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Related Concept Videos

Introduction to Actin01:26

Introduction to Actin

5.2K
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...
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Adaptability of Cytoskeletal Filaments01:12

Adaptability of Cytoskeletal Filaments

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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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Actin Polymerization and Cell Motility01:13

Actin Polymerization and Cell Motility

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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.
Actin cytoskeleton dynamics can produce pushing, pulling, and resistance forces that help the cell to migrate....
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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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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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Introduction to the Cytoskeleton01:33

Introduction to the Cytoskeleton

25.8K
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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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 5, 2025

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

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The Axonal Actin Filament Cytoskeleton: Structure, Function, and Relevance to Injury and Degeneration.

Gianluca Gallo1

  • 1Department of Neural Sciences, Shriners Pediatric Research Center, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, 3500 North Broad St, Philadelphia, PA, 19140, USA. tue86088@temple.edu.

Molecular Neurobiology
|January 12, 2024
PubMed
Summary

The neuronal actin filament cytoskeleton in the axon shaft, once thought sparse, is now recognized as dynamic. New research reveals its complex organization, regulation by external signals, and role in axon health and injury.

Keywords:
Actin filamentsAxon branchingAxon degenerationAxon injuryCytoskeleton

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Aip1p Dynamics Are Altered by the R256H Mutation in Actin
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Quantification of Filamentous Actin F-actin Puncta in Rat Cortical Neurons
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Last Updated: Jul 5, 2025

A Time-Efficient Fluorescence Spectroscopy-Based Assay for Evaluating Actin Polymerization Status in Rodent and Human Brain Tissues
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Aip1p Dynamics Are Altered by the R256H Mutation in Actin
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Quantification of Filamentous Actin F-actin Puncta in Rat Cortical Neurons
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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Cell Biology
  • Cytoskeleton Dynamics

Background:

  • Early research suggested low actin filament levels in the axon shaft compared to growth cones.
  • Advances in imaging and tools have revitalized the study of the axonal actin cytoskeleton.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the current understanding of the actin cytoskeleton within the axon shaft.
  • To highlight key organizations, regulatory mechanisms, and implications in axon injury.

Main Methods:

  • Review of current literature and research findings.
  • Analysis of advanced imaging techniques and their impact on understanding axonal actin.

Main Results:

  • Identified key actin structures: axonal actin patches and submembranous rings.
  • Demonstrated regulation of axonal actin by extracellular signals.
  • Highlighted the role of axonal actin in axon injury and degeneration.

Conclusions:

  • The axonal actin cytoskeleton is more complex and vital than previously understood.
  • Further research is needed to fully elucidate its functions and regulatory pathways.