IRSp53 is also known as BAIAP2 (Brain-specific Angiogenesis Inhibitor 1-Associated Protein 2). It is a scaffolding protein that takes part in many signaling pathways including Cdc42-induced filopodia formation, Rac-mediated lamellipodia extension, and spine morphogenesis. IRSp53 exists as multiple splicing variants that differ mainly at the C-termini. One variant (T-form) is expressed exclusively in human breast cancer cells. The gene encoding IRSp53 is a putative susceptibility gene for Gilles de la Tourette syndrome. IRSp53 can also mediate the recruitment of effector proteins Tir and EspFu, which regulate host cell actin reorganization, to bacterial attachment sites. It contains an N-terminal IMD, a CRIB (Cdc42 and Rac interactive binding motif), an SH3 domain, and a WASP homology 2 (WH2) actin-binding motif at the C-terminus. The SH3 domain of IRSp53 has been shown to bind the proline-rich C-terminus of EspFu. 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.
Jiyao W et al.(2023). "The conserved domain database in 2023.",