ERM proteins in epithelial cell organization and functions.
ERM (Ezrin, Radixin, Moesin) proteins are membrane-cytoskeleton linkers that regulate the structure and the function of specific domains of the plasma membrane. ERM proteins are expressed in all metazoan analyzed so far. Genetic analysis of ERM protein functions has recently been performed simultaneously in three different organisms, mouse, Drosophila melanogaster and C. elegans. These studies have revealed a remarkable conservation of the protein functions through evolution. Moreover they have shed light on the crucial role these proteins play in various physiological processes that occur in epithelial cells.
Fiévet
Bruno
B
UMR 144 CNRS-Institut Curie 26 rue d'Ulm, 75248 PARIS cedex 05, France.
Louvard
Daniel
D
Arpin
Monique
M
D000818:Animals; D017173:Caenorhabditis elegans / Q000502:physiology; D002462:Cell Membrane / Q000502:physiology*; D003598:Cytoskeletal Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D003599:Cytoskeleton / Q000502:physiology*; D004331:Drosophila melanogaster / Q000502:physiology; D004847:Epithelial Cells / Q000502:physiology*; D008565:Membrane Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D051379:Mice; D008840:Microfilament Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D000099149:Ezrin
D003598:Cytoskeletal Proteins; D008565:Membrane Proteins; D008840:Microfilament Proteins; D000099149:Ezrin; C071058:moesin; C071776:radixin