Advances in structure and function of gelsolin

Gelsolin is an important actin-binding plasma protein,with modulation of actin dynamics through binding,severing and capping actin filaments,which can be regulated by Ca2+,pH and phosphatidylinositol,etc.Multitude complex functions of gelsolin have been involved in various cellular processes,including regulation of actin dynamics,cell motility,phagocytosis,control of apoptosis,platelet formation and activation.Gelsolin plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of apoptosis,blood clotting,immunity,tumor and inflammation.This review will focus on the advances in the structure,function as well as mechanism of actions of gelsolin,and provide a basis for reflection on other possible and as yet incompletely understood roles in clinic.