Fascin Actin-Bundling Protein 1 (FSCN1) is a highly conserved actin-binding protein that plays a crucial role in the organization of the actin cytoskeleton. It is known for its ability to cross-link F-actin microfilaments into tight, parallel bundles, which is essential for various cellular processes such as motility, adhesion, and migration .
The FSCN1 gene is located on chromosome 7p22.1 and encodes a protein consisting of 493 amino acids with a molecular weight of approximately 54.5 kDa . The protein structure includes four β-trefoil domains, which are responsible for its actin-bundling activity. These domains create three major actin-binding surfaces that facilitate the bundling of actin filaments .
FSCN1 is involved in several critical cellular functions:
FSCN1 has garnered significant attention as a potential biomarker and therapeutic target in cancer research. Overexpression of FSCN1 is linked to poor prognosis and aggressive clinical progression in several types of human cancers, including breast, colorectal, and pancreatic cancers . Targeting FSCN1 could potentially inhibit tumor invasion and metastasis, making it a promising candidate for cancer therapy .
Mouse anti-human FSCN1 antibodies are commonly used in research to study the expression and function of FSCN1 in various biological contexts. These antibodies are utilized in techniques such as Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence to detect FSCN1 protein levels and localization in human tissues and cell lines .