actinregulating

Actin-regulating refers to the control of actin cytoskeleton dynamics by a diverse set of actin-binding proteins and signaling pathways. The actin cytoskeleton underpins cell shape, motility, adhesion, division, and intracellular transport, and is organized through regulated polymerization of G-actin into F-actin, filament turnover, and crosslinking into networks.

Key regulators include the ARP2/3 complex, which nucleates branched actin networks, and formins, which generate linear filaments. Profilin accelerates actin filament growth by delivering monomers; capping proteins limit growth at ends; cofilin promotes turnover by severing and depolymerizing filaments. Gelsolin also severs and caps filaments in response to calcium, while crosslinkers such as α-actinin and fascin organize networks. Myosins interact with actin to generate contractile forces.

Regulation is driven by signaling pathways, notably Rho family GTPases (RhoA, Rac1, Cdc42) that activate specific nucleators and severing factors. Phosphoinositides, calcium signaling, and phosphorylation modulate ABP activity and localization, creating spatially restricted actin dynamics essential for processes like migration and endocytosis.

Dysregulation of actin-regulating mechanisms is linked to diseases such as cancer metastasis, neurodegenerative disorders, and cardiomyopathies. The study of actin regulation integrates cell biology, biochemistry, and genetics to understand how cells control shape, movement, and division. In literature, actin-regulating describes proteins, complexes, and pathways that govern actin filament dynamics and organization.