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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.

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...

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...

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...

Actin Filament Depolymerization

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...

Adaptability of Cytoskeletal Filaments

Adaptability of Cytoskeletal Filaments

The cytoskeleton is a complex dynamic structure performing varied functions based on cellular requirements. The adaptability of the individual filaments in the cytoskeleton determines their ability to perform various functions within the cell. It can undergo rapid reorganization during processes like cell division or remain stable for several hours as in the interphase. The adaptability of these filaments depends on stringent regulatory mechanisms. The microfilament and microtubules of the...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 11, 2026

Using Microfluidics and Fluorescence Microscopy to Study the Assembly Dynamics of Single Actin Filaments and Bundles

Using Microfluidics and Fluorescence Microscopy to Study the Assembly Dynamics of Single Actin Filaments and Bundles

Published on: May 5, 2022

Multiscale stochastic reaction-diffusion modeling: application to actin dynamics in filopodia.

Radek Erban¹, Mark B Flegg, Garegin A Papoian

¹Mathematical Institute, University of Oxford, 24-29 St. Giles', Oxford, OX1 3LB, UK, erban@maths.ox.ac.uk.

Bulletin of Mathematical Biology

|May 4, 2013

Summary

Two hybrid stochastic models for actin dynamics in filopodia were compared. The two-regime method (TRM) hybrid model showed better quantitative agreement with the molecular-based model.

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Last Updated: May 11, 2026

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Published on: May 5, 2022

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Published on: May 12, 2018

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Published on: July 12, 2022

Area of Science:

Biophysics
Computational Biology
Cellular Dynamics

Background:

Actin dynamics are crucial for cell motility and shape.
Filopodia are dynamic cellular protrusions involved in cell sensing and adhesion.
Stochastic reaction-diffusion models are essential for understanding molecular interactions in confined cellular environments.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate and compare two multiscale (hybrid) stochastic reaction-diffusion models of actin dynamics in filopodia.
To evaluate the performance of a novel two-regime method (TRM) in a hybrid modeling approach.

Main Methods:

Development and implementation of two hybrid algorithms combining compartment-based and molecular-based stochastic reaction-diffusion models.
Application of a recently developed two-regime method (TRM) to a fully molecular-based model.
Comparative analysis of simulation results from hybrid models and a purely molecular-based model.

Main Results:

Both hybrid models produced comparable results to the molecular-based model.
The TRM-based hybrid model demonstrated superior quantitative agreement with the molecular-based model.
The study validates the utility of hybrid modeling approaches for simulating complex biological processes.

Conclusions:

Hybrid stochastic reaction-diffusion models offer a viable approach for studying actin dynamics in filopodia.
The two-regime method (TRM) enhances the accuracy of hybrid models in capturing molecular-level details.
Further development of multiscale modeling strategies can advance our understanding of cellular mechanics.