Gelsolin/A0419

Gelsolin, also known as brevin, actin-depolymerizing factor, or A0419, exists in a range of isoforms produced by alternative splicing.

Gelsolin, also known as brevin, actin-depolymerizing factor, or A0419, exists in a range of isoforms produced by alternative splicing. The gene can be found on human chromosome 9. Gelsolin is found in phagocytic cells, platelets, fibroblasts, non-muscle cells, smooth and skeletal muscle cells. It severs actin filaments in the presence of submicromolar calcium, thereby solating cytoplasmic actin gels. Gelsolin is the principal intracellular and extracellular actin-severing protein. Mutant mice have been generated, and show that although embryonic development and longevity were normal, platelet shape changes were decreased in the GSN-null mice, causing prolonged bleeding times.