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Related Concept Videos

Actin Polymerization01:42

Actin Polymerization

Actin polymerization occurs through the head-to-tail association of binding sites on monomeric actin or G-actin to form filamentous or F-actin. The polymerization can be divided into three phases ̶  nucleation, elongation, and steady-state phase.
The nucleation phase involves forming a stable nucleus consisting of three actin monomers to form a new actin filament. Actin-binding proteins such as formins and Arp2/3 complex help filament growth post-nucleation. The Formins form straight actin...
Actin Filament Depolymerization01:19

Actin Filament Depolymerization

Actin filaments (F-actin) are composed of actin subunits. The dissociation of actin monomers can occur from either end of F-actin. The rate of dissociation is faster from the minus-end or the pointed end, where the actin subunits exist with a bound ADP, together known as ADP-actin. The depolymerization of F-actin is aided by proteins, including the actin-depolymerizing factor (ADF) and cofilin family of proteins, gelsolin, and glia maturation factor (GMF).
In F-actin, the ADF/cofilin proteins...
Actin Treadmilling01:18

Actin Treadmilling

Actin filaments undergo polymerization and depolymerization from either end. The polymerization and depolymerization rates depend on the cytosolic concentration of free G-actins. The polymerization rate is generally higher at the plus or barbed end, while the depolymerization rate is higher at the minus or pointed end. At a steady state, critical concentration describes the concentration of free G-actin monomers at which the polymerization rate at the plus end is equal to that of the...
Actin Polymerization and Cell Motility01:13

Actin Polymerization and Cell Motility

Actin is a family of globular proteins that are highly abundant in eukaryotic cells. It makes up approximately 1-5% of total cell protein concentration. Actin monomers polymerize to form a complex network of polarized filaments, the actin cytoskeleton, that plays a crucial role in many cellular processes, including cell motility, division, endocytosis, and metastasis of cancer cells.
Actin cytoskeleton dynamics can produce pushing, pulling, and resistance forces that help the cell to migrate.
ATP and Macromolecule Synthesis01:28

ATP and Macromolecule Synthesis

Biological macromolecules are organic compounds, predominantly composed of carbon atoms. The carbon atoms are covalently bonded with hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and other minor elements. There are four major biological macromolecule classes: carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.
Most macromolecules are composed of single subunits, or building blocks, called monomers. The monomers combine with each other using covalent bonds to form larger molecules known as polymers.
Conversion of...
Generation of Straight or Branched Actin Filaments01:14

Generation of Straight or Branched Actin Filaments

The straight or branched structure formation of actin filaments is controlled by nucleating proteins such as the formins and Arp2/3 complex. Formin-mediated assembly results in straight filaments, whereas Arp2/3 protein complex-mediated assembly results in 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...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 21, 2026

Tuning the Contractility and Deformation Modes of Active Actin-Based Assemblies In Vitro: From Two-Dimensional Active Networks to Liquid Crystal Drops
06:48

Tuning the Contractility and Deformation Modes of Active Actin-Based Assemblies In Vitro: From Two-Dimensional Active Networks to Liquid Crystal Drops

Published on: July 11, 2025

Actin polymerization and depolymerization coupled to cooperative hydrolysis.

Xin Li1, Jan Kierfeld, Reinhard Lipowsky

  • 1Theory & Bio-Systems, Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, 14424 Potsdam, Germany.

Physical Review Letters
|August 8, 2009
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

A new model explains actin depolymerization by detailing ATP hydrolysis, involving ATP cleavage and phosphate release. Strong cooperation in both steps, not random processes, best fits experimental data for actin dynamics.

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Reconstitution of Actin-Based Motility with Commercially Available Proteins
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Tuning the Contractility and Deformation Modes of Active Actin-Based Assemblies In Vitro: From Two-Dimensional Active Networks to Liquid Crystal Drops
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Reconstitution of Actin-Based Motility with Commercially Available Proteins
08:40

Reconstitution of Actin-Based Motility with Commercially Available Proteins

Published on: October 28, 2022

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Biophysics
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Actin polymerization is crucial for cell motility and structure.
  • Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) hydrolysis powers actin dynamics.
  • Previous models did not fully capture the complexities of ATP hydrolysis during actin depolymerization.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop a theoretical model for actin depolymerization.
  • To explicitly incorporate the subprocesses of ATP cleavage and phosphate release.
  • To compare the model with experimental data and elucidate the mechanism of actin depolymerization.

Main Methods:

  • Development of a new theoretical model for actin (de)polymerization.
  • Explicit incorporation of three nucleotide states per actin protomer.
  • Comparison of model predictions with recent experimental data on actin depolymerization.

Main Results:

  • The model successfully explains experimental data for actin depolymerization.
  • Strongly cooperative ATP cleavage followed by strongly cooperative phosphate release accurately describes the process.
  • Random or vectorial subprocess models are inconsistent with the experimental observations.

Conclusions:

  • Actin depolymerization is governed by cooperative ATP cleavage and phosphate release.
  • The new theoretical model provides a framework for understanding actin dynamics.
  • This study refines our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying actin-based cellular processes.