What is in a filopodium? Starfish versus hedgehogs
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Updated: Aug 21, 2026

A Graphical User Interface for Software-assisted Tracking of Protein Concentration in Dynamic Cellular Protrusions
Published on: July 11, 2017
S Passey1, S Pellegrin, H Mellor
1Mammalian Cell Biology Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, School of Medical Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK. sam.passey@bristol.ac.uk
Abstract:
Many cell types can generate thin actin-based protrusive structures, which are often classified under the general term of 'filopodia'. However, a range of filopodia-like structures exists that differ both morphologically and functionally. In this brief review, we discuss the different types of filopodial structures, together with the actin-binding proteins and signalling pathways involved in their formation. Specifically, we highlight the differences between the filopodial extensions induced by the Rho GTPases Cdc42 and Rif.
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