ABI3 belongs to the ABI family, which includes several other members that share similar structural features. The human recombinant ABI3 protein is produced in E. coli and consists of a single polypeptide chain containing 389 amino acids (1-366) with a molecular mass of approximately 41.4 kDa . It is fused to a 23 amino acid His-tag at the N-terminus and is purified using proprietary chromatographic techniques .
ABI3 plays a significant role in negatively regulating cell growth and transformation. It is involved in cellular transformation through v-Abl and mediates cell motility by regulating actin polymerization . Additionally, ABI3 impedes ectopic metastasis of tumor cells and inhibits cell migration through its interaction with p21-activated kinase .
The expression patterns and tissue distribution of ABI3 are not extensively detailed in the available literature. However, as a member of the ABI family, it is likely to be expressed in various tissues where actin polymerization and cell motility are critical.
ABI3 functions as part of the Abi/WAVE complex, which is essential for actin polymerization . This complex regulates the formation of actin filaments, which are necessary for various cellular processes, including cell movement and shape maintenance . The interaction of ABI3 with other proteins, such as p21-activated kinase, highlights its role in signaling pathways that control cell migration and metastasis .