Actin machinery: pushing the envelope

Curr Opin Cell Biol. 2000 Feb;12(1):104-12. doi: 10.1016/s0955-0674(99)00063-0.

Abstract

The reconstitution of microbial rocketing motility in vitro with purified proteins has recently established definitively that no myosin motor is required for protrusion. Instead, actin polymerization, in conjunction with a small number of proteins, is sufficient. A dendritic pattern of nucleation controlled by the Arp2/3 complex provides an efficient pushing force for lamellipodial motility.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Actin Depolymerizing Factors
  • Actin-Related Protein 2
  • Actin-Related Protein 3
  • Actins / metabolism*
  • Animals
  • Contractile Proteins*
  • Cytoskeletal Proteins*
  • Dendrites / metabolism
  • Destrin
  • Humans
  • Microfilament Proteins / metabolism
  • Models, Biological
  • Molecular Motor Proteins / metabolism
  • Profilins

Substances

  • ACTR2 protein, human
  • ACTR3 protein, human
  • Actin Depolymerizing Factors
  • Actin-Related Protein 2
  • Actin-Related Protein 3
  • Actins
  • Contractile Proteins
  • Cytoskeletal Proteins
  • Destrin
  • Microfilament Proteins
  • Molecular Motor Proteins
  • PFN1 protein, human
  • Profilins