Abstract
The actin cytoskeleton is essential for many fundamental biological processes, but tools for directly manipulating actin dynamics are limited to cell-permeable drugs that preclude single-cell perturbations. Here we describe DeActs, genetically encoded actin-modifying polypeptides, which effectively induce actin disassembly in eukaryotic cells. We demonstrate that DeActs are universal tools for studying the actin cytoskeleton in single cells in culture, tissues, and multicellular organisms including various neurodevelopmental model systems.
MeSH terms
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ADP Ribose Transferases / genetics*
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Actin Cytoskeleton / genetics
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Actin Cytoskeleton / metabolism*
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Actins / genetics
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Actins / metabolism*
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Animals
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Fibroblasts / metabolism
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Fibroblasts / ultrastructure
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Gelsolin / genetics*
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Green Fluorescent Proteins / genetics
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HeLa Cells
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Humans
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Peptides / genetics*
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Rats
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Recombinant Fusion Proteins / genetics*
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Transfection
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Virulence Factors / genetics*
Substances
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Actins
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Gelsolin
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Peptides
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Recombinant Fusion Proteins
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Virulence Factors
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Green Fluorescent Proteins
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ADP Ribose Transferases
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spvB protein, Salmonella enterica virulence plasmid