title: Functional diversity of actin cytoskeleton in neurons and its regulation by tropomyosin.
abstract: Neurons comprise functionally, molecularly, and spatially distinct subcellular compartments which include the soma, dendrites, axon, branches, dendritic spines, and growth cones. In this chapter, we detail the remarkable ability of the neuronal cytoskeleton to exquisitely regulate all these cytoplasmic distinct partitions, with particular emphasis on the microfilament system and its plethora of associated proteins. Importance will be given to the family of actin-associated proteins, tropomyosin, in defining distinct actin filament populations. The ability of tropomyosin isoforms to regulate the access of actin-binding proteins to the filaments is believed to define the structural diversity and dynamics of actin filaments and ultimately be responsible for the functional outcome of these filaments.
authors.affiliation: Oncology Research Unit, Department of Pharmacology, School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Kensington, Australia.
authors.forename: Galina
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Schevzov
authors.forename: Nikki Margarita
authors.initials: NM
authors.lastname: Curthoys
authors.forename: Peter William
authors.initials: PW
authors.lastname: Gunning
authors.forename: Thomas
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Fath
mesh_terms: D008841:Actin Cytoskeleton / Q000378:metabolism*; D000818:Animals; D006801:Humans; D008840:Microfilament Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D008954:Models, Biological; D009474:Neurons / Q000378:metabolism*; D014335:Tropomyosin / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D008840:Microfilament Proteins; D014335:Tropomyosin