Ca(2+)-regulated actin-binding protein which plays an important role in actin bundling. May have a unique function in the morphogenesis of neuronal cells which form ganglia. Required for SREC1-mediated regulation of neurite-like outgrowth. Plays a role in regenerative sensory axon outgrowth and remodeling processes after peripheral injury in neonates. Involved in the formation of long fine actin-containing filopodia-like structures in fibroblast. Plays a role in ciliogenesis (PubMed:15247299, PubMed:18160648). In podocytes, controls lamellipodia formation through the regulation of EGF-induced diacylglycerol generation by PLCE1 and ARP2/3 complex assembly (By similarity). Associates (via C-terminus) with actin (By similarity). Interacts with F-actin (By similarity). Interacts with SCARF1; the interaction occurs in embryonic dorsal root ganglions at 18 dpc and induces neurite-like outgrowth (PubMed:15247299). Interacts with PLCE1. Interacts with ACTR2 and ACTR3; associates with the ARP2/3 complex (By similarity). In podocytes, present in the F-actin-enriched cell periphery that generates lamellipodia and focal adhesions. Most highly expressed in the endometrium of the uterus, the intestinal villi and the testes. Weaker expression also detected in the brain, dorsal root ganglions and on the surface of the tongue. Expressed almost exclusively in peripheral sensory neurons (craniofacial and dorsal root ganglia (DRG) sensory neurons), but also in trigeminal ganglia (TG) Me5 proprioceptive neurons and Mo5 motoneurons. Half of the homozygous mice die during embryogenesis, the other 50% do not show any noticeable abnormality in development, growth or behavior and are fertile. Belongs to the villin/gelsolin family.