Profilin-1 binds to actin monomers (G-actin) and promotes the exchange of ADP for ATP, which is necessary for actin polymerization. This interaction is critical for the dynamic remodeling of the actin cytoskeleton, which is essential for various cellular functions such as cell motility, division, and intracellular transport .
Under pathological conditions, such as diabetes, the levels of Profilin-1 are increased in the vascular endothelium. Elevated levels of Profilin-1 have been associated with endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis. Studies have shown that Profilin-1 overexpression can trigger indicators of endothelial dysfunction downstream of LDL signaling, and attenuated expression of Profilin-1 can confer protection from atherosclerosis in vivo .
Recombinant Profilin-1 is produced using recombinant DNA technology, which involves inserting the gene encoding Profilin-1 into a suitable expression system, such as bacteria or yeast. This allows for the large-scale production of Profilin-1 for research and therapeutic purposes. Recombinant Profilin-1 has been used in various studies to investigate its role in cellular processes and its potential as a therapeutic target for diseases such as atherosclerosis .
Research has shown that Profilin-1 expression is significantly enhanced in human atherosclerotic plaques compared to the normal vessel wall. The serum levels of Profilin-1 correlate with the degree of atherosclerosis in humans, suggesting that Profilin-1 might critically contribute to atherogenesis and may represent a novel therapeutic target . Additionally, recombinant Profilin-1 has been used to study its effects on atherogenic signaling pathways and cellular responses such as DNA synthesis and chemotaxis in vascular smooth muscle cells .