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Related Concept Videos

Introduction to Actin01:26

Introduction to Actin

Actin is a highly conserved cytoskeletal protein found abundantly in eukaryotic cells. It constitutes 10% weight of the total cellular protein in muscle cells, while in non-muscle cells, it is lower and makes up around 1–5 percent of the total cell protein. Actin found in the unicellular amoebae and complex multicellular animals is around 80% similar, demonstrating their conservation over a billion years of evolution.  Actin coding genes are conserved within species and across different species.
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.
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...
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...
Cytoskeletal Accessory Proteins01:13

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...
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...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 15, 2026

A Time-Efficient Fluorescence Spectroscopy-Based Assay for Evaluating Actin Polymerization Status in Rodent and Human Brain Tissues
06:54

A Time-Efficient Fluorescence Spectroscopy-Based Assay for Evaluating Actin Polymerization Status in Rodent and Human Brain Tissues

Published on: June 3, 2021

Actin isoforms in neuronal development and function.

Thomas R Cheever1, James M Ervasti

  • 1Department of Neurologic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.

International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology
|January 16, 2013
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Neurons utilize two actin cytoskeleton isoforms, beta-actin and gamma-actin. While beta-actin functions are studied, gamma-actin

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Aip1p Dynamics Are Altered by the R256H Mutation in Actin
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Aip1p Dynamics Are Altered by the R256H Mutation in Actin

Published on: July 30, 2014

Quantification of Filamentous Actin (F-actin) Puncta in Rat Cortical Neurons
10:13

Quantification of Filamentous Actin (F-actin) Puncta in Rat Cortical Neurons

Published on: February 10, 2016

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: May 15, 2026

A Time-Efficient Fluorescence Spectroscopy-Based Assay for Evaluating Actin Polymerization Status in Rodent and Human Brain Tissues
06:54

A Time-Efficient Fluorescence Spectroscopy-Based Assay for Evaluating Actin Polymerization Status in Rodent and Human Brain Tissues

Published on: June 3, 2021

Aip1p Dynamics Are Altered by the R256H Mutation in Actin
08:57

Aip1p Dynamics Are Altered by the R256H Mutation in Actin

Published on: July 30, 2014

Quantification of Filamentous Actin (F-actin) Puncta in Rat Cortical Neurons
10:13

Quantification of Filamentous Actin (F-actin) Puncta in Rat Cortical Neurons

Published on: February 10, 2016

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • The actin cytoskeleton is crucial for neuronal development and function.
  • Neuronal actin cytoskeleton comprises two isoforms: beta-actin and gamma-actin.
  • Distinct functions of actin isoforms are often overlooked, with a focus on regulatory proteins.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current knowledge on the distinct functions of beta-actin and gamma-actin in neurons.
  • To identify unexplored areas regarding gamma-actin function in neuronal contexts.
  • To highlight the importance of both actin isoforms in neurological disorders.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on beta-actin and gamma-actin in neuronal systems.
  • Analysis of findings from in vivo loss-of-function studies for beta-actin.
  • Synthesis of information linking actin isoform dysregulation to human neurological disorders.

Main Results:

  • Beta-actin has established roles in axon guidance, synaptogenesis, and specific brain functions.
  • In vivo studies reveal novel roles for beta-actin in certain brain structures and behaviors.
  • Functions of gamma-actin in neurons remain largely uncharacterized.

Conclusions:

  • Significant knowledge gaps exist regarding gamma-actin's role in neuronal function.
  • Both beta- and gamma-actin are implicated in human neurological disorders, underscoring their importance.
  • Further research is needed to elucidate the distinct contributions of beta- and gamma-actin to neuronal health and disease.