Work

Ena/VASP: towards resolving a pointed controversy at the barbed end

Year: 2009

Type: review

Abstract: Ena/VASP proteins are conserved regulators of actin dynamics that have important roles in several physiological processes such as morphogenesis, axon guidance, endothelial barrier function, and cancer cell invasion and metastasis. Although considerable evidence points towards an anti-capping mechanism for Ena/VASP function, some controversy remains. Here, we evaluate the evidence for and against the anti-capping hypothesis, including results from some recent structural and biochemical studies that shed new light on this issue. In addition, we describe several alternate mechanisms that Ena/VASP proteins may utilize to regulate actin dynamics in vivo, including inhibition of branching, bundling and profilin-actin recruitment.

Source: Journal of Cell Science

DOI: 10.1242/jcs.038125

Authors: James E. Bear, Frank B. Gertler

Institutions: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research At MIT, Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Language: English

Topic: Cellular Mechanics and Interactions

Subfield: Cell Biology

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

Open Access status: bronze

Funders: National Institutes of Health, National Institute of General Medical Sciences

Awards: Cellular and Developmental Function of Mena, The Coordination of Cytoskeletal Dynamics by Coronins