What are Kindlins?

About Kindlins: 

• These are adapter proteins that exist inside the cells attached to the cell membranes of almost all types of cells in vertebrates.
• Kindlin family of proteins contains three members: Kindlin 1, 2, 3 with distinct amino acid sequences and tissue distribution. 
  • They transfer extracellular mechanical cues to biochemical signals inside the cells and play a pivotal role in conveying extracellular signals by physically interacting with structural proteins, receptors and transcription factors, triggering a cascade of chemical signals within the cell.
• Structural disruptions in these proteins can have a global impact on mechano chemical signaling, leading to disruptions in the state of balance among all the body systems needed for the body to survive and function correctly.
• Kindlins may undergo mutations under the influence of innumerable chemical and physical carcinogens like nicotine, ultraviolet rays and many more.
• Mutated Kindlin can potentially disrupt global mechanical homeostasis within cells.

Q1: What are Proteins?

These are large complex molecules that are fundamental to the structure and functioning of all living organisms. They are composed of chains of smaller units called amino acids, which are linked together in specific sequences. Proteins serve a wide variety of critical roles inbiological systems.

Source: Study of Kindlins reveal novel pathways to cancer treatment