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Related Concept Videos

Actin Filament Depolymerization01:19

Actin Filament Depolymerization

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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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Formation of Higher-order Actin Filaments01:11

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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...
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Assembly of Cytoskeletal Filaments01:18

Assembly of Cytoskeletal Filaments

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Cytoskeletal filaments are polymeric forms of smaller protein subunits. However, individual cytoskeletal filaments may easily disassemble or associate with other similar filaments to form rigid structures. Microfilaments, made of actin monomers, rely on actin-binding proteins to form bundles and create networks of individual actin filaments. Microtubules rely on microtubule-associated proteins (MAPs) to form sturdy cylindrical structures. However, the proteins involved in forming complex...
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Generation of Straight or Branched Actin Filaments01:14

Generation of Straight or Branched Actin Filaments

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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...
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Types of Membrane Protrusions01:28

Types of Membrane Protrusions

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The protrusion of the cell surface is an initial step for several cellular processes, including cell migration, phagocytosis, and neurite outgrowth. These membrane protrusions are a result of cytoskeletal rearrangement. The most  widely observed cell protrusions include lamellipodia, pseudopodia, filopodia, microvilli, invadopodia, and podosomes. These protrusions can be of two types — static or dynamic.
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Actin Treadmilling01:18

Actin Treadmilling

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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...
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Using Microfluidics and Fluorescence Microscopy to Study the Assembly Dynamics of Single Actin Filaments and Bundles
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Assembling actin filaments for protrusion.

Klemens Rottner1, Matthias Schaks1

  • 1Zoological Institute, Braunschweig University of Technology, Spielmannstrasse 7, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany; Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Inhoffenstrasse 7, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany.

Current Opinion in Cell Biology
|October 3, 2018
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Cell migration relies on actin filaments forming structures like lamellipodia. This review details actin nucleation and elongation mechanisms driving lamellipodium protrusion and cell movement.

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Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Biophysics

Background:

  • Cell migration is crucial for development and disease, involving complex actin dynamics.
  • Protrusive structures like lamellipodia, filopodia, and blebs drive cell movement.
  • Lamellipodia are key for protrusion on planar surfaces, requiring organized actin networks.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To systematically review literature on actin filament nucleation and elongation in lamellipodia.
  • To elucidate mechanisms driving lamellipodium protrusion and cell migration.
  • To identify knowledge gaps regarding factors, cooperation, and homeostasis in actin dynamics.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review and systematic dissection of existing research.
  • Analysis of studies focusing on actin dynamics within lamellipodia.
  • Synthesis of findings on nucleation, elongation, and network assembly.

Main Results:

  • Recent studies clarify the roles of nucleation and elongation in actin assembly within lamellipodia.
  • The relative contributions of filament nucleation versus elongation are better understood.
  • The assembly of individual filaments and the overall lamellipodial network are influenced by these processes.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding actin dynamics in lamellipodia is essential for comprehending cell migration.
  • Further research is needed on the specificity, cooperation, and site-specific functions of actin regulators.
  • Maintaining global actin monomer and filament homeostasis is critical for effective cell movement.