VASP governs actin dynamics by modulating filament anchoring.
AuthorsTrichet L, Campàs O, Sykes C, Plastino J
JournalBiophys J
PubMed ID17098798
'Actin filament dynamics at the cell membrane are important for cell-matrix and cell-cell adhesions and the protrusion of the leading edge. Since actin filaments must be connected to the cell membrane to exert forces but must also detach from the membrane to allow it to move and evolve, the balance ... More
Stress release drives symmetry breaking for actin-based movement.
Authorsvan der Gucht J, Paluch E, Plastino J, Sykes C
JournalProc Natl Acad Sci U S A
PubMed ID15911773
'By using a simple assay composed of purified proteins, we studied the spontaneous polarization of actin networks polymerizing on spherical beads, which subsequently undergo movement. We show evidence that this symmetry breaking is based on the release of elastic energy, analogous to the fracture of polymer gels. The dynamics of ... More
Ena/VASP proteins can regulate distinct modes of actin organization at cadherin-adhesive contacts.
Functional interactions between classical cadherins and the actin cytoskeleton involve diverse actin activities, including filament nucleation, cross-linking, and bundling. In this report, we explored the capacity of Ena/VASP proteins to regulate the actin cytoskeleton at cadherin-adhesive contacts. We extended the observation that Ena/vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein (VASP) proteins localize at cell-cell contacts ... More
Deformations in actin comets from rocketing beads.
AuthorsPaluch E, van der Gucht J, Joanny JF, Sykes C
JournalBiophys J
PubMed ID16877512
The mechanical and dynamical properties of the actin network are essential for many cellular processes like motility or division, and there is a growing body of evidence that they are also important for adhesion and trafficking. The leading edge of migrating cells is pushed out by the polymerization of actin ... More