Involved in the regulation of the perinuclear actin network and nuclear shape through interaction with filamins. Plays an essential role in the formation of cartilaginous skeletal elements. Interacts with FLNA and FLNB. Colocalizes with FLNA along actin bundle-like structures. Detected in various tissues, with highest expression in lung, followed by spleen. Expression is first detected in the marginal zone of the vertebral primordia at 12.5 dpc. Expression is subsequently observed during skeletal development in the cartilaginous elements including the vertebral bodies, carpal bones, femora, ribs and caudal vertebrae. At 18.5 dpc, expression is increased in the layers of proliferating and prehypertrophic chondrocytes. Furthermore, expression is also observed in intervertebral disk, including nucleus pulposus and annulus fibrosus, during skeletal development. Up-regulated during chondrocyte differentiation. No visible phenotype; probably due to redundancy with RFLNB. RFLNA and RFLNB double mutant mice exhibit severe skeletal malformations, as characterized by scoliosis, kyphosis, intervertebral disks defects, vertebral fusion in the spine and longitudinal bone growth retardation. Chondrocyte maturation is accelerated in double mutant mice. Belongs to the Refilin family.