Rho, nuclear actin, and actin-binding proteins in the regulation of transcription and gene expression

Microinjection of actin-binding proteins and actin antibodies demonstrates involvement of nuclear actin in transcription of lampbrush chromosomes.

Nuclei of amphibian oocytes contain large amounts of actin, mostly in unpolymerized or short-polymer form. When antibodies to actin or actin-binding proteins (fragmin and the actin modulator from mammalian smooth muscle) are injected into nuclei of living oocytes of Pleurodeles waltlii, transcription of the lampbrush chromosomes, but not of the rRNA genes, is inhibited. When transcription is re...

Regulation of actin dynamics by actin-binding proteins in pollen.

A dynamic network of polymers, the actin cytoskeleton, co-ordinates numerous fundamental cellular processes. In pollen tubes, organelle movements and cytoplasmic streaming, organization of the tip zone, vesicle trafficking, and tip growth have all been linked to actin-based function. Further, during the self-incompatibility response of Papaver rhoeas, destruction of the cytoskeleton is a primar...

Contribution of nuclear actin to transcription regulation

Actin, an integral component of the cytoskeleton, plays crucial roles in a variety of cell functions, including cell migration, adhesion, polarity and shape change. Studies performed during the last couple of decades have revealed that the actin also exists in the nucleus. However, the function and properties of nuclear actin remained elusive so far. Recently, we showed that an actin tagged wit...

Endothelial Actin-Binding Proteins and Actin

Actin binding proteins: regulation of cytoskeletal microfilaments.

The actin cytoskeleton is a complex structure that performs a wide range of cellular functions. In 2001, significant advances were made to our understanding of the structure and function of actin monomers. Many of these are likely to help us understand and distinguish between the structural models of actin microfilaments. In particular, 1) the structure of actin was resolved from crystals in th...