Ezrin is expressed in cerebral cortex, basal ganglia, hippocampus, hypophysis, and optic nerve. The N-terminus of ezrin contains a FERM domain which is further subdivided into three subdomains. The C-terminus contain a ERM domain. As a member of the ERM protein family, Ezrin serves as an intermediate between the plasma membrane and the actin cytoskeleton. It plays a key role in cell surface structure adhesion, migration, and organization. Ezrin probably involved in connections of major cytoskeletal structures to the plasma membrane. The N-terminal FERM domain strongly binds sodium-hydrogen exchanger regulatory factor (NHERF) proteins (involving long-range allostery). The C-terminal binds to actin, phosphatidylinositol bis-phosphate (PIP2) and membrane proteins like CD44 and ICAM-2. In epithelial cells, Ezrin is required for the formation of microvilli and membrane ruffles on the apical pole. Along with PLEKHG6, Ezrin is required for normal macropinocytosis.
