Ca(2+)-regulated actin-binding protein which plays an important role in actin bundling (PubMed:29058690). 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. In podocytes, controls lamellipodia formation through the regulation of EGF-induced diacylglycerol generation by PLCE1 and ARP2/3 complex assembly (PubMed:29058690). Associates (via C-terminus) with F-actin (PubMed:15096633, PubMed:29058690). Interacts with SCARF1 (By similarity). Interacts with PLCE1 (PubMed:29058690). Interacts with ACTR2 and ACTR3; associates with the ARP2/3 complex (PubMed:29058690). In podocytes, present in the F-actin-enriched cell periphery that generates lamellipodia and focal adhesions. Most highly expressed in the small intestine and colonic lining. Weaker expression also detected in the thymus, prostate, testes and uterus (PubMed:12034507). Expressed in podocytes (at protein level) (PubMed:29058690). The disease is caused by variants affecting the gene represented in this entry. Belongs to the villin/gelsolin family.