Shroom family member 3 (SHROOM3)

Shroom family member 3 (SHROOM3) is a cytoskeletal regulatory protein containing a PDZ domain, F-actin binding (ASD1), and Rho-kinase binding (ASD2) domains[4][1][6][7]. It orchestrates key morphogenetic events by inducing apical constriction and organizing actomyosin networks at adherens junctions, primarily through direct F-actin binding and recruitment/activation of Rho-associated kinases (ROCK1/2), driving cell shape changes and epithelium elongation[4][2]. SHROOM3 is essential for neural tube closure, kidney glomerular barrier function, and other developmental processes such as lens and gut formation[1][2][3][6]. Genetic variants and altered expression are strongly linked to human chronic kidney disease and neural tube defects, where loss-of-function or disease-associated mutations disrupt cytoskeletal integrity in podocytes and neuroepithelial cells[4][1][3]. SHROOM3 is not a traditional therapeutic target (receptor, enzyme, channel, etc.) but a structural/morphogenetic regulator implicated by association and knockout studies rather than direct pharmacological modulation[4][1][7].

Other names

Protein shroom3SHROOM3KIAA1481SHRMLMSTP013hShrmLShrmLSHRMAPXL3Shroom-related proteinF-actin-binding protein