Endophilins play roles in synaptic vesicle formation, virus budding, mitochondrial morphology maintenance, receptor-mediated endocytosis inhibition, and endosomal sorting. They are classified into two types, A and B. Vertebrates contain two endophilin-B isoforms. Endophilin-B proteins are cytoplasmic proteins expressed mainly in the heart, placenta, and skeletal muscle. Endophilins contain an N-terminal N-BAR domain (BAR domain with an additional N-terminal amphipathic helix), followed by a variable region containing proline clusters, and a C-terminal SH3 domain. SH3 domains are protein interaction domains that bind to proline-rich ligands with moderate affinity and selectivity, preferentially to PxxP motifs. They play versatile and diverse roles in the cell including the regulation of enzymes, changing the subcellular localization of signaling pathway components, and mediating the formation of multiprotein complex assemblies.
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