Anti-F-actin antibody [NH3]

Supplementary info

This supplementary information is collated from multiple sources and compiled automatically.

Activity summary

F-actin also known as filamentous actin is an essential structural protein found within the cytoskeleton of eukaryotic cells. Its alternate names include actin filaments or microfilaments. The protein consists of polymerized monomers of G-actin each with a molecular weight of roughly 42 kDa. F-actin is expressed abundantly in muscle cells and non-muscle cells alike providing structural support and facilitating cellular movements. Actin staining is a common method used in labs to visualize these dynamic structures often employing phalloidin staining a toxin that stabilizes actin filaments conjugated with fluorescent labels such as Phalloidin 594 Phalloidin 647 or Phalloidin 488 for imaging purposes.

Biological function summary

The actin cytoskeleton plays integral roles in maintaining cell shape providing mechanical resistance against deformation and driving important cellular processes such as endocytosis cell division and motility. F-actin forms part of numerous protein complexes interacting with other proteins like myosin to facilitate muscle contraction and cellular transport. Within cells F-actin is dynamic readily polymerizing and depolymerizing in response to cellular signaling making it essential for cytoskeletal remodeling and cellular adaptability.

Pathways

F-actin is central to various signaling cascades underlying processes like cell signaling and intracellular transport. Notably it participates in the Rho family GTPase pathway affecting cell cytoskeleton organization and motility. It also interacts with proteins like cofilin and profilin which regulate actin polymerization and treadmilling dynamics respectively. These interactions highlight F-actin's involvement in complex cellular pathway regulation processes essential for maintaining cellular homeostasis and adaptability.

Associated diseases and disorders

Abnormal regulation or mutations in actin-related proteins can lead to conditions such as cancer and cardiomyopathies. For example during metastasis cancer cells exploit the dynamic nature of F-actin for enhanced migratory capacity. In cardiac muscle cells actin interacts with other proteins like tropomyosin and mutations in these genes can disrupt normal heart function leading to cardiomyopathies. As such F-actin not only represents a critical component of the cellular structure but also serves as a pivotal target for understanding disease mechanisms and potential therapeutic intervention points.