Molecular dynamics simulations support a multistep pathway for activation of branched actin filament nucleation by Arp2/3 complex.

ABSTRACT: Actin-related protein 2/3 complex (Arp2/3 complex) catalyzes the nucleation of branched actin filaments that push against membranes in processes like cellular motility and endocytosis. During activation by WASP proteins, the complex must bind WASP and engage the side of a pre-existing (mother) filament before a branched filament is nucleated. Recent high-resolution structures of activated Arp2/3 complex revealed two major sets of activating conformational changes. How these activating conformational changes are triggered by interactions of Arp2/3 complex with actin filaments and WASP remains unclear. Here we use a recent high-resolution structure of Arp2/3 complex at a branch junction to design all-atom molecular dynamics simulations that elucidate the pathway between the active and inacti

SUBMITTER: Singh Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10514467 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature