The ERM protein family, which consists of three closely related proteins in vertebrates, ezrin, radixin, and moesin (ERM), is an ancient and important group of cytoplasmic actin-binding and organizing proteins. With their FERM domain, ERMs bind various transmembrane proteins and anchor them to the actin cortex through their C-terminal F-actin binding domain, thus they are major regulators of actin dynamics in the cell. ERMs participate in many fundamental cellular processes, such as phagocytosis, microvilli formation, T-cell activation and tumor metastasis.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFGlutamate dehydrogenases are enzymes that take part in both amino acid and energy metabolism. Their role is clear in many biological processes, from neuronal function to cancer development. The putative testis-specific glutamate dehydrogenase, Bb8, is required for male fertility and the development of mitochondrial derivatives in spermatids.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe rotifer-specific biopolymer, namely Rotimer, is a recently discovered group of the biomolecule family. Rotimer has an active role in the biofilm formation initiated by rotifers (e.g.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFDNA end protection is fundamental for the long-term preservation of the genome. In vertebrates the Shelterin protein complex protects telomeric DNA ends, thereby contributing to the maintenance of genome integrity. In the genus, this function is thought to be performed by the Terminin complex, an assembly of fast-evolving subunits.
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