ERM proteins: head-to-tail regulation of actin-plasma membrane interaction.

ERM (ezrin/radixin/moesin) proteins crosslink actin filaments with plasma membranes. The carboxyl termini of these proteins bind actin filaments, while the amino termini bind plasma membranes using a binding partner, such as CD44. Specific signals activate ERM proteins to bind actin filaments and the plasma membrane; these include phosphoinositides and/or phosphorylation mechanisms, which might be located downstream from the Rho-dependent pathway.