title: ADF/cofilin and actin dynamics in disease.
abstract: ADF/cofilins are key regulators of actin dynamics in normal cells. Recent findings suggest that, under cellular stress, the wild-type proteins might form complexes with actin that can alter cell function. Owing to their rapid formation, these complexes might initiate or aid in the progression of diseases as diverse as Alzheimer's disease and ischemic kidney disease. Although evidence for their involvement in diseases other than Alzheimer's and ischemic kidney disease is tenuous, recent studies suggest that altered production, regulation or localization of these proteins might lead to cognitive impairment, inflammation, infertility, immune deficiencies and other pathophysiological defects.
authors.affiliation: Dept Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and Molecular, Cellular and Integrative Neuroscience Program, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA. jbamburg@lamar.colostate.edu
authors.forename: James R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Bamburg
authors.forename: O'Neil P
authors.initials: OP
authors.lastname: Wiggan
mesh_terms: D051339:Actin Depolymerizing Factors; D000199:Actins / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*; D000818:Animals; D002633:Chemotaxis; D051345:Destrin; D006801:Humans; D007246:Infertility / Q000378:metabolism*; D008840:Microfilament Proteins / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000378:metabolism*; D013569:Synapses / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D051339:Actin Depolymerizing Factors; D000199:Actins; C495824:DSTN protein, human; D051345:Destrin; D008840:Microfilament Proteins