title: Multiple Conformations of F-actin.
abstract: Actin works within eukaryotic cells to facilitate a variety of cellular processes, which are driven by the assembly of G-actin (monomeric form) into F-actin (fibrous form), and the disassembly of F-actin into G-actin. F-actin adopts multiple conformations, which are specified by interactions with various actin-binding proteins. Knowledge of the multiple conformations of actin is the key for understanding its cellular functions. Recently, we published a refined model for F-actin. In this review, based on this model, we discuss the origin, mechanism, and possible physiological significance of the multiple conformations of F-actin.
authors.affiliation: X-ray Structural Analysis Team, RIKEN SPring-8 Center, RIKEN Harima Institute 1-1-1 Kouto, Sayo-gun, Hogo, Japan. toda@spring8.or.jp
authors.forename: Toshiro
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Oda
authors.forename: Yuichiro
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Maéda
mesh_terms: D000199:Actins / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000502:physiology*; D008958:Models, Molecular; D011485:Protein Binding; D011487:Protein Conformation; D013816:Thermodynamics
chemical_list: D000199:Actins