FERM proteins in animal morphogenesis.
Proteins containing a FERM domain are ubiquitous components of the cytocortex of animal cells where they are engaged in structural, transport, and signaling functions. Recent years have seen a wealth of genetic studies in model organisms that explore FERM protein function in development and tissue organization. In addition, mutations in several FERM protein-encoding genes have been associated with human diseases. This review will provide a brief overview of the FERM domain structure and the FERM protein superfamily and then discuss recent advances in our understanding of the mechanism of function and developmental requirement of several FERM proteins including Moesin, Myosin-VIIA, Myosin-XV, Coracle/Band4.1 as well as Yurt and its vertebrate homologs Mosaic Eyes and EPB41L5/YMO1/Limulus.
Tepass
Ulrich
U
Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. u.tepass@utoronto.ca <u.tepass@utoronto.ca>
D000818:Animals; D029721:Drosophila Proteins / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics; D008565:Membrane Proteins / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics; D008840:Microfilament Proteins / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics; D009024:Morphogenesis / Q000235:genetics*; D009154:Mutation; D000081412:Myosin VIIa; D009218:Myosins / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics; D011485:Protein Binding; D017434:Protein Structure, Tertiary / Q000235:genetics; D011506:Proteins / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism*
D029721:Drosophila Proteins; C000631455:MYO7A protein, human; D008565:Membrane Proteins; D008840:Microfilament Proteins; D000081412:Myosin VIIa; D011506:Proteins; C442474:cora protein, Drosophila; C000631458:myosin 7a, Drosophila; C474499:yrt protein, Drosophila; C071058:moesin; D009218:Myosins