GSN
GSN (gelsolin) is a calcium-regulated, actin-modulating protein that binds the plus, or barbed, ends of actin monomers and filaments. It belongs to the villin/gelsolin family, and it can cap, nucleate and sever actin filaments. Browse Assay Genie's current range of GSN research reagents below, or read on for the biology behind the target.
GSN is a calcium-regulated protein that modulates the actin cytoskeleton. It binds to the plus (barbed) ends of actin monomers or filaments and prevents monomer exchange, an activity known as end-blocking or capping. It can also promote the assembly of monomers into filaments, which is called nucleation, and it can sever filaments that have already formed. Together these activities mean that gelsolin functions in both the assembly and the disassembly of actin filaments. UniProt also records a role for the protein in ciliogenesis.
The human GSN gene encodes a protein that UniProt places in the cytoplasm, where it associates with the cytoskeleton, and also among secreted proteins. Both locations are annotated for the same gene product. It is a member of the HGNC gene group Gelsolin/villins and of the villin/gelsolin family. NCBI Gene reports that multiple transcript variants encode several different isoforms. The mouse and rat orthologues are both named Gsn, which allows comparative work in standard rodent models.
Gelsolin was previously listed by HGNC as gelsolin (amyloidosis, Finnish type), and DKFZp313L0718 is recorded as an alias. The older name reflects the disease association: defects in this gene are a cause of familial amyloidosis Finnish type (FAF). Researchers studying actin dynamics, calcium-dependent cytoskeletal control or this form of amyloidosis therefore work with the GSN protein and gene, using tools such as a GSN antibody or a GSN ELISA kit.
GSN caps, nucleates and severs actin filaments, so it is a standard subject for studies of filament assembly and disassembly.
Gelsolin is a calcium-regulated actin-modulating protein, which makes it useful for examining how calcium shapes cytoskeletal remodelling.
UniProt records a role for gelsolin in ciliogenesis, linking actin regulation to the formation of cilia.
Defects in GSN cause familial amyloidosis Finnish type (FAF), so the gene is relevant to research on this disorder.
GSN binds the plus (barbed) ends of actin monomers and filaments and blocks monomer exchange. It can nucleate new filaments from monomers and sever existing ones. Its activity is regulated by calcium, and UniProt also notes a role in ciliogenesis.
HGNC gives the name gelsolin, with the previous name gelsolin (amyloidosis, Finnish type) and the alias DKFZp313L0718. NCBI Gene reports multiple transcript variants that encode several different isoforms. The protein is annotated as both cytoskeletal and secreted.
Mouse and rat both have a Gsn orthologue. In humans, defects in the gene are a cause of familial amyloidosis Finnish type (FAF). Check the datasheet of any product for its validated reactivity.
Other actin-binding proteins and cytoskeletal regulators with products at Assay Genie.
Gene and protein annotations from HGNC, NCBI Gene and UniProt P06396; product specifications from Assay Genie datasheets.