Filamin is a type of protein found in various cells throughout the body, playing a crucial role in maintaining the structure and stability of the cell's cytoskeleton. The cytoskeleton is a network of fibers that helps cells maintain their shape, support cellular movement, and organize internal components. Filamin specifically cross-links actin filaments, which are essential for many cellular functions. Mutations in the filamin gene can lead to various health issues, including skeletal deformities and neurological disorders. These mutations disrupt the normal function of filamin, affecting the cell's ability to maintain its shape and respond to mechanical stress. Understanding filamin's role is important for studying cell biology and related diseases.