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Related Concept Videos

Polarity of the Cytoskeleton01:18

Polarity of the Cytoskeleton

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The intrinsic polarity of cells can be primarily attributed to two factors- i) the asymmetric accumulation of mobile components such are regulatory molecules and subcellular components across the cell and ii) the orientation of polar cytoskeletal filaments that make up the cytoskeletal networks, specifically microfilaments, and microtubules arranged along the axis of polarity. Interactions between the cytoskeletal filaments are crucial for the establishment and maintenance of the polar nature...
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The Role of Actin and Myosin in Non-muscle Cells01:10

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Actin and myosin or actomyosin filaments also play a significant role in cells other than those involved in muscle contraction (which occurs within the sarcomere of muscle cells). The mechanism of non-muscle cell contractile bundles was first observed in Dictyostelium and Acanthamoeba. In non-muscle cells, two bundles are commonly found: stress fibers and actomyosin adherence belts. These contractile bundles are smaller and less organized than the ones found in muscle cells. They  are held...
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Actin Polymerization and Cell Motility01:13

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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.
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Introduction to the Cytoskeleton01:33

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Overview of the Cytoskeleton
The cytoskeleton is a network of protein filaments present within the cell, having three distinct filaments ̶   microfilaments, microtubules, and intermediate filaments. Each has characteristic features that distinguish them, including the dynamics of their assembly and disassembly, mechanical properties, polarity, and the type of molecular motors associated with them. Earlier, they were thought to be present only in eukaryotic cells; however, their...
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Actin Treadmilling01:18

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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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Studying the Cytoskeleton01:17

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The cytoskeletal architecture can be studied using different microscopic and biochemical techniques. Electron microscopy was instrumental in discovering the cytoskeletal architecture around the 1960s, which allowed obtaining structural information at a high-resolution level. However, the sample preparation procedure often limits this ability in biological samples. Several protocols have been developed over the years to optimize sample preparation. In one of the protocols known as rotary...
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The Actin Cytoskeleton in Myelinating Cells.

Tanya L Brown1,2, Wendy B Macklin3

  • 1Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA.

Neurochemical Research
|March 9, 2019
PubMed
Summary

This review explores how actin cytoskeleton dynamics regulate cell differentiation and myelin wrapping in the peripheral and central nervous systems (PNS and CNS). Understanding these processes is key for neural development and disease research.

Keywords:
Actin cytoskeletonMyelinOligodendrocyteSchwann cell

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Cell Biology
  • Developmental Biology

Background:

  • Myelinating cells in the peripheral and central nervous systems (PNS and CNS) require significant cytoskeletal changes for differentiation and myelin production.
  • Oligodendrocytes in the CNS exhibit a regulated, periodic actin organization, indicating precise control over actin dynamics.
  • Recent findings link actin polymerization to early cell differentiation and actin depolymerization to myelin wrapping.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the cytoskeletal molecules involved in differentiation and myelination by PNS and CNS cells.
  • To enhance understanding of neural development, with a specific focus on the myelination process.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on cytoskeletal regulation in myelinating cells.
  • Analysis of actin dynamics during oligodendrocyte differentiation and myelin wrapping.
  • Examination of the role of specific cytoskeletal molecules in neural development.

Main Results:

  • Actin polymerization is crucial for initial cell differentiation in myelinating cells.
  • Actin depolymerization is essential for the wrapping of myelin sheaths.
  • Dysregulation of the actin cytoskeleton is implicated in certain neurological diseases.

Conclusions:

  • Cytoskeletal molecules play a critical role in regulating the differentiation and myelination processes in both the PNS and CNS.
  • This review provides insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying myelination, relevant to neural development and pathology.