Molecular model of the microvillar cytoskeleton and organization of the brush border.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Brush border microvilli are approximately 1-microm long finger-like projections emanating from the apical surfaces of certain, specialized absorptive epithelial cells. A highly symmetric hexagonal array of thousands of these uniformly sized structures form the brush border, which in addition to aiding in nutrient absorption also defends the large surface area against pathogens. Here, we present a molecular model of the protein cytoskeleton responsible for this dramatic cellular morphology.

Methodology/principal findings

The model is constructed from published crystallographic and microscopic structures reported by several groups over the last 30+ years. Our efforts resulted in a single, unique, self-consistent arrangement of actin, fimbrin, villin, brush border my

SUBMITTER: Brown JW 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2827561 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature