Molecular insights on context-specific role of profilin-1 in cell migration

Profilin-1 (Pfn1) is a ubiquitously expressed actin-monomer binding protein that has been linked to many cellular activities ranging from control of actin polymerization to gene transcription. Traditionally, Pfn1 has been considered to be an essential control element for actin polymerization and cell migration. Seemingly contrasting this view, a few recent studies have shown evidence of an inhibitory action of Pfn1 on motility of certain types of carcinoma cells. In this review, we summarize biochemistry and functional aspects of Pfn1 in normal cells and bring in newly emerged action of Pfn1 in cancer cells that may explain its context-specific role in cell migration.