vil-2

Ezrin is expressed in cerebral cortex, basal ganglia, hippocampus, hypophysis, and optic nerve. The N-terminus of ezrin contains a FERM domain which is further subdivided into three subdomains. The C-terminus contain a ERM domain. As a member of the ERM protein family, Ezrin serves as an intermediate between the plasma membrane and the actin cytoskeleton. It plays a key role in cell surface structure adhesion, migration, and organization. Ezrin probably involved in connections of major cytoskeletal structures to the plasma membrane. The N-terminal FERM domain strongly binds sodium-hydrogen exchanger regulatory factor (NHERF) proteins (involving long-range allostery). The C-terminal binds to actin, phosphatidylinositol bis-phosphate (PIP2) and membrane proteins like CD44 and ICAM-2. In epithelial cells, Ezrin is required for the formation of microvilli and membrane ruffles on the apical pole. Along with PLEKHG6, Ezrin is required for normal macropinocytosis.

VIL2, also known as villin-2, belongs to the ERM protein family. It is expressed in cerebral cortex, basal ganglia, hippocampus, hypophysis, and optic nerve. VIL2 contains 1 FERM domain and may be involved in connections of major cytoskel