Actin polymerization and leukocyte function

The coordinated remodeling of the filamentous actin-based microfilamentous cytoskeleton via regulated polymerization and depolymerization of globular and filamentous actin is required for polymorphonuclear leukocyte motile functions including locomotion, shape change, phagocytosis, and adhesion. Sig...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published inCurrent opinion in hematology Vol. 1; no. 1; p. 61
Main Authors Howard, T H, Watts, R G
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published United States 01.01.1994
Subjects
Actins - physiology
Animals
Cell Adhesion
Cell Size
Humans
Microfilament Proteins - physiology
Neutrophils - cytology
Neutrophils - physiology
Phosphatidylinositols - metabolism
Phosphorylation
Polymers
Online AccessGet more information
ISSN1065-6251

Cover

More Information
Summary:The coordinated remodeling of the filamentous actin-based microfilamentous cytoskeleton via regulated polymerization and depolymerization of globular and filamentous actin is required for polymorphonuclear leukocyte motile functions including locomotion, shape change, phagocytosis, and adhesion. Significant new observations on the structure and function of distinct filamentous actin pools in polymorphonuclear leukocytes, the mechanisms of chemotactic peptide-mediated actin polymerization, the role of filamentous actin in polymorphonuclear shape change in suspension and on a surface, the identification and characterization of rare patients with polymorphonuclear motile defects and actin dysfunctions, and regulation of actin reorganizations by actin regulatory proteins, the phosphorylation or dephosphorylation states of proteins, and the second messengers--the phosphoinositides--were reported in the past year. These observations form the basis for an improved understanding of the cellular and molecular role of actin assembly in polymorphonuclear function and are the subject of this review.
ISSN:1065-6251