Fibulin protein family (Fibulin)

The fibulin protein family consists of seven genetically distinct, secreted glycoproteins found in vertebrates. Members include fibulin-1 through fibulin-7 (with hemicentin-1 often known as fibulin-6). They are characterized structurally by a unique C-terminal fibulin domain and a series of tandem, calcium-binding epidermal growth factor (EGF)-like modules. Fibulins are primarily localized to the extracellular matrix (ECM), particularly in basement membranes and elastic fibers. They are essential for normal elastic fiber organization, ECM structural integrity, and interaction with other ECM proteins such as elastin, fibrillin, fibronectin, and various proteoglycans. Biologically, fibulins function as modulators of cell proliferation, differentiation, and matrix-dependent tissue remodeling, in part by acting as molecular bridges within ECM structures. Mutations in specific fibulin genes cause hereditary disorders involving connective tissue, blood vessels, or the eye, and altered fibulin expression is observed in certain cancers and cardiovascular diseases. Notably, the fibulin protein family, as a group, is not considered a direct therapeutic target (such as a traditional receptor or enzyme), but individual members may have specific biomedical or therapeutic relevance, and certain inherited diseases and tumors evince altered fibulin expression. Notes: - is_incorrect = true: "Fibulin protein family" denotes a broad structural group, not a discrete molecular target amenable to direct pharmacological modulation. For therapeutic or biomarker information, one must specify an individual member (e.g., fibulin-3, fibulin-5) rather than the family as a whole. This is a family classification, not a single actionable molecular target. - No interacting drugs, mechanisms of action, or established biomarkers specific to the protein family as a whole are described in the literature. Individual fibulin proteins may have role-specific information in disease or drug response, but must be handled separately.

Other names

FibulinsFBLN familyFibulin-1Fibulin-2Fibulin-3Fibulin-4Fibulin-5Fibulin-6 (Hemicentin-1)Fibulin-7