Abstract
The actin-related protein 2/3 (ARP2/3) complex nucleates branched actin filament networks, but requires nucleation promoting factors (NPFs) to stimulate this activity. NPFs include proteins such as Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein (WASP), neural WASP (NWASP), WASP family verprolin-homologous protein (WAVE; also known as SCAR) and the recently identified WASP and SCAR homologue (WASH) complex. The mechanisms underlying NPF-dependent regulation and the cellular functions of ARP2/3 are being unravelled using new chemical and genetic approaches. Of particular interest is the role of the ARP2/3 complex in vesicular trafficking and directional cell motility.
Publication types
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Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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Review
MeSH terms
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Actin-Related Protein 2-3 Complex / metabolism*
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Cell Movement
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Cytoskeletal Proteins / metabolism
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Humans
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Microfilament Proteins / metabolism*
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Protein Conformation
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Protein Transport
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Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome Protein / metabolism*
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Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome Protein Family / metabolism*
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Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome Protein, Neuronal / metabolism*
Substances
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Actin-Related Protein 2-3 Complex
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Cytoskeletal Proteins
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Microfilament Proteins
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WASF1 protein, human
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WASH protein, human
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Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome Protein
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Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome Protein Family
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Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome Protein, Neuronal