Cytoskeleton
- Functions of actin in mouse oocytes at a glance
Summary: In this Cell Science at a Glance article, we summarize the many functions of the actin cytoskeleton in oocytes, with a focus on findings from the mouse model system.
- ADAP is an upstream regulator that precedes SLP-76 at sites of TCR engagement and stabilizes signaling microclusters
Highlighted Article: During T cell activation, a cytoskeletal pool of ADAP enters nascent contacts in advance of other adaptors and enhances contact stability and TCR signaling by participating in multivalent signaling complexes.
- Regulation of actin-based apical structures on epithelial cells
Summary: Apical surfaces of epithelial cells are characterized by the presence of abundant F-actin-based microvilli. We outline recent insights into regulation and maintenance of microvilli and stereocilia.
- Novel role for Grainy head in the regulation of cytoskeletal and junctional dynamics during epithelial repair
Highlighted Article: The transcription factor Grainy head is involved in tissue repair, through ensuring the formation of a proper contractile actomyosin cable and the regulation of adherens junction dynamics.
- Dynamic stability of the actin ecosystem
Summary: This Review discusses how actin binding proteins create a dynamic balance between actin filament assembly and disassembly, producing networks that are structurally constant and yet responsive to external stimuli.
- Complexes of α6β4 integrin and vimentin act as signaling hubs to regulate epithelial cell migration
Summary: β4 integrin associates with vimentin at the periphery of migrating epithelial cells, and such β4 integrin–vimentin complexes support signaling through Rac1, leading to directed cell migration.
- Mechanical stability of the cell nucleus – roles played by the cytoskeleton in nuclear deformation and strain recovery
Summary: The viscoelastic parameters of the cell membrane, cytoskeleton and nucleus are decoupled, and the roles played by cytoskeleton in maintaining nuclear mechanical stability are deciphered.
- Septin-dependent remodeling of cortical microtubule drives cell reshaping during epithelial wound healing
Summary: Rapid wound closure of the vertebrate embryonic epidermis depends on interplay between the cytoskeletal components actin, microtubules and septin.
- The actin cytoskeleton of the mouse sperm flagellum is organized in a helical structure
Summary: The actin and actin-associated protein structures in the sperm tail are revealed by means of STORM. In particular, actin forms a double helix in the midpiece, a novel architectural organization in eukaryotic cells.
- Rapid production of pure recombinant actin isoforms in Pichia pastoris
Summary:Here, we describe a method to purify recombinant actin to homogeneity by expression in Pichia pastoris. The purified actin is polymerisation competent and should facilitate biochemical and cell biological studies of the actin cytoskeleton.