The actin cortex at a glance.

摘要: Precisely controlled cell deformations are key to migration, division and tissue morphogenesis, have been implicated in differentiation during development, as well cancer progression. In animal cells, shape changes primarily driven by the cellular cortex, a thin actomyosin network that lies directly underneath plasma membrane. Myosin-generated forces create tension cortical network, gradients lead deformations. Recent studies provided important insight into molecular control of progressively unveiling cortex composition organization. this Cell Science at Glance article accompanying poster, we review our current understanding architecture. We then discuss how microscopic properties tension. While many open questions remain, it is now clear can be modulated through both organization, providing multiple levels regulation for property morphogenesis.