Profilin as a potential mediator of membrane-cytoskeleton communication.

Profilin, the prototype actin-monomer-sequestering protein, has recently emerged as a multifunctional protein with several different activities. Genetic evidence in yeast and flies confirms that profilin is required for a normal actin cytoskeleton, while biochemical evidence suggests a role in regulating phosphoinositide signalling. New studies suggest that profilin may interact with other ligands, and even its role in regulating actin polymerization is now being re-evaluated.