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Generation of Straight or Branched Actin Filaments

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...

Formation of Higher-order Actin Filaments

Formation of Higher-order Actin Filaments

The polymerization of G-actin monomers into filamentous F-actin is a multi-step process. Once the F-actins are formed, they can bundle together in different arrangements to form higher-order networks and regulate cellular functions. Common examples include the formation of lamellipodia and filopodia at the cell's leading edge by actin reorganization in a migrating cell. The microvilli on the brush border epithelial cells are also formed through the F-actin network.
The high-order actin networks...

Fibronectins Connect Cells with ECM

Fibronectins Connect Cells with ECM

Fibronectin is an adhesive glycoprotein present in the extracellular matrix of embryogenic and adult tissue. These molecules primarily aid in regulating cell motility and attachment. A fibronectin molecule is composed of two identical polypeptide chains attached to each other by a pair of disulfide bonds at the C-terminal.
Both proteoglycans and collagen are attached to fibronectin proteins, which, in turn, are attached to integrin proteins. These integrin proteins interact with transmembrane...

Actin Polymerization

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...

Formation of Intermediate Filaments

Formation of Intermediate Filaments

Intermediate filaments are cytoskeletal proteins with higher tensile strength and flexibility than microfilaments and microtubules. Unlike the other two cytoskeletal proteins, intermediate filament formation lacks the enzymatic activity to hydrolyze nucleotides like ATP and GTP to generate energy for polymerization. Therefore, the formation of intermediate filaments is multistep self-assembly. The involvement of any accessory proteins in intermediate filament formation has not yet been reported.

Mechanism of Filopodia Formation

Mechanism of Filopodia Formation

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...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 13, 2026

ECM Protein Nanofibers and Nanostructures Engineered Using Surface-initiated Assembly

ECM Protein Nanofibers and Nanostructures Engineered Using Surface-initiated Assembly

Published on: April 17, 2014

Modeling of pattern development during fibronectin nanofibril formation.

Tilo Pompe¹, Jörn Starruss, Manfred Bobeth

¹Max Bergmann Center of Biomaterials Dresden, Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research Dresden, Hohe Strasse 6, 01069, Dresden, Germany. pompe-tilo@ipfdd.de

|April 23, 2010

Summary

A new model explains how endothelial cells form paired fibronectin nanofibrils. This research clarifies fibronectin fibrillogenesis, crucial for tissue development and embryogenesis.

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Area of Science:

Biochemistry
Cell Biology
Biophysics

Background:

Fibronectin fibril network formation is vital for embryogenesis and tissue development.
The precise molecular mechanisms governing fibronectin fibrillogenesis are not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

To develop a stochastic model elucidating the mechanism of paired fibronectin nanofibril formation by endothelial cells.
To investigate fibronectin cluster and fibril development using computational simulations.

Main Methods:

Monte Carlo simulations were employed to model fibronectin fibrillogenesis.
The model incorporated diffusion-controlled aggregation and myosin-driven transport of fibronectin-integrin complexes near focal adhesions.
A morphological diagram was generated based on fibronectin substrate and interaction energies.

Main Results:

The study identified specific interaction parameter regions leading to the formation of paired fibronectin nanofibrils.
Beyond these parameters, the model predicted the formation of branched fibronectin clusters.
Tear-off of fibronectin fibrils was also observed under certain simulated conditions.

Conclusions:

The developed stochastic model provides insights into the molecular mechanisms of fibronectin fibril assembly.
Understanding these mechanisms is critical for comprehending tissue formation and embryogenesis.
The findings highlight the role of interaction parameters in determining fibronectin network architecture.