fusion and plasma membrane resealing following injury, contributing to cellular membrane integrity and trafficking processes.
Ferlin proteins are characterized by multiple C2 domains, which mediate Ca2+-dependent phospholipid interactions, and a single
In humans, the ferlin family includes several members such as dysferlin (DYSF), myoferlin (MYOF), otoferlin (OTOF),
Clinical research continues to explore ferlin proteins as potential targets for therapies in muscular dystrophy, hearing