Actin and microtubules in cell motility: which one is in control?

摘要: The cytoskeleton is composed of three distinct elements: actin microfilaments, microtubules and intermediate filaments. thought to provide protrusive contractile forces, form a polarized network allowing organelle protein movement throughout the cell. Intermediate filaments are generally considered most rigid component, responsible for maintenance overall cell shape. Cytoskeletal elements must be coordinately regulated fulfill complex cellular functions, as diverse migration, adhesion division. Coordination between cytoskeletal achieved by signaling pathways, involving common regulators such Rho guanosine-5′-triphosphatases (GTPases). Furthermore, evidence now accumulating that participate in regulating each other. As consequence, although their functions seem well defined, they fact overlapping, with playing role membrane trafficking being involved control forces. This crosstalk both direct mediated molecules. Cell motility well-studied example where interplay appears bidirectional. leads us wonder which, if any, element way.