Caldesmon has several functions, including: 1. Regulation of Muscle Contraction: By binding to actin and inhibiting the ATPase activity of myosin, caldesmon plays a role in the regulation of smooth muscle contraction. 2. Cytoskeletal Organization: Caldesmon influences the organization of the cytoskeleton by binding to actin filaments and interacting with other cytoskeletal proteins. 3. Signal Transduction: It is involved in cellular signaling pathways that regulate cell shape, migration, and division. 4. Stabilization of Thin Filaments: Caldesmon stabilizes the actin-tropomyosin complex, protecting actin filaments from depolymerization.
