Structural organization of the actin cytoskeleton at sites of clathrin-mediated endocytosis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The dynamic actin cytoskeleton plays an important role in clathrin-mediated endocytosis (CME). However, its exact functions remain uncertain as a result of a lack of high-resolution structural information regarding actin architecture at endocytic sites.

Results

Using platinum replica electron microscopy in combination with electron tomography, we found that actin patches associated with clathrin-coated structures (CCSs) in cultured mouse cells consist of a densely branched actin network, in which actin filament barbed ends are oriented toward the CCS. The shape of the actin network varied from a small lateral patch at the periphery of shallow CCSs, to a collar-like arrangement around partly invaginated CCSs with actin filament barbed ends abutting the CCS neck, to

SUBMITTER: Collins A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3143238 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature