Abstract
The actin cytoskeleton is a primary determinant of cell shape and motility. Studies on actin regulatory proteins are now coupled with studies of the signal transduction that directs actin cytoskeleton reorganization, and we have gained insights into how external stimuli such as chemoattractants drive changes in actin cytoskeleton. Chemoattractants regulate actin regulatory proteins such as the Arp2/3 complex through WASP family proteins, ADF/cofilin downstream of LIM-kinase, and various other phosphoinositide-dependent or -independent pathways. Through branching of actin filaments, Arp2/3 complex-dependent actin polymerization is suffcient to generate the force necessary for protrusion.
MeSH terms
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Actin Depolymerizing Factors
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Actins / chemistry
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Actins / metabolism*
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Animals
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Biological Transport
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Cell Movement / physiology*
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Cell Surface Extensions / metabolism
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Cytoskeletal Proteins / metabolism
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Cytoskeleton / metabolism*
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Destrin
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Humans
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Hyaluronan Receptors / metabolism
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Matrix Metalloproteinases / metabolism
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Microfilament Proteins / metabolism
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Myosins / metabolism
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Proteins / metabolism
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Signal Transduction / physiology
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Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome Protein
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rho GTP-Binding Proteins / metabolism
Substances
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Actin Depolymerizing Factors
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Actins
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Cytoskeletal Proteins
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DSTN protein, human
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Destrin
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Hyaluronan Receptors
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Microfilament Proteins
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Proteins
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WAS protein, human
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Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome Protein
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Matrix Metalloproteinases
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Myosins
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rho GTP-Binding Proteins