FEATURES

FAMILY

DESCRIPTION

Also known as ABI2_HUMAN, ABI2, ARGBPIA. Regulator of actin cytoskeleton dynamics underlying cell motility and adhesion. Functions as a component of the WAVE complex, which activates actin nucleating machinery Arp2/3 to drive lamellipodia formation (PubMed:21107423). Acts as regulator and substrate of nonreceptor tyrosine kinases ABL1 and ABL2 involved in processes linked to cell growth and differentiation. Positively regulates ABL1-mediated phosphorylation of ENAH, which is required for proper polymerization of nucleated actin filaments at the leading edge (PubMed:7590236, PubMed:8649853, PubMed:10498863). Contributes to the regulation of actin assembly at the tips of neuron projections. In particular, controls dendritic spine morphogenesis and may promote dendritic spine specification toward large mushroom-type spines known as repositories of memory in the brain (By similarity). In hippocampal neurons, may mediate actin-dependent BDNF-NTRK2 early endocytic trafficking that triggers dendrite outgrowth (By similarity). Participates in ocular lens morphogenesis, likely by regulating lamellipodia-driven adherens junction formation at the epithelial cell-secondary lens fiber interface (By similarity). Also required for nascent adherens junction assembly in epithelial cells (PubMed:15572692). Component of the WAVE complex composed of ABI2, CYFIP1 or CYFIP2, BRK1, NCKAP1 and WASF1/WAVE1. Within the complex, a heterodimer containing NCKAP1 and CYFIP1 interacts with a heterotrimer formed by WAVE1, ABI2 and BRK1. CYFIP2 binds to activated RAC1 which causes the complex to dissociate, releasing activated WASF1 (PubMed:21107423). Interacts (via SH3 domain) with ABL1 and ABL2 (PubMed:7590236, PubMed:8649853).

EXTERNAL LINKS

ABI2

Abl interactor 2

ABI2

Molecular Synopsis