cofilin 1

CFL1, also known as n-cofilin, is a member of the ADF Cofilin family. This family comprises three genes: CFL1, CFL2 and DSTN (destrin). ADF Cofilin family members bind G-actin monomers and depolymerize actin filaments through two mechanisms: severing and increasing the off-rate for actin monomers from the pointed end. Cofilin also binds with other proteins such as myosin, tropomyosin, α-actinin, gelsolin and scruin. These proteins compete with cofilin for actin binding. Сofilin also plays a role in innate immune response. CFL1 contains 1 ADF-H domain and is widely distributed in various tissues. It is important for normal progress through mitosis and normal cytokinesis.

Cofilin 2 (muscle), also known as CFL2, is a member of cofilin family of the actin-binding protein superfamily. Cofilin2 shows significant homology to the other two members: cofilin 1 and DSTN, through its entire sequence, and contains residues conserved among the cofilin family that are responsible for actin-binding. Cofilin 2 (CFL2) is an important regulator of striated myocyte function. Purified cofilin 2 depolymerized actin filaments in a dose- and pH-dependent manner and reduced the apparent viscosity of an actin solution, although they did not co-sediment with actin filaments at all. Cofilin2 is not expressed in vegetative cells, but is transiently induced during the aggregation stage of development, whereas cofilin 1 was predominantly expressed in vegetative cells.