Broadening the spectrum of actin-based protrusive activity mediated by Arp2/3 complex-facilitated polymerization: motility of cytoplasmic ridges and tubular projections.

ABSTRACT: Arp2/3 complex-facilitated actin polymerization plays an essential role in a variety of cellular functions including motility, adherence, endocytosis, and trafficking. In the present study, we employ the sea urchin coelomocyte experimental model system to test the hypotheses that Arp2/3 complex-nucleated actin assembly mediates the motility of two unusual cellular protrusions; the cytoplasmic ridges present during coelomocyte spreading, and inducible, tubular-shaped, and neurite-like projections. Our investigations couple pharmacological manipulation employing inhibitors of actin polymerization and the Arp2/3 complex with a wide array of imaging methods including digitally enhanced phase contrast, DIC, and polarization light microscopy of live cells; conventional, confocal and super-resolu

SUBMITTER: Henson JH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4167920 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature