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Related Concept Videos

Formation of Higher-order Actin Filaments01:11

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...
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...
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.
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...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 24, 2026

Analyses of Actin Dynamics, Clutch Coupling and Traction Force for Growth Cone Advance
07:53

Analyses of Actin Dynamics, Clutch Coupling and Traction Force for Growth Cone Advance

Published on: October 21, 2021

Actin network growth under load.

Otger Campàs1, L Mahadevan, Jean-François Joanny

  • 1School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA. ocampas@seas.harvard.edu

Biophysical Journal
|March 13, 2012
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Growing actin networks exhibit distinct dynamic behaviors based on elasticity and polymerization kinetics. This study reveals how network attachment to surfaces influences growth, predicting instabilities and oscillatory dynamics.

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Reconstitution of Actin-Based Motility with Commercially Available Proteins
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Reconstitution of Actin-Based Motility with Commercially Available Proteins

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Last Updated: May 24, 2026

Analyses of Actin Dynamics, Clutch Coupling and Traction Force for Growth Cone Advance
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Reconstitution of Actin-Based Motility with Commercially Available Proteins
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Reconstitution of Actin-Based Motility with Commercially Available Proteins

Published on: October 28, 2022

Area of Science:

  • Cell biology
  • Biophysics
  • Cytoskeletal dynamics

Background:

  • Actin networks drive eukaryotic cell motility and force generation.
  • Persistent attachment to surfaces enables actin networks to withstand pulling loads.
  • Simultaneous network growth and surface attachment create opposing forces.

Purpose of the Study:

  • Investigate the local dynamics of growing actin networks at surfaces.
  • Connect mesoscopic theories with microscopic actin dynamics.
  • Characterize different dynamical regimes and their underlying parameters.

Main Methods:

  • Theoretical modeling of actin network growth dynamics.
  • Analysis of network elasticity and actin polymerization kinetics.
  • Development of a phase diagram to map dynamical regimes.

Main Results:

  • Identified multiple dynamical regimes dependent on network elasticity and polymerization parameters.
  • Established a framework linking mesoscopic and microscopic actin network dynamics.
  • Predicted instabilities leading to network detachment, oscillatory behavior, and waves.

Conclusions:

  • The interplay between actin network elongation and surface attachment dictates cellular dynamics.
  • The findings explain observed oscillatory and wave-like phenomena in actin-based systems.
  • This work provides insights into the mechanical regulation of cytoskeletal organization and function.