Ins and outs of ADF/cofilin activity and regulation.
The actin-binding proteins of the actin-depolymerisation factor (ADF)/cofilin family were first described more than three decades ago, but research on these proteins still occupies a front role in the actin and cell migration field. Moreover, cofilin activity is implicated in the malignant, invasive properties of cancer cells. The effects of ADF/cofilins on actin dynamics are diverse and their regulation is complex. In stimulated cells, multiple signalling pathways can be initiated resulting in different activation/deactivation switches that control ADF/cofilin activity. The output of this entire regulatory system, in combination with spatial and temporal segregation of the activation mechanisms, underlies the contribution of ADF/cofilins to various cell migration/invasion phenotypes. In this framework, we describe current views on how ADF/cofilins function in migrating and invading cells.
Van Troys
Marleen
M
Department of Medical Protein Research, VIB, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium. lee.vantroys@ugent.be
Huyck
Lynn
L
Leyman
Shirley
S
Dhaese
Stien
S
Vandekerkhove
Joël
J
Ampe
Christophe
C
D051339:Actin Depolymerizing Factors / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism*; D000199:Actins / Q000378:metabolism; D000818:Animals; D001665:Binding Sites; D002465:Cell Movement / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000378:metabolism; D010766:Phosphorylation; D020033:Protein Isoforms / Q000378:metabolism; D015398:Signal Transduction
D051339:Actin Depolymerizing Factors; D000199:Actins; D020033:Protein Isoforms