| Modification Notes |
CARMIL, also referred to as Leucine-rich repeat containing 16 (LRRC16), is a member of a recently described family of leucine-rich repeat containing proteins which have a variety of functions throughout the body. CARMIL interacts with the Arp2/3 complex, the Actin capping protein CP and Myosin I to help assemble a multi-protein structure that is crucial to proper cell development. Through its interactions with these three proteins, CARMIL regulates capping of Actin filaments at the barbed end, nucleation of Actin by the Arp2/3 complex and Actin filament assembly by Myosin I, a barbed-end directed motor. Together, this complex generates the force for diverse cellular movements such as cytokinesis, phag-ocytosis and muscle contraction. Defects in the gene encoding CARMIL are thought to have various detrimental effects including reduced chemotactic aggregation, lowered rates of pinocytosis and inefficient assembly of the Myosin-Arp2/3-CP complex. Without proper CARMIL function, cell development is retarded due to improper Actin filament assembly. |