Actin-bundling proteins

Recent studies have greatly expanded our understanding of actin-bundling proteins. A new group of actin-bundling proteins, the fascins, has been recognized. An actin-bundling protein inhibits actin depolymerization even under conditions in which it cannot produce a gel, which suggests that bundling proteins may affect actin filament dynamics. A villin-like protein is present in Dictyostelium, shedding doubt on current ideas on the evolution of villin. Domain mapping continues to be a major thrust of research into most groups of bundling proteins.