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Actin Polymerization and Cell Motility

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.

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...

Actin Treadmilling

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...

Cytoskeletal Accessory Proteins

Cytoskeletal Accessory Proteins

The cytoskeleton is an essential cell component that plays several structural and functional roles. However, the filaments that make up the cytoskeleton cannot function independently and depend on the accessory or ancillary proteins to effectively carry out their function. Accessory proteins associate with cytoskeletal filaments and their monomers, aiding filament formation and function. They also help in the cross-communication among cytoskeletal filaments. Cytoskeletal accessory proteins are...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 10, 2026

Chromatin Immunoprecipitation Assay for Tissue-specific Genes using Early-stage Mouse Embryos

Chromatin Immunoprecipitation Assay for Tissue-specific Genes using Early-stage Mouse Embryos

Published on: April 29, 2011

Expression patterns of the mouse Spir-2 actin nucleator.

Sandra Pleiser¹, Rebecca Rock, Jutta Wellmann

¹Bavarian Genome Research Network (BayGene), Institute of Functional Genomics, University of Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauß-Allee 11, 93053 Regensburg, Germany.

Gene Expression Patterns : GEP

|August 21, 2010

Summary

Mouse spir-2 gene expression is broadly detected in the nervous system, digestive tract, and testes. This distinct pattern suggests a general role for these novel actin nucleation factors in cell biology.

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Area of Science:

Cell Biology
Molecular Biology
Genetics

Background:

Spir proteins are novel actin nucleation factors containing WH2 domains.
They initiate actin polymerization and can form complexes with formins.
Mammals have two spir genes, spir-1 and spir-2, with high homology.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the expression pattern of the mouse spir-2 gene.
To compare spir-2 expression with the known spir-1 expression pattern.
To infer the potential function of spir-2 based on its expression.

Main Methods:

Northern blot analysis to detect spir-2 mRNA.
In situ hybridization during mouse embryogenesis.
Analysis of spir-2 expression in adult mouse tissues.

Main Results:

The mouse spir-2 gene is expressed as a single mRNA.
Embryonic expression is observed in the developing nervous system and intestine.
Adult expression is highest in digestive tract epithelial cells, nervous system neurons, and testicular spermatocytes.

Conclusions:

Mouse spir-2 exhibits a distinct and broader expression pattern compared to spir-1.
The widespread expression supports a more general cell biological function for spir-2.
These findings highlight the diverse roles of Spir proteins in cellular processes.