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 (PubMed:11849295). Involved in the formation of long fine actin-containing filopodia-like structures in fibroblast. Plays a role in ciliogenesis. 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 (PubMed:11849295). 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 (By similarity). 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. Expressed in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons and superior cervical ganglia (SCG) (PubMed:11849295). Expressed in podocytes (PubMed:29058690). The C-terminal domain is necessary for the induction of long fine actin-containing filopodia-like structures in fibroblast and neurite-like outgrowth. Belongs to the villin/gelsolin family.