Advillin (AVIL)

Advillin is a member of the gelsolin/villin family of actin regulatory proteins. This protein has structural similarity to villin. It binds actin and may play a role in the development of neuronal cells that form ganglia. Most highly expressed in the small intestine and colonic lining. Weaker expression also detected in the thymus, prostate, testes and uterus.A new member of the gelsolin/villin family of actin regulatory proteins was initially identified by screening an adult murine brain cDNA library with a probe for bovine adseverin. The predicted amino acid sequence of the 92 kDa murine protein p92 (advillin) is 75% homologous to villin and 65% homologous to gelsolin and adseverin. It shares a six domain structure with other gelsolin family members and has a carboxy-terminal headpiece, similar to, yet distinct from, villin.