title: Regulation of actin assembly by SCAR/WAVE proteins.
abstract: Actin reorganization is a tightly regulated process that co-ordinates complex cellular events, such as cell migration, chemotaxis, phagocytosis and adhesion, but the molecular mechanisms that underlie these processes are not well understood. SCAR (suppressor of cAMP receptor)/WAVE [WASP (Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein)-family verprolin homology protein] proteins are members of the conserved WASP family of cytoskeletal regulators, which play a critical role in actin dynamics by triggering Arp2/3 (actin-related protein 2/3)-dependent actin nucleation. SCAR/WAVEs are thought to be regulated by a pentameric complex which also contains Abi (Abl-interactor), Nap (Nck-associated protein), PIR121 (p53-inducible mRNA 121) and HSPC300 (haematopoietic stem progenitor cell 300), but the structural organization of the complex and the contribution of its individual components to the regulation of SCAR/WAVE function remain unclear. Additional features of SCAR/WAVE regulation are highlighted by the discovery of other interactors and distinct complexes. It is likely that the combinatorial assembly of different components of SCAR/WAVE complexes will prove to be vital for their roles at the centre of dynamic actin reorganization.
authors.affiliation: School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK.
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Ibarra
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Pollitt
authors.forename: R H
authors.initials: RH
authors.lastname: Insall
mesh_terms: D051376:Actin-Related Protein 2-3 Complex / Q000378:metabolism; D000199:Actins / Q000378:metabolism*; D000818:Animals; D008958:Models, Molecular; D046912:Multiprotein Complexes; D011487:Protein Conformation; D015800:Protozoan Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D051300:Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome Protein Family / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D051376:Actin-Related Protein 2-3 Complex; D000199:Actins; D046912:Multiprotein Complexes; D015800:Protozoan Proteins; C491975:SCAR protein, Dictyostelium; D051300:Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome Protein Family