fascinatelike

Fascin-like refers to a group of actin-binding proteins that resemble fascin in sequence and function. Fascin is a small family of proteins that cross-link filamentous actin (F-actin) into tight, parallel bundles, enabling the formation of cellular protrusions such as filopodia. Fascin-like proteins share conserved actin-binding domains and often promote similar bundling activity, though their regulatory control and tissue distribution can vary across species and paralogs.

In vertebrates, multiple FSCN genes encode fascin-like proteins, most notably FSCN1, FSCN2, and FSCN3, which show different patterns of expression across tissues. In general, fascin-like activity supports dynamic cytoskeleton remodeling during cell movement, development, and the maintenance of specialized cell surfaces. The activity of these proteins is regulated by post-translational modifications, especially phosphorylation, which can affect actin-binding, bundling efficiency, subcellular localization, and cellular behavior.

Biological and medical significance: Changes in fascin-like protein levels influence cell morphology and motility. Overexpression of fascin (FSCN1) has been associated with enhanced invasion and metastasis in several cancers, making fascin-like proteins a focus of cancer biology and a potential therapeutic target. In non-pathogenic contexts, they contribute to normal processes such as neurite outgrowth and tissue architecture.

Related topics include the actin cytoskeleton, filopodia, invadopodia, and the protein fascin.