Destrin


Destrin or DSTN is a protein which in humans is encoded by the DSTN gene. Destrin is a component protein in microfilaments.
The product of this gene belongs to the actin-binding proteins ADF /cofilin family. This family of proteins is responsible for enhancing the turnover rate of actin in vivo. This gene encodes the actin depolymerizing protein that severs actin filaments and binds to actin monomers. Two transcript variants encoding distinct isoforms have been identified for this gene.

Structure

The tertiary structure of destrin was determined by the use of triple-resonance multidimensional nuclear magnetic resonance, NMR. The secondary and tertiary structures of destrin are similar to the gelsolin family which is another actin-regulating protein family.
There are three ordered layers to destrin which is a globular protein. There is a central β sheet that is composed of one parallel strand and three antiparallel strands. This β sheet is between a long α helix along with a shorter one and two shorter helices on the opposite side. The four helices are parallel to the β strands.

Function

In a variety of eukaryotes, destrin regulates actin in the cytoskeleton. Destrin binds actin and is thought to connect it as gelsolin segment-1 does. Furthermore, the binding of actin by destrin and cofilin is regulated negatively by phosphorylation. Destrin can also sever actin filaments.