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Abstract
The assembly of a branched network of actin filaments provides the mechanical propulsion that drives a range of dynamic cellular processes, including cell motility. The Arp2/3 complex is a crucial component of such filament networks. Arp2/3 nucleates new actin filaments while bound to existing filaments, thus creating a branched network. In recent years, a number of proteins that activate the filament nucleation activity of Arp2/3 have been identified, most notably the WASP (Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein) family. WASP-family proteins activate the Arp2/3 complex, and consequently stimulate actin assembly, in response to extracellular signals. Structural studies have provided a significant refinement in our understanding of the molecular detail of how the Arp2/3 complex nucleates actin filaments. There has also been much progress towards an understanding of the complicated signalling processes that regulate WASP-family proteins. In addition, the use of gene disruption in a number of organisms has led to new insights into the specific functions of individual WASP-family members. The present review will discuss the Arp2/3 complex and its regulators, in particular the WASP-family proteins. Emphasis will be placed on recent developments in the field that have furthered our understanding of actin dynamics and cell motility.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 1-17 |
Number of pages | 17 |
Journal | Biochemical Journal |
Volume | 380 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 1 Jan 2004 |
Keywords
- Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein (WASP)
- nucleation
- actin
- WASP-family verprolin homologous protein (WAVE)
- Arp2/3 complex
- suppressor of the cAMP receptor (Sear)
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Dive into the research topics of 'Signalling to acting assembly via the WASP (Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein) - family proteins and the Arp2/3 complex'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.Projects
- 1 Finished
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Fellowship: Dr L Machesky - The Arp2/3 Complex in Actin- Based Motility.
Machesky, L. (Principal Investigator)
1/10/00 → 30/09/05
Project: Research Councils