Three-color single molecule imaging shows WASP detachment from Arp2/3 complex triggers actin filament branch formation
Year: 2013
Type: article
Abstract: During cell locomotion and endocytosis, membrane-tethered WASP proteins stimulate actin filament nucleation by the Arp2/3 complex. This process generates highly branched arrays of filaments that grow toward the membrane to which they are tethered, a conflict that seemingly would restrict filament growth. Using three-color single-molecule imaging in vitro we revealed how the dynamic associations of Arp2/3 complex with mother filament and WASP are temporally coordinated with initiation of daughter filament growth. We found that WASP proteins dissociated from filament-bound Arp2/3 complex prior to new filament growth. Further, mutations that accelerated release of WASP from filament-bound Arp2/3 complex proportionally accelerated branch formation. These data suggest that while WASP promotes formation of pre-nucleation complexes, filament growth cannot occur until it is triggered by WASP release. This provides a mechanism by which membrane-bound WASP proteins can stimulate network growth without restraining it. DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.01008.001.
Source: eLife
DOI: 10.7554/elife.01008
Authors: Benjamin A Smith, Shae B Padrick, Lynda K Doolittle, Karen Daugherty-Clarke, Ivan R Corrêa, Ming-Qun Xu, Bruce L Goode, Michael K Rosen, Jeff Gelles
Language: English
Subfield: Cell Biology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,500
Awards: G1014266876, Macromolecular Structure Mechanism, Constraints and Frustration in Nano-Structured and Bio-Molecular Materials, G14798847, G1611016065, Molecular Mechanisms coordinating the actin and microtubule cytoskeletons, G3521928254, G4458686173, G5741791986, Structural Study of GTPase Regulators and Effectors, G7758866958, G9000050115, G9000198085, G95157507
OpenAlex ID: W2122925817