Actin polymerization: Where the WASP stings

Curr Biol. 1999 Mar 11;9(5):R160-3. doi: 10.1016/s0960-9822(99)80102-x.

Abstract

How do extracellular signals induce actin polymerization, as required for many cellular responses? Key signal transducers, such as the small GTPases Cdc42 and Rac, have now been shown to link via proteins of the WASP family to the Arp2/3 complex, which nucleates actin polymerization.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Actin-Related Protein 2
  • Actin-Related Protein 3
  • Actins / metabolism*
  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Animals
  • Cytoskeletal Proteins*
  • Humans
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Polymers
  • Proteins / metabolism*
  • Signal Transduction*
  • Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome
  • Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome Protein

Substances

  • ACTR2 protein, human
  • ACTR3 protein, human
  • Actin-Related Protein 2
  • Actin-Related Protein 3
  • Actins
  • Cytoskeletal Proteins
  • Polymers
  • Proteins
  • WAS protein, human
  • Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome Protein