The role of formins in filopodia formation.
Filopodia are highly dynamic cell-surface protrusions used by cells to sense their external environment. At the core of the filopodium is a bundle of actin filaments. These give form to the filopodia and also drive the cycle of elongation and retraction. Recent studies have shown that two very different actin nucleating proteins control the formation of filopodial actin filaments - Arp2/3 and Formins. Although the actin filaments produced by these two nucleators have very different structures and properties, recent work has begun to piece together evidence for co-operation between Arp2/3 and formins in filopodia formation, leading to a deeper understanding of these sensory organelles.
Mellor
Harry
H
Department of Biochemistry, University of Bristol, School of Medical Sciences, University Walk, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK. h.mellor@brisol.ac.uk
D051376:Actin-Related Protein 2-3 Complex / Q000378:metabolism; D000818:Animals; D005326:Fetal Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D000080865:Formins; D008840:Microfilament Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D008954:Models, Biological; D020409:Molecular Motor Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D009687:Nuclear Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D011554:Pseudopodia / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000502:physiology; D020741:rho GTP-Binding Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism
D051376:Actin-Related Protein 2-3 Complex; D005326:Fetal Proteins; D000080865:Formins; D008840:Microfilament Proteins; D020409:Molecular Motor Proteins; D009687:Nuclear Proteins; D020741:rho GTP-Binding Proteins