Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 19, 2026

A Time-Efficient Fluorescence Spectroscopy-Based Assay for Evaluating Actin Polymerization Status in Rodent and Human Brain Tissues
Published on: June 3, 2021
Actin-binding protein filamin A is displayed on the surface of human neuroblastoma cells
André S Bachmann1, James P Howard, Carl-Wilhelm Vogel
1Cancer Research Center of Hawaii, University of Hawaii at Manoa, 1236 Lauhala Street, Honolulu, Hawaii 96813, USA.
Abstract:
We previously reported the identification of natural human IgM antibodies, which recognize a M(r) 260 000 surface protein (NB-p260) and induce both complement-mediated cytotoxicity and apoptosis of human neuroblastoma cells. NB-p260 was shown to belong to the family of filamin proteins. Filamin A is a high molecular weight actin-binding protein, previously thought to be only located intracellularly. Here we show that NB cells as well as three NB-unrelated human cell lines express filamin A also on the cell surface. Our findings suggest new biological functions for filamins, including a role as mediators in anti-NB IgM-induced apoptosis, and they add to the growing body of evidence of the interaction of cytoskeletal proteins with the extracellular matrix.
Related Concept Videos
Actin Polymerization and Cell Motility
Actin cytoskeleton dynamics can produce pushing, pulling, and resistance forces that help the cell to migrate.
Formation of Higher-order Actin Filaments
The high-order actin networks...
Mechanism of Filopodia Formation
Their main function is to guide migrating cells during normal tissue morphogenesis or cancer metastasis by recognizing and making initial contacts with the extracellular matrix. However, they can also act as stationary cell anchors or help to establish communication...
Actin Filament Depolymerization
In F-actin, the ADF/cofilin proteins...
Generation of Straight or Branched Actin Filaments
Arp2/3 Complex
Arp2/3 complex is a seven-subunit complex consisting of two proteins similar to actin- Arp2 and Arp3, and five other subunits that help keep Arp2 and Arp3 inactive. When required, the complex is...
Introduction to Actin

