Jasplakinolide: an actin-specific reagent that promotes actin polymerization.
1Institute of Botany, Department of Physiology and Cell Physiology, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria.
Methods in Molecular Biology (Clifton, N.J.)
|September 22, 2009
Summary
Jasplakinolide is a marine sponge-derived compound that stabilizes actin filaments, aiding cell biology research. Its membrane permeability and anticancer potential are discussed, with methods for visualizing its effects detailed.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Jasplakinolide is a cyclo-depsipeptide isolated from marine sponges.
- It is a commercially available, membrane-permeable drug that polymerizes and stabilizes actin filaments.
- Widely used in cell biology for studies on morphogenesis, motility, organelle movement, and apoptosis induction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss the utility of jasplakinolide as a cell biology tool.
- To explore its potential as an anticancer drug.
- To describe methods for visualizing jasplakinolide's effects on actin filaments and cellular structures.
Main Methods:
- Fluorescent microscopy
- Transmission electron microscopy
- Discussion of competitive binding with phalloidin
Main Results:
- Jasplakinolide effectively stabilizes actin filaments, facilitating various cellular process studies.
- Potential anticancer properties of jasplakinolide are highlighted.
- Visualization techniques demonstrate jasplakinolide's impact on actin cytoskeleton and associated cellular components.
- Alternative detection methods are proposed due to competitive binding with phalloidin.
Conclusions:
- Jasplakinolide is a valuable tool in cell biology for manipulating actin dynamics.
- Its anticancer potential warrants further investigation.
- Effective visualization methods are crucial for understanding its cellular mechanisms and applications.
Related Concept Videos
01:19Actin Filament Depolymerization
4.0K
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...
In F-actin, the ADF/cofilin proteins...
4.0K
01:42Actin Polymerization
8.7K
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...
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...
8.7K
01:09Cytoskeletal Linker Proteins - Plakins
2.9K
Plakins are large proteins with binding domains for microtubules, microfilaments, intermediate filaments, and membrane-associated protein complexes at cell junctions. Plakin functions are evolutionarily conserved and are primarily involved in organizing the different components of the cytoskeleton by crosslinking them to each other and connecting them to the cell-matrix and cell adhesion complexes. They are also known to interact with signal transducers, serve as scaffolds for signaling...
2.9K
01:13Actin Polymerization and Cell Motility
6.8K
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....
Actin cytoskeleton dynamics can produce pushing, pulling, and resistance forces that help the cell to migrate....
6.8K
01:39Mechanism of Filopodia Formation
3.3K
Filopodia are thin, actin-rich cellular protrusions that play an important role in many fundamental cellular functions. They vary in their occurrence, length, and positioning in different cell types, suggesting their diverse roles.
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...
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...
3.3K
01:14Generation of Straight or Branched Actin Filaments
3.9K
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...
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...
3.9K