Work

Actin Structure and Function

Year: 2011

Type: review

Abstract: Actin is the most abundant protein in most eukaryotic cells. It is highly conserved and participates in more protein-protein interactions than any known protein. These properties, along with its ability to transition between monomeric (G-actin) and filamentous (F-actin) states under the control of nucleotide hydrolysis, ions, and a large number of actin-binding proteins, make actin a critical player in many cellular functions, ranging from cell motility and the maintenance of cell shape and polarity to the regulation of transcription. Moreover, the interaction of filamentous actin with myosin forms the basis of muscle contraction. Owing to its central role in the cell, the actin cytoskeleton is also disrupted or taken over by numerous pathogens. Here we review structures of G-actin and F-actin and discuss some of the interactions that control the polymerization and disassembly of actin.

Source: Annual Review of Biophysics

DOI: 10.1146/annurev-biophys-042910-155359

Authors: Roberto Dominguez, Kenneth C. Holmes

Institutions: University of Pennsylvania, Max Planck Institute for Medical Research

Language: English

Topic: Cellular Mechanics and Interactions

Subfield: Cell Biology

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

Open Access status: green

Funders: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institute of General Medical Sciences

Awards: BAR PROTEINS LINKING MEMBRANE AND CYTOSKELETON DYNAMICS, Dynamics of the Vascular Smooth Muscle Cytoskeleton, Structural-Functional Basis of Actin Cytoskeleton Dynamics