Actin-bundling protein found in intestinal microvilli, hair cell stereocilia, and fibroblast filopodia. May play a role in the regulation of bone development. Monomer. Expressed in a variety of organs, including muscle, brain, uterus and esophagus. Genetic variations in PLS3 define the bone mineral density quantitative trait locus 18 (BMND18) [MIM:300910]. Variance in bone mineral density influences bone mass, contributes to size determination in the general population, and is a susceptibility factor for osteoporotic fractures. Disease susceptibility is associated with variants affecting the gene represented in this entry.