The Ena/VASP enigma.
Ena/VASP proteins are actin-binding proteins that localize to actin stress fibres, the tips of filopodia and the lamellipodial leading edge. In the past few years, a number of seemingly conflicting studies have confused the Ena/VASP field, pointing to roles for these proteins in both promotion and inhibition of actin-dependent processes. Recent discoveries resolve these contradictions and suggest a novel mechanism of Ena/VASP function, in which the proteins function as 'anti-capping' proteins that antagonize capping proteins at the barbed end of actin filaments.
Krause
Matthias
M
Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139-4307, USA.
Bear
James E
JE
Loureiro
Joseph J
JJ
Gertler
Frank B
FB
D000199:Actins / Q000378:metabolism; D000818:Animals; D001704:Biopolymers / Q000378:metabolism; D002465:Cell Movement / Q000502:physiology; D003285:Contractile Proteins; D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008840:Microfilament Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D051304:Profilins; D011485:Protein Binding
D000199:Actins; D001704:Biopolymers; D003285:Contractile Proteins; D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins; C092744:ENA-VASP proteins; D008840:Microfilament Proteins; C495738:PFN1 protein, human; D051304:Profilins