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A migrating cell changes its shape during the cyclic events of attachment and detachment from the substratum and repositions the cell organelles correspondingly. These complex events are orchestrated by the dynamic cytoskeletal network comprising actin filaments, intermediate filaments, and microtubules. Cytoskeletal crosstalk — the direct and indirect communication between the different components — is crucial for this coordination. Direct communication involves various linker...
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Ras signalling at the actin cortex: Coordinating local and global changes to cell morphology.

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Ras proteins regulate cell structure and movement. This review explores how Ras signaling impacts the actin cytoskeleton locally and globally, influencing cancer progression and cell plasticity.

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Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Cancer Biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Ras proteins are key regulators of cellular signaling pathways.
  • Mutated Ras proteins drive cancer cell proliferation.
  • Ras signaling influences the actin cytoskeleton, affecting cell shape and movement.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the coordinated local and global effects of Ras signaling on the actin cytoskeleton.
  • To examine the contribution of Ras-mediated cytoskeletal changes to cancer progression.
  • To understand the role of Ras in cytoskeletal plasticity.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on Ras signaling and the actin cytoskeleton.
  • Analysis of research in model organisms (e.g., Dictyostelium) and cancer cells.
  • Integration of findings on membrane-proximal Ras activity and cell-wide responses.

Main Results:

  • Ras signaling locally reorganizes the actin cortex, forming protrusions.
  • Ras activation induces cell-wide changes in actin architecture, mechanics, and shape.
  • Ras-dependent actin structures like waves and blebs promote cancer cell survival and motility.

Conclusions:

  • Ras signaling exerts both local and global control over the actin cytoskeleton.
  • Coordinated cytoskeletal plasticity driven by Ras is crucial for cancer progression.
  • Understanding Ras-cytoskeleton interactions offers therapeutic targets for cancer treatment.