ACTR3

The specific function of this gene has not yet been determined; however, the protein it encodes is known to be a major constituent of the ARP2/3 complex. This complex is located at the cell surface and is essential to cell shape and motility through lamellipodial actin assembly and protrusion. Three transcript variants encoding two different isoforms have been found for this gene. [provided by RefSeq, Mar 2013]

Full Name

ARP3 Actin Related Protein 3 Homolog

Function

ATP-binding component of the Arp2/3 complex, a multiprotein complex that mediates actin polymerization upon stimulation by nucleation-promoting factor (NPF). The Arp2/3 complex mediates the formation of branched actin networks in the cytoplasm, providing the force for cell motility. Seems to contact the pointed end of the daughter actin filament. In podocytes, required for the formation of lamellipodia downstream of AVIL and PLCE1 regulation. In addition to its role in the cytoplasmic cytoskeleton, the Arp2/3 complex also promotes actin polymerization in the nucleus, thereby regulating gene transcription and repair of damaged DNA. The Arp2/3 complex promotes homologous recombination (HR) repair in response to DNA damage by promoting nuclear actin polymerization, leading to drive motility of double-strand breaks (DSBs). Plays a role in ciliogenesis.

Biological Process

Actin polymerization-dependent cell motility
Arp2/3 complex-mediated actin nucleation
Asymmetric cell division
Cellular response to interferon-gamma
Cilium assembly
Ephrin receptor signaling pathway
Establishment or maintenance of cell polarity
Fc-gamma receptor signaling pathway involved in phagocytosis
Meiotic chromosome movement towards spindle pole
Meiotic cytokinesis
Membrane organization
Positive regulation of lamellipodium assembly
Positive regulation of transcription by RNA polymerase II
Spindle localization

Cellular Location

Cytoskeleton; Nucleus; Cell projection. In pre-apoptotic cells, colocalizes with MEFV in large specks (pyroptosomes).