cortical cytoskeleton
Definition
Target type: cellularcomponent
The portion of the cytoskeleton that lies just beneath the plasma membrane. [GOC:mah]
The cortical cytoskeleton is a specialized network of protein filaments that lies just beneath the plasma membrane of eukaryotic cells. It plays a crucial role in maintaining cell shape, providing structural support, and regulating various cellular processes, including cell migration, adhesion, and signal transduction. The cortical cytoskeleton is primarily composed of three major filamentous proteins:
- **Actin filaments (microfilaments):** These are thin, flexible, and highly dynamic filaments composed of the globular protein actin. Actin filaments are involved in cell motility, endocytosis, and the formation of cell-cell junctions. They are often arranged in a meshwork beneath the plasma membrane, providing a scaffold for membrane-associated proteins and contributing to cell shape and rigidity.
- **Intermediate filaments:** These are tough, rope-like filaments composed of various proteins, including keratin, vimentin, desmin, and neurofilaments. Intermediate filaments provide structural support and tensile strength to cells, preventing them from being torn apart by mechanical stress. They also play a role in anchoring organelles and forming cell-cell junctions.
- **Microtubules:** These are long, hollow cylinders composed of the protein tubulin. Microtubules are involved in intracellular transport, cell division, and the organization of the cytoskeleton. They can extend from the centrosome, a microtubule organizing center near the nucleus, toward the cell periphery, providing tracks for motor proteins to move vesicles and organelles.
In the context of cortical cytoskeleton, actin filaments are particularly prominent. Their network interacts with various associated proteins, forming specialized structures that facilitate diverse cellular functions. For example, actin filaments can form bundles called stress fibers that connect to focal adhesions, which are sites of cell-matrix attachment. These stress fibers provide a pathway for force transmission from the cell to the extracellular matrix, enabling cell migration.
Furthermore, the cortical cytoskeleton interacts with the plasma membrane through various membrane-associated proteins. These proteins can link the cytoskeleton to the membrane, anchor transmembrane proteins, and regulate membrane dynamics. For example, spectrin, a protein found in the cortical cytoskeleton of red blood cells, interacts with the plasma membrane and contributes to its shape and flexibility.
Overall, the cortical cytoskeleton is a dynamic and intricate structure that plays a critical role in maintaining cell shape, providing structural support, and regulating various cellular processes. Its intricate network of actin filaments, intermediate filaments, and microtubules, along with their associated proteins, creates a dynamic scaffold that enables cells to respond to their environment and carry out essential functions.'
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Proteins (4)
| Protein | Definition | Taxonomy |
|---|---|---|
| Disks large homolog 4 | A disks large homolog 4 that is encoded in the genome of human. [PRO:DNx, UniProtKB:P78352] | Homo sapiens (human) |
| Nitric oxide synthase, inducible | A nitric oxide synthase, inducible that is encoded in the genome of human. [PRO:WCB, UniProtKB:P35228] | Homo sapiens (human) |
| E-selectin | An E-selectin that is encoded in the genome of human. [PRO:WCB, UniProtKB:P16581] | Homo sapiens (human) |
| Ezrin | An ezrin that is encoded in the genome of human. [PRO:CNA, UniProtKB:P15311] | Homo sapiens (human) |
Compounds (41)
| Compound | Definition | Classes | Roles |
|---|---|---|---|
| gallic acid | gallate : A trihydroxybenzoate that is the conjugate base of gallic acid. | trihydroxybenzoic acid | antineoplastic agent; antioxidant; apoptosis inducer; astringent; cyclooxygenase 2 inhibitor; EC 1.13.11.33 (arachidonate 15-lipoxygenase) inhibitor; geroprotector; human xenobiotic metabolite; plant metabolite |
| n-(3-(aminomethyl)benzyl)acetamidine | N-(3-(aminomethyl)benzyl)acetamidine: structure in first source N-[3-(aminomethyl)benzyl]acetamidine : An aralkylamine that is Nbenzylacetamidine substituted at position 3 on the benzene ring by an aminomethyl group. An inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase. | aralkylamine; carboxamidine; primary amino compound | angiogenesis inhibitor; EC 1.14.13.39 (nitric oxide synthase) inhibitor; geroprotector |
| 2-amino-4-picoline | 2-amino-4-picoline: RN given refers to parent cpd | ||
| 3-bromo-7-nitroindazole | |||
| 7-nitroindazole | 7-nitroindazole: an inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase; exhibits anti-nociceptive activity without increasing blood pressure | ||
| pimagedine | aminoguanidine : A one-carbon compound whose unique structure renders it capable of acting as a derivative of hydrazine, guanidine or formamide. pimagedine: diamine oxidase & nitric oxide synthase inhibitor; an advanced glycosylation end product inhibitor; used in the treatment of diabetic complications; structure | guanidines; one-carbon compound | EC 1.14.13.39 (nitric oxide synthase) inhibitor; EC 1.4.3.4 (monoamine oxidase) inhibitor |
| guanethidine | guanethidine : A member of the class of guanidines in which one of the hydrogens of the amino group has been replaced by a 2-azocan-1-ylethyl group. guanethidine sulfate : A organic sulfate salt composed of two molecules of guanethidine and one of sulfuric acid. Guanethidine: An antihypertensive agent that acts by inhibiting selectively transmission in post-ganglionic adrenergic nerves. It is believed to act mainly by preventing the release of norepinephrine at nerve endings and causes depletion of norepinephrine in peripheral sympathetic nerve terminals as well as in tissues. | azocanes; guanidines | adrenergic antagonist; antihypertensive agent; sympatholytic agent |
| etiron | etiron: a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor; RN given refers to parent cpd; structure | ||
| s-methylisothiopseudouronium | S-methylisothiopseudouronium: inhibits nitric oxide synthase; structure in first source | ||
| arginine | arginine : An alpha-amino acid that is glycine in which the alpha-is substituted by a 3-guanidinopropyl group. Arginine: An essential amino acid that is physiologically active in the L-form. | arginine; glutamine family amino acid; L-alpha-amino acid; proteinogenic amino acid | biomarker; Escherichia coli metabolite; micronutrient; mouse metabolite; nutraceutical |
| alpha-aminopyridine | alpha-aminopyridine: RN given refers to parent cpd; structure in Merck Index, 9th ed, #485 aminopyridine : Compounds containing a pyridine skeleton substituted by one or more amine groups. | ||
| oleanolic acid | hydroxy monocarboxylic acid; pentacyclic triterpenoid | plant metabolite | |
| 1,2-Dihydroquinolin-2-imine | aminoquinoline | ||
| 2,3,4-Trihydroxybenzoic acid | hydroxybenzoic acid | ||
| 2-amino-3-methylpyridine | 2-amino-3-methylpyridine: structure in first source | ||
| 2-aminothiazoline | 2-aminothiazoline: RN given refers to parent cpd; structure in first source & in Negwer, 5th ed, #97 4,5-dihydro-1,3-thiazol-2-amine : A 1,3-thiazole that is 4,5-dihydro-1,3-thiazole substituted by an amino group at position 2. | 1,3-thiazoles; primary amino compound | |
| guanoxan | guanoxan: was MH 1976-92 (see under GUANIDINES 1976-90); use GUANIDINES to search GUANOXAN 1976-92; antihypertensive agent similar in its mechanism of action to guanethidine; may cause liver damage | benzodioxine | |
| guanadrel | guanadrel : A spiroketal resulting from the formal condensation of the keto group of cyclohexanone with the hydroxy groups of 1-(2,3-dihydroxypropyl)guanidine. A postganglionic adrenergic blocking agent formerly used (generally as the sulfate salt) for the management of hypertension, it has been largely superseded by other drugs less likely to cause orthostatic hypotension (dizzy spells on standing up or stretching). guanadrel: RN given refers to parent cpd; structure | guanidines; spiroketal | adrenergic antagonist; antihypertensive agent |
| ng-nitroarginine methyl ester | NG-Nitroarginine Methyl Ester: A non-selective inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase. It has been used experimentally to induce hypertension. | alpha-amino acid ester; L-arginine derivative; methyl ester; N-nitro compound | EC 1.14.13.39 (nitric oxide synthase) inhibitor |
| 1-aminoisoquinoline | |||
| s-methylthiocitrulline | S-methyl-L-thiocitrulline : An L-arginine derivative in which the guanidino NH2 group of L-arginine is replaced by a methylsufanyl group. S-methylthiocitrulline: a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor; structure in first source | imidothiocarbamic ester; L-arginine derivative; L-ornithine derivative; non-proteinogenic L-alpha-amino acid | EC 1.14.13.39 (nitric oxide synthase) inhibitor; neuroprotective agent |
| n(g)-iminoethylornithine | L-alpha-amino acid | ||
| n(omega)-hydroxyarginine | N(5)-[(Z)-amino(hydroxyimino)methyl]-L-ornithine : An N(5)-[amino(hydroxyimino)methyl]-L-ornithine in which the double bond has Z-configuration. N(omega)-hydroxyarginine: can cause vasorelaxation of bovine intrapulmonary artery; structure given in first source | amino acid zwitterion; N(5)-[(E)-amino(hydroxyimino)methyl]ornithine; N(5)-[(hydroxyamino)(imino)methyl]ornithine; N(5)-[(Z)-amino(hydroxyimino)methyl]ornithine; N(5)-[amino(hydroxyimino)methyl]-L-ornithine; N(5)-[amino(hydroxyimino)methyl]ornithine; N(omega)-hydroxy-L-arginine | |
| omega-n-methylarginine | N(omega)-methyl-L-arginine : A L-arginine derivative with a N(omega)-methyl substituent. omega-N-Methylarginine: A competitive inhibitor of nitric oxide synthetase. | amino acid zwitterion; arginine derivative; guanidines; L-arginine derivative; non-proteinogenic L-alpha-amino acid | |
| ng-nitroarginine methyl ester | N(gamma)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride : A hydrochloride obtained by combining N(gamma)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester with one equivalent of hydrochloric acid. | hydrochloride | EC 1.14.13.39 (nitric oxide synthase) inhibitor |
| delta-n-methylarginine | N(5)-methyl-L-arginine : A non-proteinogenic L-alpha-amino acid that is L-arginine substituted by a methyl group at N(5)-position. | guanidines; L-arginine derivative; non-proteinogenic L-alpha-amino acid | |
| 2-amino-5,6-dihydro-4h-1,3-thiazine | 2-amino-5,6-dihydro-4H-1,3-thiazine: RN given refers to parent cpd | ||
| nsc668394 | |||
| Bardoxolone | cyclohexenones | ||
| canavanine | L-canavanine : A non-proteinogenic L-alpha-amino acid that is L-homoserine substituted at oxygen with a guanidino (carbamimidamido) group. Although structurally related to L-arginine, it is non-proteinogenic. | amino acid zwitterion; non-proteinogenic L-alpha-amino acid | phytogenic insecticide; plant metabolite |
| nitroarginine | N(gamma)-nitro-L-arginine : An L-arginine derivative that is L-arginine in which the terminal nitrogen of the guanidyl group is replaced by a nitro group. Nitroarginine: An inhibitor of nitric oxide synthetase which has been shown to prevent glutamate toxicity. Nitroarginine has been experimentally tested for its ability to prevent ammonia toxicity and ammonia-induced alterations in brain energy and ammonia metabolites. (Neurochem Res 1995:200(4):451-6) | guanidines; L-arginine derivative; N-nitro compound; non-proteinogenic L-alpha-amino acid | |
| arl 17477 | |||
| n(6)-(1-iminoethyl)lysine | N(6)-acetimidoyl-L-lysine : An L-lysine derivative that is L-lysine in which one of the hydrogens attached to N(6) is substituted by an acetimidoyl group | L-lysine derivative; non-proteinogenic L-alpha-amino acid | |
| pd 144795 | |||
| gw 274150 | |||
| bimosiamose | bimosiamose: a selectin inhibitor | ||
| 4-[(4-methylphenyl)thio]-2-thieno[2,3-c]pyridinecarboxamide | aryl sulfide | ||
| aq4n | AQ4N: structure given in first source | ||
| oleanonic acid | oleanonic acid: structure in first source | ||
| n-trans-p-coumaroyl-l-tyrosine | N-trans-p-coumaroyl-L-tyrosine: from Theobroma cacao; structure in first source | tyrosine derivative | |
| tat-nr2b9c | Tat-NR2B9c: a synthetic peptide consisting of the C-terminal 9 amino acids of the NR2B subunit of the NMDA receptor fused to the cell membrane protein transduction domain of the HIV-1-Tat protein |