Parvin Alpha (PARVa)

Members of the parvin family, including PARVA, are actin-binding proteins associated with focal contacts. The N terminus has 2 nuclear localization signals and 3 potential SH3-binding sites. Northern blot analysis of mouse tissues detected 4.4- and 1.6-kb transcripts in most tissues, with the longer transcript predominating. Highest expression was detected in kidney and heart, with weaker expression in brain, lung, and liver. No expression was detected in testis by Northern blot analysis, but expression was detected in testis by RT-PCR. Both transcripts were expressed throughout mouse embryonic development. Fluorescence-tagged mouse Parva colocalized with actin filaments at membrane ruffles, focal contacts, and tensin-rich fibers in the center of fibroblasts.