Synaptopodin 2 (SYNPO2)

Synaptopodin-2 is a protein encoded by the SYNPO2 gene. An analysis of the primary structure of the actin-binding protein fesselin revealed it to be the avian homologue of mammalian synaptopodin 2Both avian fesselin and mammalian synaptopodin 2 bound to Ca(2+)-calmodulin, alpha-actinin and smooth-muscle myosin. In addition, both proteins stimulated the polymerization of actin in a Ca(2+)-calmodulin-dependent manner. Synaptopodin 2 has never before been shown to polymerize actin in the absence of alpha-actinin, to polymerize actin in a Ca(2+)-calmodulin-dependent manner, or to bind to Ca(2+)-calmodulin or myosin. These properties are consistent with the proposed function of synaptopodin 2 in organizing the cytoskeleton.