Formin-like protein 3 (FMNL3)

Formin-like protein 3 (FMNL3) is a vertebrate-specific member of the formin family of proteins, which act as actin assembly factors crucial for cytoskeletal remodeling. FMNL3 contains conserved formin homology domains such as FH2, involved in the nucleation and elongation of actin filaments—a process central to forming filopodia, plasma membrane protrusions, and maintaining cell–cell adhesion. Unlike many formins, FMNL3's FH2 domain is a poor nucleator and requires its C-terminus for potent nucleation activity. FMNL3 is heavily localized at the plasma membrane, particularly at filopodia and nascent cell–cell adhesions, and its suppression impairs filopodia formation and cell–cell contacts, affecting collective cell migration. It plays a key role in angiogenesis by regulating endothelial cell elongation and microtubule alignment. FMNL3’s activity is regulated in part by Rho GTPases. Disease associations include impacts on cancer cell migration and vascular development disorders, but specific drug interactions, biomarker status, or known therapeutic safety concerns are not currently documented in the literature.

Other names

Formin-like protein 3FMNL3FRL2KIAA2014DKFZp762B245MGC45819WBP3WW domain-binding protein 3formin homology 2 domain-containing protein 3