Page last updated: 2024-10-24

actin filament branching

Definition

Target type: biologicalprocess

The formation of daughter actin filament branches at an angle on the sides of preexisting mother filaments. [GOC:ascb_2009, GOC:dph, GOC:tb]

Actin filament branching is a crucial process in cell motility, morphogenesis, and intracellular transport. It involves the formation of new filaments from existing ones, generating a branched network that contributes to the dynamic and adaptable nature of the cytoskeleton. This process is primarily mediated by the Arp2/3 complex, a protein complex that nucleates new actin filaments at a 70-degree angle to existing filaments, leading to the characteristic branched morphology. The Arp2/3 complex itself does not initiate branching on its own; it requires activation by nucleation-promoting factors (NPFs), such as WASP family proteins. These NPFs bind to the Arp2/3 complex and the sides of existing filaments, bringing them together to facilitate new filament formation. The activation of the Arp2/3 complex is often triggered by signaling pathways, allowing the cell to respond to external cues and regulate actin branching. Once activated, the Arp2/3 complex binds to the sides of existing filaments and initiates the assembly of new filaments by providing a nucleation point for actin monomers. The new filaments grow from the pointed end, the end that is capped by the Arp2/3 complex. The barbed end, the rapidly growing end, is free to elongate. This branched architecture allows for rapid and efficient actin polymerization, which is essential for cell motility and other cellular functions. Actin filament branching is a highly regulated process, ensuring that the cytoskeleton remains dynamic and responsive to cellular needs. It is also essential for the formation of various cellular structures, including lamellipodia, filopodia, and stress fibers, which contribute to cell migration, adhesion, and intracellular transport.'
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Proteins (1)

ProteinDefinitionTaxonomy
Cell division control protein 42 homologA cell division control protein 42 that is encoded in the genome of human. [PRO:DNx, UniProtKB:P60953]Homo sapiens (human)

Compounds (7)

CompoundDefinitionClassesRoles
fasudilfasudil : An isoquinoline substituted by a (1,4-diazepan-1-yl)sulfonyl group at position 5. It is a Rho-kinase inhibitor and its hydrochloride hydrate form is approved for the treatment of cerebral vasospasm and cerebral ischemia.

fasudil: intracellular calcium antagonist; structure in first source
isoquinolines;
N-sulfonyldiazepane
antihypertensive agent;
calcium channel blocker;
EC 2.7.11.1 (non-specific serine/threonine protein kinase) inhibitor;
geroprotector;
neuroprotective agent;
nootropic agent;
vasodilator agent
ketorolac5-benzoyl-2,3-dihydro-1H-pyrrolizine-1-carboxylic acid : A member of the class of pyrrolizines that is 2,3-dihydro-1H-pyrrolizine which is substituted at positions 1 and 5 by carboxy and benzoyl groups, respectively.

ketorolac : A racemate comprising equimolar amounts of (R)-(+)- and (S)-(-)-5-benzoyl-2,3-dihydro-1H-pyrrolizine-1-carboxylic acid. While only the (S)-(-) enantiomer is a COX1 and COX2 inhibitor, the (R)-(+) enantiomer exhibits potent analgesic activity. A non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, ketorolac is mainly used (generally as the tromethamine salt) for its potent analgesic properties in the short-term management of post-operative pain, and in eye drops to relieve the ocular itching associated with seasonal allergic conjunctivitis. It was withdrawn from the market in many countries in 1993 following association with haemorrhage and renal failure.

Ketorolac: A pyrrolizine carboxylic acid derivative structurally related to INDOMETHACIN. It is an NSAID and is used principally for its analgesic activity. (From Martindale The Extra Pharmacopoeia, 31st ed)
amino acid;
aromatic ketone;
monocarboxylic acid;
pyrrolizines;
racemate
analgesic;
cyclooxygenase 1 inhibitor;
cyclooxygenase 2 inhibitor;
non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug
sanguinarine chloride
chelerythrine chloride
2-[[benzamido(sulfanylidene)methyl]amino]-5,5-dimethyl-4,7-dihydrothieno[2,3-c]pyran-3-carboxylic acidCID1067700: a pan-GTPase inhibitor; structure in first sourcethienopyran
y 27632, dihydrochloride, (4(r)-trans)-isomer
secramine asecramine A: inhibits VSVG transport from the Golgi to the plasma membrane; also inhibits Cdc42-dependent cell functions; structure in first source